Pokémon Winds and Waves has officially been revealed as the 10th generation of Pokémon, launching globally in 2027 exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. Announced during the franchise’s 30th anniversary Pokémon Presents livestream, the new titles promise a fully open world set across windswept islands and a vast surrounding ocean.
As always with a new generation, there are fresh starters to meet, a brand new region to explore, and a clear sense that Game Freak is aiming higher this time around.
A New Open World Across Islands And Ocean
According to The Pokémon Company’s official description, Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves are being developed by Game Freak exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. The setting is a sprawling archipelago, made up of lush islands surrounded by glittering seas.
The reveal trailer showcased dense jungles, mangrove swamps, open ocean stretches, submerged coral reefs, and even lava-filled caves. There were glimpses of a futuristic resort complete with water flumes, plus what looked like a massive tower rising from the sea that could potentially serve as a key location in the new region.
Underwater gameplay appears to play a significant role, with scenes featuring coral ecosystems and large aquatic Pokémon moving beneath the waves. The world also seems to feature a robust day and night cycle, with different Pokémon appearing across early morning, sunset, and dusk environments.
Visually, it is easily one of the most ambitious Pokémon worlds shown to date, and appears to respond directly to long-standing fan criticism about graphical performance and world detail in recent entries.
Meet The Gen 10 Starter Pokémon
Browt is a Grass-type described as the lively but slightly clumsy Bean Chick Pokémon. It leans into the classic bird starter lineage, though with a softer, more rounded design.
Pombon is the Fire-type option, a friendly and guileless puppy Pokémon inspired by a Pomeranian. Its design suggests a more playful, companion-focused personality compared to some of the fiercer Fire starters in previous generations.
Gecqua rounds out the trio as the Water-type starter, an intelligent Water Gecko Pokémon. Early footage hints at agility and adaptability, which could make it a versatile choice in battle.
The announcement confirms that each version of the game will feature different outfits for the main character, continuing the customisation direction seen in recent titles.
Mr. Windychu And Ms. Wavychu Explained
One of the more unexpected moments in the trailer was the appearance of two specially dressed Pikachu.
Officially named Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu, the pair were shown wearing holiday-style outfits, including sunglasses, hats, and beach attire. The Pokémon Company has teased on social media that these Pikachu will play some kind of role in the adventure, though their exact involvement remains unclear.
The trailer itself opened with a nostalgic montage of past Pokémon locations presented through illustrated pages in a book, before transitioning to these costumed Pikachu introducing the new generation. The reveal concluded with ominous sounds of swirling winds and crashing waves building into a storm, hinting at possible story themes tied to nature or extreme weather.
Brazilian Portuguese Language Support Confirmed
A notable update beginning with Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves is official Brazilian Portuguese language support.
This marks a significant expansion in accessibility, allowing more players to experience the games in their native language. While Pokémon has steadily broadened its localisation options over the years, this addition reflects the franchise’s continued global growth.
Gen 10 Context And What Comes Next
It has been four years since Pokémon Scarlet and Violet launched in 2022, introducing the ninth generation alongside Terastallization and a region inspired by Spain and Portugal. Since then, fans have speculated heavily about what Gen 10 might look like.
Interestingly, outdated information from a past Game Freak server hack referenced an island-based setting and internal working titles similar to Wind and Waves. While those details were never officially confirmed at the time, today’s reveal shows that the core concept of an archipelago was indeed close to reality.
Beyond Winds and Waves, the Pokémon Presents broadcast also confirmed that Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will be coming to Nintendo Switch Online, alongside Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness. Meanwhile, Pokémon Champions is set to launch on Switch in April, with a mobile release planned later this year.
For now though, the spotlight firmly belongs to Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves. With a 2027 global simultaneous release planned for Nintendo Switch 2, fans have a longer wait ahead than usual. But based on the first trailer alone, Gen 10 looks like a meaningful step forward for the series.