A massive data breach known as “Teraleak” exposed decades of confidential files from Pokémon developer Game Freak, making it one of the most significant leaks in video game history. The breach began in August 2024 but was not discovered publicly until October 2024, when nearly one terabyte of internal data surfaced online. The stolen material included development documents, prototype builds, early artwork, and employee information. More files from the same breach continue to appear even a year later, showing that the fallout is still ongoing.
Cybersecurity analysts say the leaked material spans more than 25 years of development history. Fans and gaming insiders have been combing through the files, uncovering unreleased Pokémon designs, early versions of classic games, and references to unannounced projects. Among the most talked-about discoveries are prototype assets from Generations III through V and two mysterious codenames, “Gaia” and “Synapse,” believed to be tied to future Pokémon games.
The Teraleak also revealed internal documentation about a project codenamed “Ounce,” which some believe is linked to Nintendo’s next-generation console, often referred to as the “Switch 2.” Game Freak confirmed that personal data from more than 2,600 employees and contractors was exposed and has since apologized while pledging stronger cybersecurity protections.
Not all leaked material appears authentic. Moderators on the Pokémon leak subreddit warned that some files may have been altered or fabricated, though several documents have been verified through metadata and internal consistency.
Nintendo acted quickly to contain the situation. In April 2025, the company filed a subpoena in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California asking Discord to identify the user who shared the leaked files under the alias “GameFreakOUT.” The files were first posted in a Discord server called “FreakLeak,” which later became the source of another breach involving over 70 gigabytes of data connected to Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Recent reports show that leaks tied to the August 2024 cyberattack are still surfacing. In October 2025, over 70 gigabytes of additional data believed to be from the same breach were shared online, suggesting the stolen material continues to circulate despite Nintendo’s legal efforts.
Fans continue to debate the leak’s impact on the franchise, with some criticizing Game Freak’s development tools and others viewing the leak as a rare glimpse into the creative process behind one of gaming’s most enduring series.
Publications like Notebookcheck and Kotaku have published detailed analyses of the leaked content, including scrapped features from Pokémon Legends: Z-A, concept art from canceled games, and notes about future Pokémon generations. The revelations have renewed discussions about how major developers can better protect their work as cyberattacks on the gaming industry continue to rise.
For now, Nintendo and Game Freak are focused on containing the fallout. At the same time, the Pokémon community continues to process one of gaming’s most revealing and controversial breaches.
Wild that fans are still digging through decades of leaked Pokémon files from Game Freak.
I grew up playing the original Pokemon Red.
The big thing here is the leak of employee and contractor information.
Edward Snowden of Pokemon? Interesting…
Pokémon leaks? Who would have thunk it! Now we need the eppstein files released too! Im sure the boys at Pokémon have less dirt on their hands and more intriguing stories
I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles
Winner
This is super sweet 😋!
These data leaks and breaches have been getting out of hand. In the regard, great for the consumers to catch a glimpse at future projects, but terrible for the employees that had their information leaked.
This is almost to awesome! 😭😭😭
I agree 👍🏽
Did anyone catch them all yet?
This is too much awesomeness for me!
Whoa!
This is awesome!
Not a pokemon fan but might get into it
wow!
Fantastic resource. Do you offer a PDF version of this post?
Thought-provoking ideas. This will stay in my bookmarks.
Interesting
I gotta catch up on the leaks; some of the lore stuff was crazy.