Fans Regret the Mudkip That Was Never Released in Pokemon’s Unused Starter Leaks

Historic leaks from Gamefreak have revealed an unused Generation 3 starter Pokémon that has ignited discussions among fans about what might have been.

Gamefreak, the creator of Pokémon, faces a significant security breach that has exposed sensitive information about upcoming game generations, details regarding the Switch 2, and source code from classic Pokémon games. In response to these leaks, Gamefreak stated that they would “enhance their security protocols to prevent future occurrences.”

Despite their efforts to mitigate the situation, considerable damage has already been inflicted. Numerous beta versions of past Pokémon games have surfaced due to these leaks, but the community remains captivated by a particular detail from Generation 3.

According to information from well-respected Pokémon leak journalist Centro LEAKS, it appears that players were almost introduced to an entirely different Water starter in the Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald games.

Gen 3 starters original concept art pic.twitter.com/4YA1y1IJDB

— Centro LEAKS (@CentroLeaks) October 13, 2024

Even casual fans of Pokémon will likely recognize two of the characters featured in the leaked concept art. While the early designs of Treecko and Torchic show minor differences from their final appearances, they largely maintain their original appeal.

However, the situation is different for the Water starter. Instead of the quirky fish-dog, Mudkip, Pokémon enthusiasts were close to receiving a charming rabbit that comes with its own inflatable inner tube, perfect for lounging on the shores of Slateport City.

Fans have made an attempt to translate the Japanese name of this rejected Water-type starter that emerged from the leaks. In an alternate reality, those who chose Mudkip would have instead formed a bond with a Pokémon named Wallabit.

Fans have quickly embraced Wallabit, making it an unofficial favorite in the community, with many artists rapidly producing fan art featuring a more developed rendition of this Pokémon.

Okay I lied this rabbit was a shock to me, I love Mudkip more but this little one is a lost gem!!! pic.twitter.com/EzqnmQHi8f

— Fakemonforever (@Fakemonforever2) October 13, 2024

This revelation has sparked a debate within the community regarding whether Mudkip is superior or if something truly remarkable was sacrificed when Wallabit was cut from the lineup.

“Why would Gamefreak hide this Pokémon from us?” one user expressed on X lamented. “I’m a huge Mudkip admirer, but I feel we missed out. ‘Wallabit’ the inner tube rabbit would easily be my top Pokémon,” another chimed in.

There have been instances before where concepts intended for earlier Generations have made appearances in later games, suggesting that a version of Wallabit could still emerge in a future Pokémon installment.

Considering its conceptual similarities to both Buizel and Scorbunny, it’s possible that the essence of Wallabit is already present in the Pokémon universe.

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