Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves hit Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027

GAME FREAK is taking the next Pokémon RPG for a walk on the windy side. As per the press release, Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves are the newest entries in the Pokémon RPG series, and they’re currently scheduled to launch in 2027 on Nintendo Switch 2.

And yes, it’s open world. Because we all demanded it, and now we must live with the consequences.

An open world of windswept islands and glittering seas

The big promise here is a world built around two vibes: beautiful windswept islands in Winds, and a vast ocean with glittering waves in Waves. Either way, you’re exploring a wide-open setting rather than sticking to a straight line.

You’re the trainer, and your look depends on your version

You’ll play as the main character of the adventure, and your outfit will differ depending on which version you pick. It’s a small detail, but it’s the kind of thing that usually hints at version-flavoured themes (without us pretending we know more than the release says).

Pick your starter: Browt, Pombon, or Gecqua

Before you set off, you’ll choose your first partner Pokémon from three new starters:

Browt: the Grass-type Bean Chick Pokémon

Type: Grass
Height: 1′ (0.3 m)
Weight: 7.7 lbs. (3.5 kg)
Ability: Overgrow

Pombon: the Fire-type Puppy Pokémon

Type: Fire
Height: 1′4″ (0.4 m)
Weight: 14.8 lbs. (6.7 kg)
Ability: Blaze

Gecqua: the Water-type Water Gecko Pokémon

Type: Water
Height: 1′ (0.3 m)
Weight: 9.5 lbs. (4.3 kg)
Ability: Torrent

So yes, the classic Grass/Fire/Water triangle is back. No notes. Carry on.

Brazilian Portuguese support is officially coming, starting here

One of the bigger announcements tucked into the release: Brazilian Portuguese will be officially supported as a selectable language beginning with Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves. The stated goal is to make Pokémon more accessible to players around the world.

When can we play it?

with Nintendo Switch 2 confirmed as the platform. That’s all the press release is giving us, but it’s enough to start mentally clearing your backlog. Or at least pretending you will.