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ThePokémonfandom has been abuzz about a massive leak of internal data from Game Freak, which has revealed a number of previously unknown projects. Included among these newly revealed projects is a new anime series, known only as “Project Reload,” which would’ve been the first time twoPokémonanime aired simultaneously since 2005.
The Game Freak leak emerged over the weekend of August 17, 2025, and included a truly ludicrous amount of data stolen from the game developers' internal servers, including everything from beta Pokémon designs to development tools to unannounced projects. Surprisingly, this information also included data on various other non-video game projects related toPokémonas well, includinga lost movie that would’ve replaced Ash beforePokémon Horizons.
Pokémon’s Unannounced Series Would’ve Changed the Anime Format Significantly
Initially reported on by@CentroLeaks on X (Formerly Twitter), Project Reload was revealed to have been a new anime series set for release in 2023. This was distinct fromPokémon Horizons, which went by the codename “Verne,” and ended up debuting in 2023. According to the tweet,Project Reload was intended to be a 12-episode series rather than a long-running series like thePokémonanime fans are familiar with. It was planned to be available via some streaming platform (exactly which one doesn’t seem to have been decided yet), and released in batches of 3 episodes each, with the series initially debuting at a theatrical premiere in Japan.
This was also distinct fromPokémon’s miniseries, such asPaldean WindsandTwilight Wings, which had mini-episodes of 10 minutes or less. Project Reload was to have full, 21-minute episodes, akin to a normal half-hour anime episode. 12 episodes is a pretty traditional length for an anime series, and suggests that this would’ve been more like thePokémon Originsspecials, set in its own continuity and telling a story all its own. If it had debuted alongsideHorizonsin 2023, it would’ve been the first time two different full-lengthPokémonanime series aired sincePokémon Chronicles, which followed side characters from the main anime.
Will This Lost Pokémon Series Ever See the Light of Day?
Unfortunately, there’s very little additional information about Project Reload or what happened to it. It’s not known how far along the series was in production, or if it’s still in production to this day.It was stated that the production studio would be the same asTwilight Wings, Studio Colorido, co-produced with Twin Engine.TheTwilight Wingsanimationwas quite nice, so this would’ve definitely had a very different look from the main series. Project Reload was apparently intended as an “all ages” series, making it somewhat different from the more child-oriented primary anime series.
Given how little is known about the project, it’s impossible to say if Project Reload may still be released at some point in the future, or if the series was abandoned. Combined with what is known about the lostPokémonmovie, it seems like The Pokémon Company and Game Freak were looking to extend the appeal ofPokémonto older fans, aiming to avoid the perception that Pokémon is just for kids. Since none of these projects materialized, it seems they’ve been struggling with exactly how to do that without alienating their primary audience.
Ash’s Pokémon Departure Actually Had So Much More To Do With The Games Than Fans Think
The 2024 Game Freak data leak revealed that Ash’s exit was a major point of contention that even the video game developer ultimately weighed in on.
Studio Colorido is known for producing the anime fortheBleachspinoffBurn the Witch,and is currently engaged in a deal with Netflix, with their most recent release being a 2024 movie calledMy Oni Girl. It’s not clear if that would’ve impeded their ability to work on Project Reload, or if this came about after the project’s demise. Twin Engine is the parent company of Studio Colorido, and has had a hand in the production ofVinland SagaandHell’s Paradiseanime, among many others. It’s certainly a respectable pedigree for aPokémonseries.
The idea of aPokémonanime with a 12-episode run and fantastic animation, telling a single story, is certainly one that many fans ofPokémonwould love to see become a reality. Hopefully, Project Reload isn’t completely dead in the water, and may still make a surprise debut at some point in the future. Unless additional information on it comes about from the leaks, it’s really impossible to say if this could have been the series that long-time fans have dreamed about. For now, however, it will simply have to serve as a look at aPokémonanime that might’ve been.
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Pokémon follows Ash Ketchum on his journey to become a Pokémon Master, accompanied by his loyal Pikachu. Released in 1997, the series explores Ash’s travels through various regions, where he encounters new friends and challenges, underscoring the themes of adventure and teamwork.
