Pokémon Wind and Pokémon Waves announced for Switch 2 release in 2027
Pokémon Wind and Pokémon Waves arrive on Switch 2 in 2027, revealed during the franchise’s 30th anniversary broadcast.
The Pokémon Company has confirmed that the next mainline instalments in the long-running franchise will be titled Pokémon Wind and Pokémon Waves. The announcement was made during a special Pokémon Presents broadcast marking the brand’s 30th anniversary on Pokémon Day. Both titles are scheduled for release on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027.
Speculation surrounding the so-called Generation 10 games had circulated for several months following a leak from developer Game Freak in October. That leak suggested the games would launch in 2026, with downloadable content to follow in 2027. However, The Pokémon Company has now set out a clear timeframe, placing the debut of Wind and Waves in 2027 on Nintendo’s next-generation console.
In a statement shared via the official Pokémon account on X, the company outlined the setting and theme of the new adventures. “In Wind and Waves, you’ll travel across beautiful windswept islands and a vast ocean with glittering waves that ebb and flow. You’ll also team up with Pokémon to overcome challenges and even the forces of nature!” the post read.
Introducing the first partner Pokémon from #PokemonWindsWaves!
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) February 27, 2026
Say hello to Browt 🌱, Pombon 🔥, and Gecqua 💧. Who will you partner with on this adventure, Trainers? pic.twitter.com/UfKtE5lszu
The games will support 11 languages at launch, including Brazilian Portuguese, reflecting the franchise’s continued focus on a global audience. No specific release date within 2027 has yet been confirmed.
A new region and starter Pokémon were revealed
A debut trailer offered the first glimpse of the new region that will form the backdrop to Wind and Waves. The footage showcased a chain of islands surrounded by open sea, signalling a return to an ocean-focused setting not seen at this scale since earlier generations. Expansive coastlines, rolling surf, and scattered settlements were prominently featured, suggesting that exploration by both land and water will play a central role.
The trailer also introduced three new starter Pokémon: Browt, Pombon and Gecqua. As is tradition, each represents one of the core elemental types. Browt appears aligned with grass, Pombon with fire and Gecqua with water. Their designs and the environments in which they were shown strongly indicate these typings, continuing the familiar structure that has defined the series since its inception.
Several well-known Pokémon made appearances in the trailer, including Pikachu, which was shown wearing beach-themed attire, and Oddish. The final moments of the footage shifted beneath the ocean’s surface, revealing a range of water-dwelling Pokémon and hinting at underwater exploration or expanded marine gameplay mechanics.
While gameplay systems were not discussed in detail, the emphasis on teaming up with Pokémon to overcome “the forces of nature” suggests environmental elements may play a more significant role in battles and exploration. Further details are expected closer to launch.
Anniversary celebrations bring more announcements
The Pokémon Presents stream included updates beyond the newly announced titles. The Pokémon Company confirmed that Pokémon Champions, a battle-focused game designed as a modern take on stadium-style combat, will launch on Nintendo Switch in April. The title will later arrive on iOS and Android devices before the end of the year, with cross-play supported across all three platforms.
The broadcast also confirmed that Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness will join the GameCube library available through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on Switch 2 in March. The addition continues Nintendo’s efforts to expand its retro catalogue for subscribers on its upcoming hardware.
Pokémon Day commemorates the original Japanese launch of Pocket Monsters Red and Pocket Monsters Green on 27 February 1996 for the Game Boy. The titles were later released internationally as Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue. They were subsequently remade for the Game Boy Advance in 2004 as Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version are now available on Switch and Switch 2 from 27 February, priced at US$20 each. The re-releases allow a new generation of players to revisit the Kanto region while long-time fans can return to the series’ roots.
Another new project, Pokémon Pokopia, was also highlighted during the stream. Described as a cosy life simulation spin-off, the game is set to launch on Switch 2 on 5 March. The title represents a departure from traditional gym battles and league challenges, instead focusing on day-to-day life alongside Pokémon.
With Pokémon Wind and Pokémon Waves now officially confirmed, attention turns to how the franchise will evolve for its tenth generation. The 2027 launch window gives The Pokémon Company and Game Freak time to refine the experience for Nintendo’s next console, as the series enters its fourth decade.
