If there's one thing we know for sure about Pokémon on the Switch, it's that it's definitely happening. In fact, The Pokémon Company already announced it back in 2017, during the E3 Nintendo Direct.

The initial rumours predicted it would be Pokémon Stars, an ultimate version of Pokémon Sun and Moon. But the subsequent launch of Ultra Sun and Moon on the 3DS combined with comments made by The Pokémon Company have resulted in a move away from that rumour.

Here, we're going to round up everything we know about the elusive Pokémon Switch in one place to whet your appetites. We'll keep this updated as we learn more, so it might be worth bookmarking so you don't miss anything.

Pokémon Switch will mark the start of Generation Eight

In a recent issue of the Official Nintendo Magazine, The Pokémon Company confirmed that Pokémon Switch will mark the debut of Generation Eight. That pretty much confirms that it's a brand new entry, given how each of them have introduced a new generation into the mix so far.

What it also suggests is that we'll visit a brand new region, too. Again, each new entry in the Pokémon games has so far introduced a new region alongside a new generation.

Pokémon Switch will feature new mechanics

Also revealed in the issue of Official Nintendo Magazine, is that Pokémon Switch will feature all new mechanics. The Pokémon Company confirmed that it's rethinking the series entirely to provide a new way to play.

That's all we know at a factual level, but our brains are already whirring at the possibilities. Will this be Pokémon's Breath of the Wild? We can only hope.

Pokémon Switch will likely feature multiplayer

Pokémon always feels like it should be a true co-operative multiplayer experience, but it wasn't until Pokémon GO in 2016 that this side of the game started to bear fruit.

The Switch's online options, while admittedly not perfect, are far and away the best Nintendo's managed so far. That's something the Pokémon Company is well aware of, it seems, as it said the following quote in an interview of Bloomberg: "Until now, games were made as one for one person, but now you can go home and play with everyone -- so how do we tackle these themes, and how do we make sure it’s not complicated?".

While that's not gold-plated proof that Pokémon Switch will feature multiplayer, it does suggest that some form of it will make it into the game.

Pokémon Switch could return to the Kanto region

Though this runs counter to our first point (unless Pokémon Switch features all or returning regions alongside a new one), a leaked image did suggest a return to Kanto. It's very blurry, but below you can see it in all its glory. In case you can't make it out, it's a trainer riding a Lapras through what appears to be Route 21.

However, this could be a completely different game entirely from the core Pokémon game that arrives on Switch. Perhaps this is yet another remake of Pokémon Red and Blue? Or maybe it's fake? You decide...

Pokémon Switch could be Pokémon Stars

Though this is looking increasingly less likely as the rumour mill swirls, there is some credibility to the earlier rumours that Pokémon Switch will be an enhanced version of Pokémon Sun and Moon.

Eurogamer claimed that "multiple sources" had confirmed Pokémon Stars to them back in 2016, though didn't cite any in particular.

The "sources" claimed that Pokémon Stars was the codename for this Pokémon Switch game, and that it would launch in 2017. Pokémon would be tradeable between the 3DS and Switch versions of the game via an app named "Pokémon Bank". The below image of a HD Pikipek was also bandied about as evidence for a while as well.

Pokémon Stars didn't materialise in 2017, though an enhanced version did arrive on 3DS in the form of Ultra Sun and Moon. That doesn't mean we still won't see Pokémon Stars on Switch, but if we do it will be entirely separate from the core Pokémon RPG. Perhaps it's designed to bridge the gap?

When will Pokémon Switch release?

That's the million dollar question! The Pokémon Company has stated on two different occasions that we'll see it in "2018 or later", which is an incredibly wide release timeline. We've also heard rumours that it could be coming as early as November this year. Hopefully that will be narrowed around E3 2018.

What do you think Pokémon Switch will be like? Are you hoping for anything in particular? Would you accept a remake of Red and Blue or Sun and Moon to help make the wait more bearable? Let us know in the comments below!