The Pokémon Company unveiled *Pokémon Winds* and *Pokémon Waves* on Friday, confirming the 10th generation of its blockbuster mainline video game series as Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives launching globally in 2027.

Pokémon Winds and Waves
Pokémon Winds and Waves

The dual-title announcement, revealed during a livestreamed Pokémon Presents to celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary on Pokémon Day, marks the first mainline Pokémon RPGs developed exclusively for Nintendo's next-generation hybrid console. Game Freak, the longtime developer behind the core series, crafted the titles with an emphasis on open-world exploration across "beautiful windswept islands and a vast ocean with glittering waves."

Players will choose between the two versions, each featuring distinct protagonist outfits, and select from three new starter Pokémon: Browt, the Grass-type "lively but clumsy" Bean Chick Pokémon; Pombon, the Fire-type "guileless and friendly" Puppy Pokémon; or Gecqua, the Water-type "intelligent" Water Gecko Pokémon. Each starter boasts classic abilities — Overgrow for Browt, Blaze for Pombon, and Torrent for Gecqua — and compact designs: Browt stands 1 foot tall at 7.7 pounds, Pombon at 1 foot 4 inches and 14.8 pounds, and Gecqua matching Browt's height at 9.5 pounds.

The reveal trailer, which opened with a nostalgic flip through illustrated pages of past Pokémon regions, showcased lush tropical environments including dense jungles, mangrove swamps, volcanic caves, and submerged coral reefs hinting at underwater gameplay — a fan-favorite mechanic returning from older titles like Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Special vacation-clad Pikachu — dubbed Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu — appeared as apparent guides, teasing their role in the adventure with the tagline: "Just how could these Pikachu be involved?"

Gameplay emphasizes harmony with the region's unique Pokémon ecosystems, where trainers "team up with all kinds of Pokémon to overcome both the difficult road ahead and even the forces of nature." Early footage highlighted improved visuals with real-time water reflections, denser foliage, and dynamic weather like swirling storms, addressing criticisms of performance issues in recent entries such as *Pokémon Scarlet* and *Violet*.

The exclusivity to Switch 2, released worldwide on June 5, 2025, underscores Nintendo's strategy to leverage its successor's enhanced hardware — boasting a more powerful processor and improved battery life — for next-gen Pokémon experiences. No backward compatibility with the original Switch was shown, confirming the generational shift.

Leaks dating back to 2024 had accurately predicted the "Winds and Waves" subtitle, Southeast Asia-inspired archipelago setting, and procedural elements, building massive anticipation. Friday's confirmation sent social media ablaze, with the official Pokémon X account's post garnering thousands of likes in minutes.

This launch continues Pokémon's dominance, with over 480 million units sold lifetime and *Scarlet* and *Violet* alone surpassing 25 million since 2022. The series, born in 1996 on Game Boy, has evolved from turn-based battles to expansive open worlds, introducing mechanics like Terastallization in Gen 9.

The Presents also teased broader franchise expansions: *Pokémon Champions* in April 2026 with Pokémon HOME integration; cozy multiplayer *Pokémon Pokopia* on March 5; rereleases of *FireRed*, *LeafGreen*, and *XD: Gale of Darkness*; and events like the 2026 World Championships in San Francisco. A notable addition: Brazilian Portuguese language support starting with *Winds* and *Waves*, broadening global access.

Analysts expect *Winds* and *Waves* to boost Switch 2 sales, already strong post-launch, amid a yearlong "What's Your Favorite?" 30th anniversary campaign spanning games, TCG, and merch. More details are promised on Pokemon.com.

As fans speculate on legendaries, gym leaders, and evolutions — potentially tying into ocean and wind themes — the trailer closed on crashing waves and howling gales, symbolizing the stormy challenges ahead.