New reports are claiming that "Pokémon Stars," the sequel to "Pokémon Sun" and "Moon," will introduce a new Pokémon when it launches on the Nintendo Switch. Claims about the sequel first floated in November 2016.

Video game journalist Laura Dale revealed details about the "Pokémon Sun" and "Moon" sequel during a Reddit AMA last week. She claimed that "Pokémon Stars" will unveil 20 new Pokémons when it releases on Nintendo's upcoming household console.

Dale, however, pointed out that Tom Phillips (the journalist who first reported of "Pokémon Stars") isn't convinced that Game Freak would release a new Pokémon in the sequel. Game Freak is the Japanese video game developer behind Nintendo's Pokémon series of role-playing game titles.

Added Dale, she doesn't know how "Pokémon Sun" and "Moon" players would react to buying a new console just to obtain the new Pokémon. Some players may not take too kindly to the idea.

High-level producers already confirmed that the Nintendo Switch (previously known as the NX) is a possible destination for the Pokémon franchise, WWG reported. Junichi Masuda, one of Game Freak's directors, commended the portability of the new console in an interview with the Spanish website MeriStation.

According to Masuda, that portability is an important element in the Pokémon games. However, Game Freak needs to witness the Nintendo Switch's value to the game franchise before fully committing to it.

Nintendo Switch will be released in March 2017, Digital Trends reported. The hybrid console can be used at home on a TV via a holster, or as a portable console like the Nintendo DS. The Switch is expected to be priced around $250.

In other "Pokémon Sun" and "Moon" news, a new concept art for the games' main villain named Lusamine was recently revealed. The image featured the character's conceptual design and her special case that keeps Nebby locked away. The case's mechanism and function were detailed, too.

The case was designed to hold the legendary Pokémon Cosmog, which transforms into either Lunala or Solgaleo, Cinema Blend noted. The concept art showed the box lighting up and glowing blue when activated, with its lights dimming and fading to black when it's empty.

Lusamine's goal in "Pokémon Sun" and "Moon" is to unleash the Ultra Beasts from the Ultra Space world. The villain will use the case to capture the Ultra Beasts because simple Poké Balls can't hold them.

Are you excited for "Pokémon Stars?" Any expectations on the 20 new Pokémon teased in the sequel? Share your thoughts below!

Read more
Tags Pokemon Sun and Moon, Nintendo Switch, Pokemon Stars