The next generation of Pokemon is officially on the way. Pokemon Winds and Waves are the next pair of mainline Pokemon role-playing games, and they will launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. The Pokemon Company revealed them during a Pokemon Presents broadcast on February 27, 2026, as part of the franchise’s 30th anniversary. Both games are set for a worldwide release in 2027. So here is everything that has been confirmed so far.
What Pokemon Winds and Waves confirmed
These two titles kick off Generation 10, the series’ next mainline era. They take place in a brand new tropical region built from a chain of islands, and you can even explore underwater areas beneath the waves. The design draws clear inspiration from Southeast Asia, with a wide open ocean to sail. Game Freak also introduced the three new first-partner Pokemon: Browt, a Grass type, Pombon, a Fire type, and Gecqua, a Water type. The reveal trailer showed off a special Pikachu with a fresh island and summer look too.
Why the Switch 2 exclusive matters
This is a notable first for the series. Every mainline Pokemon game since Sword and Shield in 2019 shipped on the original Switch, but Winds and Waves skip it entirely. That decision means Game Freak can finally build around newer hardware, which should help with the performance and visual issues that dogged recent entries. Plenty is still under wraps, though. The Pokemon Company has not shared the legendary Pokemon, the story, or a firm release date, so expect a steady drip of reveals through the year.
When can you play Pokemon Winds and Waves
For now, the target is simply 2027, with a simultaneous worldwide launch across regions. As a Switch 2 exclusive, the pair will serve as the tentpole for Pokemon’s next chapter after three decades. Fans will get more details as Game Freak pulls back the curtain, but the foundation already looks fresh. For more, see our Pokemon coverage.
Frequently asked questions
What platform are Pokemon Winds and Waves on? They launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2, and they are the first mainline Pokemon games to skip the original Switch.
When do Pokemon Winds and Waves release? The Pokemon Company has set a worldwide launch for 2027, though it has not announced an exact date.
What are the new starter Pokemon? The three first partners are Browt, a Grass type, Pombon, a Fire type, and Gecqua, a Water type.
Source: nintendolife.com
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