Pokemon Winds and Waves: Release Date, Starters and Region
By the Respawndex editorial team. Updated November 13, 2026 in Pokemon
Checked against official sources on November 13, 2026. How we check facts
On this page
Pokemon Winds and Pokemon Waves are the next pair of mainline Pokemon RPGs from GAME FREAK, and they are coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027. No exact release date has been announced yet. The games are set in an open world of windswept islands and open ocean, and you will choose from three new first partners: Browt, Pombon and Gecqua.
Quick facts
| Detail | What we know |
|---|---|
| Official title | Pokemon Winds and Pokemon Waves (two versions) |
| Developer | GAME FREAK |
| Announced | February 27, 2026, at the Pokemon Presents for Pokemon Day |
| Release window | 2027, launching on the same day worldwide |
| Exact release date | Not announced |
| Platform | Nintendo Switch 2 only |
| Starters | Browt (Grass), Pombon (Fire), Gecqua (Water) |
| Region name | Not announced |
| Price and editions | Not announced |
| Rating | ESRB rating pending |
Release date and platform
The official site and the Nintendo of America store page both list the games for 2027, and the launch will happen on the same day worldwide. Neither page gives a day or month, and the Nintendo store page shows no price and no pre-order yet. Our release date page tracks exactly what has and has not been confirmed about timing.
Pokemon Winds and Pokemon Waves are Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives. There is no version for the original Nintendo Switch, so you will need a Switch 2 to play.
The setting
The games take place in an open world made up of windswept islands and a vast ocean, where Pokemon have formed their own local ecosystems. You work with your Pokemon to get past rough terrain and natural forces that block the way. Nintendo Life reported that the reveal trailer shows underwater scenes, but how underwater exploration works has not been explained.
The region name has not been announced, and no real-world inspiration has been officially stated. See the region page for the full breakdown.
The starters
| Pokemon | Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browt | Bean Chick Pokemon | Grass | Overgrow |
| Pombon | Puppy Pokemon | Fire | Blaze |
| Gecqua | Water Gecko Pokemon | Water | Torrent |
More detail on each one is on our starters page.
Is it Generation 10?
Pokemon Winds and Waves are widely reported as the start of Generation 10, for example by Video Games Chronicle. The official announcement calls them the newest entries in the Pokemon RPG series and does not name a generation number.
What has not been announced
As of November 13, 2026, these details are still unannounced:
- The exact release date
- The region name and any real-world inspiration
- Legendary Pokemon (none have appeared in official materials)
- Prices, pre-orders and any editions beyond the two versions
For a single list of every confirmed detail, see everything confirmed so far.
In this section
FAQ
When does Pokemon Winds and Waves come out?
Pokemon Winds and Pokemon Waves are due in 2027 and will launch on the same day worldwide. No exact release date has been announced yet.
Is Pokemon Winds and Waves on the original Nintendo Switch?
No. The games are exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, and there is no original Nintendo Switch version.
Who are the starters in Pokemon Winds and Waves?
The three first partners are Browt, a Grass type, Pombon, a Fire type, and Gecqua, a Water type.
What is the Pokemon Winds and Waves region called?
The region name has not been announced. Official materials describe an open world of windswept islands and a vast ocean.
Sources
- Pokemon Continues 30th Celebrations with the Unveiling of Pokemon Winds and Pokemon Waves, the Newest Entries in the Pokemon Video Game Series, The Pokemon Company International (press site)
- Pokemon Winds and Pokemon Waves official site, The Pokemon Company
- Announcing Two All-New Entries in the Pokemon Series: Pokemon Winds and Pokemon Waves, The Pokemon Company (press portal)
- Pokemon Winds (Nintendo Switch 2) product page, Nintendo of America
- Pokemon Winds and Waves revealed: new games coming in 2027 for Nintendo Switch 2, Video Games Chronicle
- Pokemon Winds and Waves announced for Switch 2, launching next year, Nintendo Life
- Pokemon Winds and Waves: release date, starters, region and everything we know, GamingBible
