Pokémon Wind and Waves Revealed: Gen 10 Starters, Nintendo Switch 2 Launch, and New Pokémon Pombon, Browt, and Gecqua Unveiled

Pokémon Wind and Waves has officially been unveiled as the next mainline new Pokémon game, marking the arrival of Pokémon Gen 10 and a bold step forward for the franchise on Nintendo Switch 2. Announced Friday at 10:00 a.m. ET during a global presentation, Pokémon Wind and Waves introduces a brand-new coastal region, three new Pokémon starters — Pombon, Browt, and Gecqua — and upgraded performance designed specifically for the next-generation Nintendo console.

The reveal confirms long-running speculation about Gen 10 Pokémon and sets the stage for what could be the most ambitious Pokémon generation yet.

Pokémon Wind and Waves: A New Era for Pokémon Gen 10

Pokémon Wind and Waves is positioned as the flagship Gen 10 Pokémon release, built from the ground up for Nintendo Switch 2. Developers highlighted expanded open-world exploration, dynamic ocean weather systems, and seamless transitions between land and sea travel.

The Wind and Waves region is described as an island chain inspired by Pacific coastlines, featuring bustling port cities, cliffside towns, and deep ocean routes. Players will explore on foot, by surfboard-like mounts, and with new water-based traversal mechanics that integrate directly into battle and exploration systems.

With Pokémon Gen 10, the franchise is leaning heavily into environmental interaction, including tidal changes that affect wild Pokémon encounters and story progression.

New Pokémon Starters: Pombon, Browt, and Gecqua

The biggest moment of the Pokémon Wind and Waves reveal was the introduction of the Gen 10 starters: Pombon, Browt, and Gecqua.

• Pombon Pokémon: A Water-type dolphin-inspired starter known for playful behavior and strong special attacks.

• Browt Pokémon: A Grass-type beaver Pokémon that constructs small wooden barriers during battle, hinting at defensive mechanics unique to Gen 10 Pokémon starters.

• Gecqua Pokémon: A Fire-type gecko Pokémon with high speed and a signature move that intensifies during windy weather conditions.

Each of the Pokémon Wind and Waves starters reflects the game’s central themes of wind currents, tides, and coastal ecosystems. Early footage shows Pombon using wave-based abilities, Browt altering terrain effects, and Gecqua leaping between rocky surfaces mid-battle.

Fans have already begun debating which of the Gen 10 Pokémon starters will dominate competitive play once the game launches.

Nintendo Switch 2 and Pokémon Wind and Waves Performance

Nintendo confirmed that Pokémon Wind and Waves is optimized for Nintendo Switch 2, delivering higher frame rates, improved lighting, and expanded draw distance compared to previous Pokémon titles.

Key Nintendo Switch 2 enhancements include:

• 60 FPS performance during open-world exploration

• Enhanced water physics central to Wind and Waves gameplay

• Faster loading times for seamless island transitions

• Expanded online multiplayer lobbies

The partnership between Nintendo and the Pokémon development team appears focused on avoiding the performance concerns that surrounded earlier releases. The new Pokémon game is being presented as a technical showcase for Nintendo Switch 2.

Pokémon Gen 10 Introduces New Battle Mechanics

Beyond new Pokémon starters, Pokémon Gen 10 brings mechanical innovations tied directly to the Wind and Waves theme. A new “Gale Surge” battle state activates during specific weather conditions, boosting certain types and enabling unique combination moves.

Wild encounters now change depending on tide levels, meaning Wind and Waves Pokémon found in shallow coastal areas during low tide may disappear once waters rise. This dynamic system adds strategic planning to exploration.

Pikachu also appeared briefly in the reveal trailer, showcasing a new coastal variant outfit, reinforcing its continued symbolic role in every new Pokémon generation.

Release Date and What Comes Next for Pokémon Wind and Waves

Pokémon Wind and Waves is scheduled for a late 2026 holiday release, with preorders expected to open this summer. Nintendo indicated that additional Gen 10 Pokémon will be revealed in stages leading up to launch, including regional evolutions and legendary Wind and Waves Pokémon tied to storm and ocean mythology.

As anticipation builds, Pokémon Wind and Waves represents more than just another sequel — it signals the formal arrival of Gen 10 and a new technological chapter powered by Nintendo Switch 2. With Pombon, Browt, and Gecqua leading the charge as Gen 10 Pokémon starters, the next evolution of Pokémon appears set to ride the tide into a new generation of players worldwide.