Pokémon Reveals Winds and Waves Open-World Games for Switch 2 in 2027

During its 30th anniversary Pokémon Presents livestream, The Pokémon Company and Nintendo revealed Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, two open-world mainline RPGs developed by GAME FREAK Inc. (Game Freak) and slated for a worldwide launch in 2027 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. The official description emphasizes exploration on “beautiful windswept islands and a vast ocean with glittering waves,” and Press Pokémon confirms these are the newest entries in the series’ RPG line.

The trailer shared during the stream showcased the new starter trio and a variety of biomes players will traverse. IGN’s first-look lists dense jungles, a futuristic resort with water flumes, a mangrove swamp, large stretches of open water, submerged coral reefs and lava-filled caves, while The Verge wrote that “the trailer really highlights how much more detailed and complex the games’ environments are compared to past titles like Scarlet / Violet and Legends: Z-A.” The official description also frames the region ecologically: “The Pokémon that live in harmony with this region’s lush environment have developed their own unique ecosystems.”

Trainers will begin by choosing one of three new starter Pokémon and will play as the main character of the adventure, with different outfits depending on the version, Press Pokémon states. The starters are Browt, Pombon, and Gecqua. Press Pokémon lists Browt as the Bean Chick Pokémon, Type Grass, Height 1′ (0.3 m), Weight 7.7 lbs. (3.5 kg). CNET described Browt visually as a green chickadee, Pombon as an orange dog and a Fire-type pooch, and Gecqua as a blue Water-type gecko; Press Pokémon’s press text uses the spelling Gecqua for the Water Gecko Pokémon, though other coverage has alternately used Gecua.

Gameplay framing in the official copy stresses cooperation with wild Pokémon to navigate environmental hazards. IGN quotes the official description in full: “Developed by Game Freak exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, these new titles feature an open world to explore, with beautiful windswept islands and a vast ocean with glittering waves. The Pokémon that live in harmony with this region’s lush environment have developed their own unique ecosystems. During this adventure, you’ll team up with all kinds of Pokémon to overcome both the difficult road ahead and even the forces of nature that block your path at times.”

The reveal also teased named Pikachu characters and language support. IGN reports the Pikachu variants are officially named Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu, with The Pokémon Company asking, “Just how could these Pikachu be involved in your adventure?” The Verge adds that Brazilian Portuguese will be an officially selectable language in the releases.

Coverage emphasized visuals and technical expectations alongside the announcement. IGN assessed that “It is certainly the best any Pokémon game has ever looked, and a notable response to the growing discontent among fans over the visuals in previous titles,” while CNET urged that, building exclusively for the Switch 2, Winds and Waves will need to fare better on in-game performance than Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which the outlet said were held back by poor performance and bugs on the original Switch. Kenji Okubo, president of The Pokémon Company International, framed the reveal in anniversary terms: “This Pokémon Day is extra special as we kick off the celebration of 30 years of Pokémon with exciting announcements for Trainers everywhere. I can’t wait to see ‘What’s Your Favorite’ as we embark on new adventures together.”

Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have set 2027 as the launch year for Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves; exact release dates and further technical details have not yet been announced.