The Pokémon Company has officially announced the next mainline Pokémon games. Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves were announced during the Pokémon Day 2026 Pokémon Presents livestream on Feb. 27, marking the first new generation since Scarlet and Violet launched in 2022. The duo will serve as the 10th generation of Pokémon games, announced 30 years on from the original Red and Green.
Related—Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen coming to Nintendo Switch for Pokémon Day
A tropical Pokémon world for Winds and Waves
Developed by GAME FREAK, the games are set across a region of tropical “windswept islands and a vast, glittering ocean.” The reveal trailer showcased sandy beaches, lava-filled caverns, and lush tropical jungles, each featuring their own ecosystem of Pokémon.
As a Switch 2 exclusive, the game is clearly making good use of the hardware, with visual fidelity being turned up for the franchise’s 10th generation. Like most dual releases for Pokémon, the games will be similar in many ways, but notably the main character’s outfits will differ depending on which version you play, adding another small touch of uniqueness to each release.
Pokémon Gen 10 starters revealed
Like any Pokémon entry, much of the game will be experienced alongside your starter Pokémon. The three starter Pokémon for Winds and Waves have been revealed alongside the trailer.
Browt is the Grass-type option—a Bean Chick Pokémon described as lively but clumsy. Pombon, the Fire-type Puppy Pokémon, is guileless and friendly. And Gecqua rounds out the trio as the Water-type Pokémon based on the water gecko, noted for its intelligence.
Related—All Pokémon Starters by Generation
Who are Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu—the special Pikachu variants?
The trailer also teased a pair of special Pikachu variants sporting brand-new looks, similar to the unique costumes for the player’s main character. Each variant’s look and name obviously ties them to their respective versions of the game, but exactly how they factor into the adventure remains a mystery for now.
The games are set for a global simultaneous release in 2027, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. For the first time in the mainline series, the games will officially support Brazilian Portuguese as a selectable language, bringing them to even more players in their native tongue. Beyond the setting, starters, and Pikachu variants, the full details on the new region’s name, story, and gameplay are yet to be announced.
With over a year until launch, fans can expect further details throughout the year leading up to release, as Pokémon continues to celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of the highest-grossing media franchises in the world.
