![[EXCLUSIVE] Brendan Gan Delivers One of Malaysia’s Best-Ever Worlds Results, Shares Thoughts on Pressure and the Local Scene](https://cdn.gamerbraves.com/2026/08/Brendan-Gan_Interview_FI-360x180.jpg)
Pokemon Legends: Arceus will be releasing later this week however some people have been able to get copies early thanks to retailers selling the game before the official release date.
This can be seen as people have been posting physical boxes of the games and have even begun live streaming it over the internet. These streams often have only a few hundred viewers before being taken down but they are still noticeable.
Many of the game’s big reveals have now been spoiled, including the new design of several pokemon as well as some highly significant revelations about the plot.
One person potentially has a copy. Cartridge serial match. pic.twitter.com/ALxx0zcyKQ
— Centro LEAKS (@CentroLeaks) January 18, 2022
There are no specific reasons for retailers to put out copies of Pokemon Legends on sale early. It likely just comes down to them getting their shipment early and knowing that such an anticipated title will sell well. If someone pre-ordered the game online, it’s also probable their package was delivered before the release date.
Either way, while seeing the new pocket monsters early may be fun, it is likely that Nintendo is not happy with these leaks. While almost every modern pokemon game has leaked in recent years, Nintendo has made efforts to clamp down on those that spoil the game before the proper release date.
These include fining Pokemon Sword and Shield leakers $150k USD each for revealing details from the unreleased strategy guide and in 2020 Nintendo fingered a reviewer at a Portuguese website who posted leaked designs. Nintendo stated that they would never work with the website again and they, in turn, posted a public apology.
I suppose, the lesson for today is to be careful when leaking new pokemon content, even if these games seem to get spoiled fairly often anyway. Nintendo will not have mercy.
