Game Freak has provided a hands-on preview of its upcoming action RPG, Beast of Reincarnation, which is slated for the Nintendo Switch 2.

The move signals a strategic shift for the studio as it tests a new intellectual property ahead of its next Pokémon title, Winds and Waves. By diversifying its portfolio, the developer is moving beyond its primary franchise to explore new genres, and mechanics.

Recent gameplay demonstrations included 90 minutes [1] of hands-on action. Industry outlets and presenters, including GameSpot's Jake, said the project is potentially a hit or something special [1, 2, 3]. These impressions follow the release of footage in June 2026 that highlighted the game's visual style [3].

The project represents a significant departure for a studio with nearly 30 years [4] of development history. While Game Freak is best known for the Pokémon series, this new title emphasizes an action-RPG framework designed to showcase the capabilities of Nintendo's next-generation hardware [2, 5].

Beast of Reincarnation is scheduled for release in August 2026 [3]. The preview period has focused on the combat experience, and the game's ability to impress through both its mechanics and aesthetic presentation [3, 4].

“Beast of Reincarnation could be something really special.”

This expansion into a new IP suggests Game Freak is attempting to reduce its reliance on the Pokémon franchise. By launching a standalone action RPG on the Nintendo Switch 2, the company is positioning itself to capture a broader gaming audience while establishing a creative footprint independent of its most famous series.