The Pokémon Company has officially revealed Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, two brand-new mainline entries in the long-running Pokémon series. The titles are scheduled for a simultaneous worldwide release in 2027 exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Announced on February 27, 2026, the upcoming games introduce players to a fresh adventure centered around nature, exploration, and cooperation with Pokémon across a vast island region shaped by powerful winds and rolling seas. According to company CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara, the new titles aim to deliver a vibrant world filled with new Pokémon, characters, and discoveries.

A New Oceanic Region Awaits

Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves take place in a sprawling open world composed of lush islands surrounded by an expansive ocean. The environment plays a central role in the experience, with ecosystems shaped by natural forces and Pokémon living in harmony with their surroundings.

Players will explore windswept landscapes and shimmering waters that dynamically define the region’s identity. Each island features unique habitats and challenges, encouraging exploration while presenting environmental obstacles that must be overcome alongside Pokémon partners. The games emphasize adventure and cooperation, positioning nature itself as both a companion and a challenge throughout the journey.

First Look at the Player Characters

 

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As with previous entries, players assume the role of the main protagonist embarking on a new Pokémon journey. Character outfits differ depending on whether players choose Pokémon Winds or Pokémon Waves, hinting at version-specific themes and storytelling elements.

While story details remain limited, the reveal suggests a narrative closely tied to exploration and the mysteries of this oceanic world.

Meet the Starter Pokémon

Players will begin their adventure by choosing one of three newly revealed partner Pokémon, each representing a classic elemental type and distinct personality.

 

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Browt, the Grass-type Bean Chick Pokémon, is energetic and photosynthesizes using leaves growing from its brow, though its lively nature sometimes makes it clumsy. Pombon, a Fire-type Puppy Pokémon, is friendly and guileless, generating heat through a special organ that causes the area beneath its throat to glow faintly. Completing the trio is Gecqua, a Water-type Water Gecko Pokémon known for its intelligence and strategic behavior, launching spring-like water projectiles from its tail during battle.

Each starter reflects the natural themes of the region, reinforcing the games’ focus on ecosystems and environmental harmony.

A Mysterious New Pikachu Variant

The announcement trailer also introduced special Pikachu variants appearing for the first time in the series. Known as Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu, these uniquely styled Pikachu hint at regional forms or story-related roles, though their exact significance has yet to be revealed.

More details about these Pokémon are expected in future updates.

Announcement Trailer Released Worldwide

Alongside the reveal, an official announcement trailer showcasing the new region, characters, and Pokémon debuted simultaneously worldwide. The footage offers an early glimpse at the games’ natural environments and sets the tone for what appears to be one of the series’ most exploration-focused entries to date.

Development and Release Details

Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves are being developed by GAME FREAK inc., the longtime studio behind the mainline Pokémon RPG series. The games fall under the RPG genre, with player count and connectivity features yet to be announced.

Both titles will support multiple languages, including English, Japanese, French, German, Italian, Spanish (European and Latin American), Brazilian Portuguese, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese.

With a global launch planned for 2027, Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves mark the first fully new Pokémon generation designed specifically for Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, signaling a major new chapter for the franchise as it continues to evolve alongside new technology.

Further information, including gameplay systems and story details, is expected to be shared in upcoming announcements, and you can even check out their official website.

©Pokémon / Nintendo / Creatures Inc. / GAME FREAK inc. Pokémon is a registered trademark of Nintendo, Creatures, and GAME FREAK. Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo. Screenshots are from a title under development.