Pokemon Winds and Waves: Nintendo Calls New Title a “Crucial Release” for Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa told investors in a recent financial results Q&A that Pokemon Winds and Waves will be a “crucial release” for the Nintendo Switch 2. His comments underline the long-running role the Pokemon franchise has played in driving adoption of Nintendo hardware and come as the company outlines its plans around the franchise’s ongoing initiatives. Background and context The Pokemon franchise has been a consistent top seller across Nintendo platforms for decades, and Furukawa reiterated that historical pattern in his remarks. He explained that because the business development of the Pokemon franchise is managed by The Pokemon Company—an affiliate accounted for by the equity method—he would not provide exhaustive commercial details. Still, he emphasized that Pokemon titles have traditionally helped spur hardware adoption, and pointed to recent Pokemon releases as important contributors to Nintendo Switch 2 performance. Paraphrased remarks from Shuntaro Furukawa Furukawa said he would refrain from getting into specific figures because The Pokemon Company controls the franchise’s business development and is treated as an equity-method affiliate. He added that Pokemon releases have historically been vital in encouraging players to buy Nintendo’s dedicated hardware. Referring to recent activity from the franchise, Furukawa noted that Pokemon Pokopia, released this March, has been a notable driver of Nintendo Switch 2 sales. He also observed that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the original Pokemon Red and Pokemon Green, and that The Pokemon Company is generating significant engagement through multiple initiatives, including the trading card game. Looking ahead, Furukawa described Pokemon: Winds / Waves—scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch 2 next year—as a critical title for the console in its third year on the market, and said Nintendo will do its utmost to maximize its sales. What to watch next Furukawa’s comments make clear Nintendo plans to lean into Pokemon as a strategic franchise for the Switch 2 lifecycle. For those tracking sales and broader franchise performance, Nintendo’s official publications remain the best source of verified data; for example, Nintendo’s November 2026 million sellers list can be referenced for up-to-date information on top-selling titles. This development will be of interest to publishers, retailers, and Switch 2 owners who monitor first-party title momentum. Nintendo and The Pokemon Company are expected to provide further promotional details and launch plans as the release window approaches.