Pokemon Winds and Waves Confirmed for Switch 2 in 2027 — Island Open-Worlds, New Starters and Language Support
The latest pokemon announcement came during a live Pokémon Presents stream: Nintendo revealed that Winds and Waves are the next mainline entries in the series, set to launch in 2027 as exclusives for the Nintendo Switch 2. The reveal trailer showcased an island setting, a new starter trio and a promise of open-world exploration — details that reshape expectations for the franchise's next generation.
Pokemon Winds and Waves: Switch 2 exclusives and 2027 launch
The franchise’s next mainline games will be Switch 2 exclusives and are scheduled to arrive in 2027. The announcement was made during today’s Pokémon Presents stream and positions Winds and Waves as the opening salvo for the next generation of core titles. The new releases follow the Paldea-era games, signaling a transition away from the Paldea region toward a fresh setting.
New starters Browt, Pombon and Gecua
The trailer introduced a new trio of starter creatures named Browt, Pombon and Gecua. These three starters were presented as part of the initial footage shown for Winds and Waves, framing the beginning of players’ journeys in the island-focused region.
Island setting and open-world design
Winds and Waves is established as taking place in an island setting and was described in a press release as open-world games. The island framing and open-world designation suggest a structural move toward broader, less linear exploration compared with earlier mainline entries.
Environments: dense jungles, magma caves and beneath the ocean
The trailer highlights a variety of environments players will be able to explore, depicting dense jungles, caves full of magma, and areas beneath the ocean where wild pokemon can be encountered. Presentation in the footage emphasized more detailed and complex environments when contrasted with past titles like Scarlet / Violet and Legends: Z-A.
Presentation leap and language support
Compared with earlier recent releases, the trailer places strong emphasis on environmental detail and complexity. In addition to visual and design changes, the company noted that Brazilian Portuguese will be officially supported as a selectable language, broadening accessibility for players in that linguistic community.
What’s next for fans: interim releases and timing
2027 remains some time away, and the announcement makes clear that Winds and Waves will be a longer-term prospect for the platform. In the nearer term, Pokopia is scheduled to drop next week, offering content to keep Pokémon fans engaged while they wait for Winds and Waves to arrive on the Switch 2.
Taken together, the confirmed Switch 2 exclusivity, island open-world framing, new starter trio Browt, Pombon and Gecua, and Brazilian Portuguese support compose the known fact set released during the presentation. Details that remain unclear in the provided context include specific release dates beyond the year, gameplay mechanics beyond open-world designation, and performance targets for the Switch 2 version. Those elements may be clarified in future updates.
