New starters, open-world islands, and Pokémon’s first true Switch 2 generation set the stage for what comes next.
Happy Pokémon Day! Today, Pokémon delivered a roughly 30-minute presentation focused entirely on games, and surprisingly, that focus never drifted. There was no detour into Netflix series or anime updates, just straight gameplay news and development reveals.
While we received fresh updates on Pokémon Legends: Z-A and confirmation that Pokémon Home will support Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen, the headline announcement was Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, launching globally in 2027 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Pokémon Winds and Waves is coming in 2027
Preorders aren’t live yet, but you can still prepare.
Purchasing through these links supports The Input Lag at no additional cost to you.
This appears to be Pokémon’s most ambitious project yet, showcasing a vivid world filled with roaming Pokémon. At times the overworld looks slightly sparse, but with more than a year of development remaining, there is plenty of time for refinement, and we remain optimistic about how this title will ultimately perform on Nintendo’s next-generation hardware.
Alongside the reveal came our first look at the starter Pokémon: Browt, the Bean Chick Grass-type; Pombon, an absolutely adorable Fire-type puppy; and Gecqua, an undeniably cool Water-type gecko. It is early, but this trio already feels designed to spark strong first-partner loyalty.
Winds and Waves features an open world of windswept islands and a sprawling ocean. The environments look lush and colorful so far, although longtime fans may jokingly hope it does not lean too heavily into ocean exploration. The ecosystem appears diverse, and we are eager to see how traversal and exploration evolve throughout development.
The official Pokémon website also reveals that the protagonist’s outfit will vary depending on which version you choose. That detail raises questions about trainer customization. We hope the system resembles Pokémon Legends: Z-A, but there is some concern it may follow the more uniform approach of Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. Interestingly, both protagonists appear to carry a device that looks like a hybrid between a drone and a tablet. It seems significant, and it would not be surprising if it ties into the Pokédex in some new way, possibly signaling a move away from the Rotom Dex design we have seen in recent generations.
Finally, The Pokémon Company introduced two themed Pikachu variants: Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu. Details remain scarce, but their presence suggests they may play a unique role in the story or regional identity of these versions.
It was a focused presentation, and for players invested in the future of the series, Winds and Waves clearly set the tone for what comes next.
About the Author
Scott (Scotty) Greenhalgh is the founder and owner of Input Lag, an independent Nintendo-focused publication. Scotty brings a player-first perspective informed by years of hands-on experience with Nintendo games to his reviews, rankings, and editorial coverage. His writing focuses on how games feel to play, their long-term value, and the impact Nintendo’s creative and business decisions have on players.
Outside of Input Lag, he also creates Pokémon-focused content online under the name Gr3atScotty.
Gecqua! Gecqua! Gecqua! Gecqua!