SwitchFeb 28, 2026
Pokémon Winds and Waves is the tenth generation of Pokémon games, launching in 2027 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. Here’s everything revealed so far, including starters, new Pikachu forms, and open-world details.
The next mainline Pokémon era has officially been announced and yes, it’s bringing wind, waves, and an entirely new generation of monsters to obsess over.
Pokémon Winds and Waves were revealed during the Pokémon Presents celebrating the franchise’s 30th anniversary. That makes them Generation 10, which is wild to say out loud. Ten generations. We’re officially old.
As tradition demands, we’re getting two versions (because one was never enough), brand-new Pokémon, new starters, and a fresh region to explore.
Here’s everything we know so far from release date to new Pokémon and what kind of ocean trauma we might relive.
Good news: it’s coming.
Less good news: it’s coming in 2027.
The games will launch simultaneously worldwide classic Pokémon style. No version stagger, no regional delay, just global chaos on day one.
At the time of writing, there’s no exact date yet. When The Pokémon Company finally drops it, we’ll update faster than someone soft-resetting for a shiny starter.
Pokémon Winds and Waves will release exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2.
That means no cross-gen support. Unlike Pokémon Legends: Z-A, there’s no fallback version for the original Switch.
If you’re still holding onto your launch-day Switch like it’s a rare collectible, 2027 might be the year you finally upgrade.
Gen 10 has officially begun, and yes, we’ve met the starters.
The trio looks like they’ve already sparked online debates about final evolutions, competitive viability, and which one will inevitably become the fan-favorite plushie.
The first trailer also showed off two new Pikachu forms:
They look like Pikachu packed for a beach holiday and never came back. Whether they’re version exclusives, special regional forms, or just marketing mascots remains unclear.
But let’s be honest, if there’s a Pikachu variant, someone’s pre-ordering already.
Winds and Waves will be fully open-world, continuing the direction started in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
According to the official announcement, the setting features:
Translation: expect environmental mechanics, weather obstacles, and probably at least one route that makes you question your life choices.
The trailer showcased:
There were also scattered Pokémon Centres and Poké Marts, suggesting the same “distributed across the map” design from Gen 9 rather than being limited to major cities.
And yes, some eagle-eyed viewers spotted a giant red Poké Ball floating in the sky. It’s probably just a balloon. Probably.
The first confirmed version-exclusive difference? Outfits.
Fashion wars have officially begun.
If early impressions are anything to go by, Winds might win the drip battle, but we’ll let the community fight that one out.
For the first time in a mainline Pokémon release, Brazilian Portuguese will be officially supported.
That’s a major win for accessibility and a sign that The Pokémon Company is taking global audiences more seriously.
It’s still early days. Much of Winds and Waves remains a mystery, but here’s what seems likely:
The real question is:
Will ocean travel be smooth and modern…
Or are we about to relive the endless water routes of Gen 3?
Let’s hope it’s more “epic maritime adventure” and less “where is land and why am I still surfing.”
Pokémon Winds and Waves mark the beginning of Gen 10, and that alone makes them one of the most important entries in franchise history.
New region. New starters. New console. New generation.
2027 might feel far away, but if there’s one thing Pokémon fans are good at, it’s waiting patiently while debating starter evolutions for two straight years.
Stay tuned to ConsolePulse, we’ll keep tracking every trailer, reveal, leak, and suspicious Poké Ball-shaped balloon in the sky.
Are you Team Winds or Team Waves? 🌊💨
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