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Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves Usher In the Next Generation
The Pokémon Company used its 30th anniversary Pokémon Presents broadcast to unveil the franchise’s next mainline generation: Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves.
Revealed with an extended debut trailer, the twin titles are set to launch in 2027 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2, marking the first fully next-generation mainline Pokémon entry. The announcement immediately positioned Winds and Waves as the centrepiece of Pokémon’s future roadmap.
A Tropical Region Defined by Wind and Sea
Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves transport players to a tropical island region shaped by coastlines, archipelagos, dense jungles, and expansive ocean routes. The setting appears heavily inspired by Southeast Asian geography, offering a markedly different atmosphere from previous generations.
Exploration looks to be more ambitious than before. The reveal hinted not only at large-scale sea traversal but also at underwater exploration, suggesting marine ecosystems will play a central role in progression and discovery.
The dual version theme appears to revolve around elemental contrasts between wind and water, reflected in environmental design and character presentation.
New Starters and Regional Pikachu Variants
As tradition dictates, players will begin their journey by choosing one of three new starter Pokémon: Browt, Pombon, and Gecqua. Each was introduced with brief gameplay snippets highlighting personality and elemental identity.
Two regional Pikachu variants were also revealed: Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu. While their roles remain unclear, their thematic alignment with the version titles suggests they may function as symbolic mascots or version-specific evolutions.
With the release still slated for 2027, more detailed gameplay systems, battle mechanics, and new Pokémon reveals are expected over the coming year.
Pokémon Day 2026 Brings Broader Franchise Updates
Beyond Winds and Waves, Pokémon Presents delivered a slate of updates across the wider ecosystem.
Pokémon Champions Arrives April 2026
Beyond the next generation, Pokémon Champions received a confirmed launch window of April 2026 for Nintendo Switch. Players who download early will receive a Dragonite via the in-game mailbox. A special campaign will also distribute Mega Stones for Pokémon that can Mega Evolve in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
The broadcast confirmed that the 2026 Pokémon Video Game World Championships will be played using Pokémon Champions.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Expands With Mega Dimension
Pokémon Legends: Z-A continues to build momentum with the reveal of Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension. Mega Garchomp Z will make its debut in the DLC, further expanding Lumiose City’s Mega Evolution focus. Connectivity with Pokémon HOME was also confirmed.
Trainers transferring Pokémon from Legends: Z-A into Pokémon HOME will receive alpha Chikorita, alpha Tepig and alpha Totodile as Mystery Gifts via the mobile version of HOME.
Classic Titles Return to Switch
Two major legacy returns were announced. Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version are now available on Nintendo Switch family systems in their original Game Boy Advance form, with support for transferring captured Pokémon into Pokémon HOME.
Meanwhile, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness will arrive in March 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2 via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. However, Pokémon raised in XD cannot be transferred to other titles, and outside Pokémon cannot be imported into XD.
Competitive and Community Expansion
The 2026 Pokémon World Championships will take place in San Francisco this August, with finals hosted at the Chase Center. More than 3,000 players will compete across Pokémon Champions, Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO and Pokémon UNITE.
A brand new fan experience called PokémonXP will debut alongside Worlds at the Moscone Center, featuring panels, cosplay showcases, interactive exhibits, workshops and an on-site Pokémon Center store.
TCG and 30th Anniversary Celebrations
The Pokémon Trading Card Game teased commemorative 30th anniversary products set to launch simultaneously in participating markets this year. Pokémon TCG Pocket also kicked off limited-time anniversary missions and rewards running through June 26.
Additionally, a Game Boy Jukebox audio player featuring music from Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue was revealed for release at Pokémon Center stores.
Mobile and Live Game Updates
Pokémon GO announced a large-scale return event from March 7 9 featuring Pokémon from across its history, alongside a Kanto-themed event and the global Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos. A promo code, GOTOURKALOS, is now live via the web store.
Pokémon UNITE confirmed Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres as playable characters via limited-time events, alongside an upcoming Electrode Volleyball world tour. Pokémon Masters EX begins a dual anniversary celebration with new sync pairs, including Red 1996 & Pikachu, Florian Anniversary 2026 & Ogerpon, and Juliana Anniversary 2026 & Terapagos.
Pokémon Sleep launches Mew Research starting tonight, while Pokémon Café ReMix introduces new outfits and Kanto-themed additions.
Setting the Stage for Pokémon’s Next Era
While the showcase offered updates across multiple platforms and genres, Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves clearly serve as the anchor for the franchise’s next chapter.
By pairing a new tropical setting with next-generation hardware and expanded exploration mechanics, Game Freak appears intent on evolving the core formula while maintaining the series’ identity. As Pokémon enters its fourth decade, Winds and Waves signal both a return to adventure and a recalibration for a new generation of players.
