The Pokemon Company just changed everything we thought we knew about the franchise’s future. During the 30-year party broadcast, fans expected minor updates for mobile apps and DLC announcements. Instead, the final moments delivered a bombshell that left us cheering.
**Pokemon Waves and Winds launches only for Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027, featuring three new starters named Browt, Pombon, and Gecqua across a tropical island region.** This marks the first core RPG built for Nintendo’s new console, skipping the original Switch entirely.
**What You Need to Know**
- Release Date: 2027
- Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 only
- Starters: Browt (Grass), Pombon (Fire), Gecqua (Water)
- Setting: Tropical archipelago with jungles, volcanoes, and resorts
- New Features: Underwater exploration returns after 20 years
Pokemon Waves and Winds Opens a New Tropical Chapter
The reveal footage moved us to a sun-soaked paradise. We saw thick jungle biomes packed with plants, stunning cliffside views overlooking crystal waters, active volcanoes smoking in the distance, and murky marshlands hiding secrets. Luxury resorts lined the beaches, suggesting this region mixes wild nature with modern comfort.
The camera followed two new heroes starting their adventure. These protagonists looked brighter and more full of life than recent designs. They run through fields where Pokemon move with freedom across the terrain.
Based on what we observed, the wild creatures behave better than in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. They no longer stand frozen in place or wander without goals. Instead, they hunt, play, and react to the player naturally. This creates a world that feels alive rather than static.
Meet Your New Companions: The Gen 10 Starters
Every generation brings three new friends for trainers to pick from. Pokemon Waves and Winds continues this pattern with one of the most creative trios yet.
Browt serves as the Grass-type option. This little creature blends bird traits with plant sprouts, creating a pun-filled design that works perfectly. Trainers who choose Browt will begin with a small, leaf-covered companion that likely grows into something both graceful and powerful.
Pombon represents the Fire-type starter. The name combines “Pomeranian” with “bonfire,” giving us a fluffy dog with flames dancing across its back. It looks cute enough to cuddle but dangerous enough to battle with. We expect this pup to evolve into a fierce yet loyal guardian.
Gecqua rounds out the trio as the Water-type choice. This water-loving gecko thrives in wet areas near beaches and rivers. Its slim body suggests speed and agility, perfect for the tropical setting. Geckos are known for climbing, so we wonder if this starter might stick to surfaces in unique ways.
Swimming Returns to Pokemon
The trailer hid one major surprise beneath the waves. Underwater exploration makes its return after missing from the series for two decades. The last time we truly swam deep was during the Ruby and Sapphire era on Game Boy Advance.
Brief shots showed the player character moving through coral reefs alongside Pokemon. This suggests entire routes and hidden areas exist below sea level. We might find rare water types only available through diving sessions.
The water physics look smoother than anything on the original Switch. Bubbles float upward, light filters through the surface, and creatures move with fluid motions. These details hint at the power Nintendo Switch 2 brings to the table.
Pokemon Gen 10 Release Date and Platform Strategy
Nintendo set Pokemon Waves and Winds for 2027. This date places it three years after Pokemon Legends ZA, which arrives later this year. The gap gives each game room to breathe without competing for attention.
The choice to make this a Nintendo Switch 2 only title makes business sense. By 2027, the new system will have built its user base. Releasing a mainline Pokemon title then helps sell hardware to holdouts still using the original Switch.
How This Compares to Recent Pokemon Games
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet introduced open-world freedom to the series, but suffered from technical hiccups. Pokemon Waves and Winds appears to solve these issues through better hardware. The frame rates look steady, and the draw distance shows Pokemon far into the horizon.
Unlike Pokemon Legends ZA, which experiments with action combat in cities, Waves and Winds sticks to turn-based battles in nature. Think of ZA as the risky spin-off while Waves and Winds protects the core formula fans love.
Both titles share DNA with Scarlet and Violet’s exploration style. However, the new tropical setting offers more height differences with cliffs and underwater depths. The variety of biomes exceeds the Spanish-inspired Paldea region from Gen 9.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Pokemon Waves and Winds come out?
Pokemon Waves and Winds arrives in 2027 only for Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo confirmed this launch window during the February 2025 Pokemon Day presentation alongside the 30-year party celebrations.
What are the starter Pokemon in Gen 10?
The three starters are Browt (Grass-type bird with sprout features), Pombon (Fire-type Pomeranian mixed with bonfire elements), and Gecqua (Water-type aquatic gecko). Each offers a different play style for new trainers.
Will Pokemon Waves and Winds work on original Nintendo Switch?
No, the game targets Nintendo Switch 2 only. The improved world density, underwater physics, and Pokemon AI suggest requirements that exceed the 2017 hardware power.
Is underwater exploration confirmed for the game?
Yes, the reveal trailer clearly shows swimming segments with trainers exploring beneath the waves. This mechanic returns after skipping several recent generations, last seen in Ruby and Sapphire.
How does this differ from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?
While both use open areas, Pokemon Waves and Winds features more natural creature behaviors, tropical biomes including beaches and volcanoes, and swimming mechanics. It also runs on newer hardware with better performance and graphics.
The next chapter of Pokemon begins with Pokemon Waves and Winds. As we count down to 2027, the promise of exploring sun-soaked islands both above and below the water gives us plenty to dream about. Stay tuned to GameHaunt as we uncover more secrets about this tropical adventure.
Please note that when you make a purchase through our links at GameHaunt, we might earn a small commission. This helps us keep bringing you the free journalism you love on our site! And don’t worry, our editorial content remains totally unbiased. If you’d like to show some support, you can do so here.
