The Pokémon Day 2026 celebrations have delivered the news we’ve all been waiting for. The Pokémon Company has officially pulled back the curtain on the next generation of the franchise. Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves.
Departing from the traditional mainland regions, these new titles are taking us to a sprawling, open-world archipelago defined by “windswept islands and glittering waves.”
But the biggest news? These aren’t just new games—they are the first mainline entries confirmed for the Nintendo Switch 2, with a simultaneous worldwide release scheduled for 2027.
A New World to Explore
The announcement trailer showcases a region that feels more dynamic than anything we’ve seen in Scarlet or Violet.
The environment plays a central role, with weather patterns and “forces of nature” acting as both a backdrop and a gameplay mechanic.
Players will need to team up with their Pokémon to navigate difficult terrain and overcome environmental obstacles that block their path.
As is tradition, your choice of version will dictate your starting look. While the core story remains shared, the protagonist’s outfit will vary between the breezy aesthetic of Winds and the nautical style of Waves.
Meet Your New Partners
It wouldn’t be a new generation without a fresh trio of starters. The “First Partner Pokémon” for this region have been revealed:
- Browt (Grass): The “Bean Chick Pokémon.” An energetic little bird that photosynthesizes using the leaves on its brow. It’s described as lively but “a bit clumsy.”
- Pombon (Fire): The “Puppy Pokémon.” This friendly Fire-type has a heat-generating organ in its lungs that causes its throat to glow.
- Gecqua (Water): The “Water Gecko Pokémon.” The intellectual of the group, Gecqua launches springy balls of water from its tail and is known for its shrewd maneuvers.
We all know water starters are the only choice, and it looks clear here that Gecqua is the clear option when you get started.
The Return of the Icon
In a surprising twist, the trailer also teased two “Special Pikachu” that seem to be central to the plot: Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu.
While details are currently thin on whether these are new forms, regional variants, or unique NPCs, they certainly suggest that the “Winds and Waves” theme extends deep into the Pokémon ecosystem.
Love it or hate it, there’s no denying Pikachu is synonymous with the series and an iconic mascot. Globally renowned and loved. There are always going to be new variants, so hopefully it’s more than just a cosmetic thing.
Pokemon Winds and Waves
While a 2027 release date feels a long way off, the jump to the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware is exactly what the series needs.
After the technical hurdles of the last generation, the promise of a truly seamless open world with “ebb and flow” mechanics is tantalizing.
As a fan of the series since getting my hands on Pokemon Blue for my Game Boy. New mainline series entries are always special to me. Scarlet and Violet didn’t really deliver, but the concept was there. Now it looks like Waves and Winds will get us almost to the point that we’ve all, always dreamed of.
No doubt we’ll see leaks/rumours of new monsters, returning classics, and probably new regional variants, too. It’s seems ages away, but no doubt there will be plenty to keep us going.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on the horizon for more news on the new region. Which version are you leaning toward?