Previously, reports stated that the "Detective Pikachu" 3DS game might finally see a Western release in 2020 after being exclusively released in Japan last year on Feb. 3. However, recent rumors say the release could come as early as next year.

Apparently, the European rating board PEGI has already rated the game, marking its potential release to possibly the US and the UK. "Detective Pikachu" was rated PEGI 3+, meaning it's suitable for all ages. Its official description reads, "Detective Pikachu is on the case! Investigate evidence, question possible witnesses and solve a curious mystery."

According to PEGI, the game's release date is on Dec. 31, 2020. However, Serebii noted that the date is just a placeholder. Since "Detective Pikachu" was already rated in Europe, it's possible that the game might release as early as next year.

The game is formerly titled "Great Detective Pikachu" and launched exclusively on the Japanese eShop. It's developed by Creatures Inc. and can only be played on the Nintendo 3DS platform.

In the game, a peculiar, talking Pikachu who claims to be a great detective sets on an adventure with his human companion, Tim Goodman, in order to solve the mystery surrounding his father's disappearance. The two also solves the other mysteries and crimes of other Pokémon residing in the city.

In other news, a movie version of "Detective Pikachu" is currently in development and is set for release on May 10, 2019. Detective Pikachu will be played by "Deadpool" actor Ryan Reynolds. He will work alongside co-stars Justice Smith from "Paper Towns," and  "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" and Kathryn Newton  form "Big Little Lies."

The film will be directed by Rob Letterman, who helmed "Goosebumps." and the screenplay will be written by Alex Hirsch, who worked on "Gravity Falls," and Nicole Perlman, who worked on "Guardians of the Galaxy." Filming will start at mid-January next year in London.

Legendary Pictures will be producing the first live-action Pokemon installment after a bidding war with Warner Bros. and Sony, while Universal Pictures is set to release the film.