A new installment in the main series of Pokémon games is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027, marking the 10th release in the series.
During a livestream commemorating the 30th anniversary of the first Pokémon games, the company announced Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, which are open-world games set across a vast ocean filled with islands.
The newly revealed starter Pokémon are Browt, a Grass type “bean chick” resembling an Angry Bird; Pombon, a Pomeranian-inspired Fire type with the hope of not evolving into a bipedal form; and Gecqua, a Water type gecko with large pink eyes.
Leaks suggest the new games are set in a region inspired by Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Although the trailer does not confirm this, it shows lush jungles, seaside mountains, tropical towns, and underwater reefs, which align with the speculation. A mysterious cloud in the trailer resembling a Gyarados-Lapras hybrid could hint at a new legendary Pokémon.
Previously, Pokémon explored a tropical island environment in the Hawaii-inspired “Sun and Moon” games, released nearly ten years ago. Still, there remains much to discover in a similar setting, particularly with the move to open-world maps. Each tropical archipelago offers unique experiences.
Main series Pokémon games typically launch in November, hinting at nearly a two-year wait to explore the new region. The 2022 release of “Pokémon Scarlet and Violet” faced criticism for being rushed and glitch-filled; thus, if the delay ensures a superior game, the wait is worthwhile.
Meanwhile, fans can purchase reissues of “Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen” for the Switch at $20. However, there remains a desire for an accessible and legal option to play these games on mobile devices.