A new set of main series Pokémon games is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027. This release will mark the tenth installment in the franchise. The announcement came during a livestream celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the original Pokémon games. The new titles are called Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves. They are open-world adventures set across a vast ocean of islands.
The three new starter Pokémon were also revealed. Browt is a Grass type “bean chick” that resembles an Angry Bird. Pombon is a Fire type inspired by a Pomeranian. Gecqua is a Water type gecko with distinctive pink eyes.
Leakers have previously suggested the new games are set in a region inspired by Indonesia and Southeast Asia. While the trailer does not explicitly confirm this, it strongly supports the rumor by showcasing lush jungles, seaside mountains, tropical towns, and underwater reefs. Fans have also focused on a suspicious-looking cloud in the trailer that resembles a cross between Gyarados and Lapras flying through the sky. This has sparked theories it could be a hint toward a new legendary Pokémon.
Pokémon previously explored a tropical setting with the Hawaii-inspired “Sun and Moon” games nearly a decade ago. However, there is much more to explore in such a setting, especially now that the franchise has fully embraced open-world maps. Not all tropical archipelagos are the same.
Main series Pokémon games are typically released in November. If that pattern holds, it means fans have almost two years to wait before exploring this new region. Still, there is hope for a surprise earlier release. It already feels like a long time since Pokémon Scarlet and Violet launched in 2022. Those games faced criticism for feeling rushed and being filled with glitches. If a later release date for the new games ensures a polished and incredible experience, many fans are happy to wait.
In the meantime, Pokémon fans can purchase reissues of the Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen games for the Switch today. These reissues cost twenty dollars. It is unfortunate there is not an extremely easy and legally dubious way to obtain those games for free on a mobile phone.