In a major announcement during the February 2026 Pokémon Presents, The Pokémon Company and developer Game Freak officially unveiled Pokémon Winds and Waves as the flagship titles for the tenth generation of the beloved franchise.
These new entries are scheduled to launch in 2027 and are confirmed as exclusive releases for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
This marks a significant generational leap, as Pokémon Winds and Waves will not be available on the original Nintendo Switch hardware, reaffirming the series' continuous innovation alongside dedicated Nintendo platforms. Pokémon Winds and Waves follows in the footsteps of Scarlet and Violet, introducing players to a fully open world shaped by sweeping windswept islands and an expansive, shimmering ocean.
In the official announcement, Game Freak highlighted that the games will feature "an open world to explore, filled with beautiful islands and the glimmer of waves on the horizon." This environment sets the stage for a next-generation adventure, making full use of the Nintendo Switch 2’s enhanced capabilities. For the first time in the series, the main character’s outfit will differ depending on which version—Winds or Waves—the player chooses, allowing for personalized expression and increased replay value.
At the heart of every new Pokémon journey is choosing a partner, and Winds and Waves brings three fresh options: Browt, the Bean Chick Pokémon; Pombon, the energetic Puppy Pokémon; and Gecqua, a Water Gecko Pokémon.
Players will select one of these three companions before setting out into the uncharted islands and vast ocean. In a statement adapted from the official reveal, Game Freak emphasized the new gameplay experience: Trainers will be able to freely traverse a vibrant open world, embark on a journey shaped by choices, and encounter both new and familiar Pokémon in unique coastal and island habitats. The debut trailer for Pokémon Winds and Waves, showcased during the February 2026 Pokémon Presents livestream, gave fans a first glimpse at the game’s lush environments, dynamic weather systems, and the newly designed starter Pokémon.
The visual fidelity, powered by the Nintendo Switch 2, marks a significant step forward for the franchise, reinforcing the hardware’s advanced capabilities. Pokémon Winds and Waves further cements Game Freak and Nintendo’s commitment to growing the franchise with each hardware generation.
Since its inception, the mainline series has continuously set sales milestones and redefined what’s possible in monster-catching RPGs, with titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet achieving over 23 million units sold as of 2024.
The next chapter is set to continue that legacy for fans worldwide. For more on Pokémon Winds and Waves, including ongoing updates, trailers, and eShop information about the Nintendo Switch 2, stay tuned to official Pokémon channels and Nintendo’s platforms.
These new entries are scheduled to launch in 2027 and are confirmed as exclusive releases for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
This marks a significant generational leap, as Pokémon Winds and Waves will not be available on the original Nintendo Switch hardware, reaffirming the series' continuous innovation alongside dedicated Nintendo platforms. Pokémon Winds and Waves follows in the footsteps of Scarlet and Violet, introducing players to a fully open world shaped by sweeping windswept islands and an expansive, shimmering ocean.
In the official announcement, Game Freak highlighted that the games will feature "an open world to explore, filled with beautiful islands and the glimmer of waves on the horizon." This environment sets the stage for a next-generation adventure, making full use of the Nintendo Switch 2’s enhanced capabilities. For the first time in the series, the main character’s outfit will differ depending on which version—Winds or Waves—the player chooses, allowing for personalized expression and increased replay value.
At the heart of every new Pokémon journey is choosing a partner, and Winds and Waves brings three fresh options: Browt, the Bean Chick Pokémon; Pombon, the energetic Puppy Pokémon; and Gecqua, a Water Gecko Pokémon.
Players will select one of these three companions before setting out into the uncharted islands and vast ocean. In a statement adapted from the official reveal, Game Freak emphasized the new gameplay experience: Trainers will be able to freely traverse a vibrant open world, embark on a journey shaped by choices, and encounter both new and familiar Pokémon in unique coastal and island habitats. The debut trailer for Pokémon Winds and Waves, showcased during the February 2026 Pokémon Presents livestream, gave fans a first glimpse at the game’s lush environments, dynamic weather systems, and the newly designed starter Pokémon.
The visual fidelity, powered by the Nintendo Switch 2, marks a significant step forward for the franchise, reinforcing the hardware’s advanced capabilities. Pokémon Winds and Waves further cements Game Freak and Nintendo’s commitment to growing the franchise with each hardware generation.
Since its inception, the mainline series has continuously set sales milestones and redefined what’s possible in monster-catching RPGs, with titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet achieving over 23 million units sold as of 2024.
The next chapter is set to continue that legacy for fans worldwide. For more on Pokémon Winds and Waves, including ongoing updates, trailers, and eShop information about the Nintendo Switch 2, stay tuned to official Pokémon channels and Nintendo’s platforms.
