Pokémon Winds and Waves are the next two main-series Pokémon RPGs, scheduled for a simultaneous worldwide release in 2027 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. Revealed during Pokémon Presents on February 27, 2026, they introduce an open world of windswept islands, a vast ocean and three brand-new starter Pokémon.
The first announcement has given us a real flavour of the setting, even though the complete Pokédex, battle system, story and version exclusives are still being kept quiet. This is our starting point for the games, with the main confirmed details and links to the more detailed guides as they’re needed.
Pokémon Winds and Waves release date and platforms
Both Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves will launch worldwide in 2027. There is no exact day or month, and Nintendo hasn’t announced when pre-orders will open. The original Nintendo Switch isn’t among the supported platforms; the games are being developed for Nintendo Switch 2.
If you’re planning a purchase, our release-date guide explains the current timing. The platforms article covers Switch 1, OLED, Lite, PC, Xbox and PlayStation availability.
A new open world of islands and ocean
The games take place in a new region made up of windswept islands and a large ocean where Pokémon have developed different ecosystems. Pokémon has confirmed an open world to explore, but hasn’t named the region or released its complete map.
The official website also says trainers will work with different Pokémon to overcome difficult terrain and forces of nature. That sounds like an important part of getting around, though specific mechanics such as boats, diving and ride Pokémon haven’t been explained.
You can find more detail in our region guide and open-world breakdown. Both focus on confirmed information rather than guessing about the map.
Meet Browt, Pombon and Gecqua
Three brand-new first partners were introduced for the adventure. Browt is a Grass-type Bean Chick Pokémon with Overgrow, Pombon is a Fire-type Puppy Pokémon with Blaze, and Gecqua is a Water-type Water Gecko Pokémon with Torrent.
Browt is a lively little chick that uses the leaves on its brow to photosynthesise. It’s described as energetic and occasionally clumsy. Its evolved forms and full battle stats haven’t been revealed.
Pombon is the friendly puppy with a faint glow beneath its throat. An organ in its lungs generates the heat that causes the glow, according to the official profile. Its evolution line is also unknown.
Gecqua is intelligent and showy, launching springy balls of water from its tail. Pokémon hasn’t revealed its final form or whether it gains a second type.
Our starters guide has their confirmed measurements, Abilities and personalities. The Pokédex checklist covers the returning species identified in promotional footage as well.
The special Pikachu: Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu
The reveal introduced two special Pikachu named Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu. Both have distinctive appearances and have been highlighted on the official game website, but Pokémon hasn’t explained how players will encounter them.
Their names match the themes of Winds and Waves, but it hasn’t been confirmed that they’re exclusive to different versions, catchable or equipped with unusual moves. The special Pikachu guide covers what we know.
Main characters and version differences
The main character’s outfit differs depending on which game you play. That is the clearest confirmed version difference from the announcement, with no published list of exclusive Pokémon or Legendary mascots.
Pokémon hasn’t introduced the protagonists’ names, a regional Professor or the game’s rival. Our character guide covers the official looks, while the version comparison helps players decide what can actually be compared.
What about battles, co-op and online play?
The battle system hasn’t been fully explained. Pokémon hasn’t confirmed whether the games will retain traditional turn-based combat or use a different format, and online trading and battling haven’t been detailed.
Nintendo currently lists one local player on a single system. That doesn’t tell us whether shared-world co-op will eventually be available, and the game’s descriptions about teaming up with Pokémon refer to creatures helping during exploration.
The gameplay guide, co-op article and battle-system guide cover those questions in more detail.
What to look for in the next announcement
The biggest remaining questions are the exact release date, full Pokédex, starter evolutions, Legendary mascots, version-exclusive Pokémon and how trainers explore and battle. There is no announced schedule for a new trailer addressing those topics.
For now, both games have a confirmed 2027 Switch 2 launch, a new open-world island setting and three first partners. The official Pokémon website has the original trailer and character profiles.
