Pikachu might be getting a new makeover, according to a recent leak connected to the upcoming Gen 10 Pokémon project. Although the change may appear minor at first, online fans have expressed their displeasure.

Pikachu’s Face Got Rounder

Although the character’s proportions are altered, the purportedly updated Pikachu design does not entirely alter the character. Pikachu’s features seem softer overall, its head a little bigger, and its face rounder. It still has Pikachu’s appearance, but it has a simpler, mascot-like design that some people find overly commercial. Pikachu’s appearance has changed before. Since the first Pokémon games, the character has undergone several design changes, most notably becoming slimmer from its plumper 90s iteration. However, longtime fans appear to be sensitive to this most recent leak.

Mixed Reactions and Fan Displeasure

Fan communities and social media have seen exploding reactions. Pikachu “no longer feels right,” according to many longtime players, while others are pining for the chunkier, older Pikachu that came to represent the early days of Pokémon. While one fan joked that the new design appears to be a “corporate reboot,” another wrote that “Pikachu just doesn’t have the same charm anymore.”

However, not everyone opposes it. According to some, the redesign unifies Pikachu’s appearance across all Pokémon media and better aligns with contemporary animation and merchandise trends. Nonetheless, the majority of fans concur that altering such a recognizable face is a dangerous move.

What’s In Store For Fans In Gen 10

A new artistic direction for Gen 10 Pokémon, perhaps leaning toward a smoother, more cartoon-like visual identity, could be indicated if this redesign turns out to be authentic. However, it is unclear if players will embrace that vision. At the end of the day, these images are just leaks, and no official Gen 10 Pikachu has been revealed. Take these with a grain of salt for now.