'Pokémon Rainbow' release date, rumor: Game to be released in holiday 2016?

by Rosemarie Alba, |
Pokemon Company/Nintendo

There have been rumors flooding the Net on the much awaited new game, "Pokémon Rainbow." Some speculate that it will be a special edition game set to be released during the 20th anniversary of Nintendo this holiday 2016.

A viral video, claimed to have come from a legitimate source, has leaked information involving this "Pokémon Rainbow" game. A certain Metaldave reported via video that he has a source, working for Nintendo America in the marketing division, who gave him information about its new game set to be released as the company's 20th anniversary edition game. He also mentioned that he was given a go signal to reveal such information. He claimed that he was given an "internal US marketing budget and scheduling overview for 2016 focusing on Wii-U and 3DS."

This overview includes the 20th anniversary edition game. This game was described to be a "huge huge game" to have a "huge marketing budget." The game is called "Pokémon Niji" and it is a codename project for 3DS. Incidentally, the word "Niji" means "rainbow" in English, thus many are speculating that this special anniversary game refers to the new game "Pokémon Rainbow" that has leaked previously.

According to the report, this game is not going to be on NX nor Wii U but it is going to be a 3DS game fully backed up by Nintendo. 

Metaldave claimed the schedule he acquired shows that this game is expected to be released in fall holiday 2016.

On the other hand, there were rumors circulating claiming that the previously leaked new game titled "Pokémon Z" will be cancelled in lieu of Pokémon Rainbow." Neurogadget mentioned in a report that the sequel to "Pokémon X" and "Pokémon Y," supposedly titled "Pokemon Z," was replaced with a new title "Pokémon Rainbow."

Nintendo has been popularly known for its highly saleable "Pokémon" and "Mario" series. As they celebrate their 20th year, they reportedly co-developed this "Pokémon Niji" with Game Freak, but it remains to be confirmed in the near future if this is the same as "Pokémon Rainbow."