The Pokémon Company has officially announced Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, the next generation of the popular video game franchise, slated for exclusive release on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027. The announcement, made on February 27, 2026, coincides with Pokémon’s 30th anniversary and marks the first mainline Pokémon titles designed specifically for the upcoming console.
The latest games will feature an open world set across a series of windswept islands and expansive oceans, offering a unique environment for players to explore and interact with Pokémon. This marks a significant graphical leap forward from the previously released Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, addressing criticisms leveled at those titles. The move to a fully open world signals a continued evolution in the Pokémon franchise, mirroring trends seen in other successful gaming IPs.
Details regarding the development process have emerged through product codes associated with the games. According to information shared online, Mario Kart World was the first project to commence development for the Nintendo Switch 2, while Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves are approximately seventh in the order of development. This insight into the development pipeline offers a glimpse into Nintendo’s priorities for its next-generation console.
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BEE-P-AAAAA: Mario Kart World
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BEE-P-AAABA: Kirby Air Riders
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BEE-P-AAACA: DK Bananza
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BEE-P-AAADA: —
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BEE-P-AAAEA: Mario Tennis Fever
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BEE-P-AAAFA: —
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BEE-P-AAAGA: Street Fighter 6
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BEE-P-AAAHA: —
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BEE-P-AAAIA: —
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BEE-P-AAAJA: Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics
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BEE-P-AAAKA: —
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BEE-P-AAALA: —
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BEE-P-AAAMA: Pokémon Winds
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BEE-P-AAANA: Pokémon Waves
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BEE-P-AAAOA: —
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BEE-P-AAAPA: —
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BEE-P-AAAQA: Drag X Drive
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BEE-P-AAARA: —
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BEE-P-AAASA: —
Players will be able to choose from three starter Pokémon: Browt, the Bean Chick Pokémon. Pombon, the Puppy Pokémon; and Gecqua, the Water Gecko Pokémon. The games will too feature customizable Pikachu, with the trailer showcasing the Pokémon sporting different outfits, hinting at expanded personalization options. More details about the new Pokémon and gameplay mechanics are available on the official Pokémon website.
The development timeline suggests that Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves are among the later projects to enter production for the Nintendo Switch 2, following titles like Mario Kart World. A comparison with the initial development order for the original Nintendo Switch reveals similarities, with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Super Mario Odyssey leading the charge. Nintendo’s official site provides further information on the upcoming titles.
Further details regarding differences between Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, as well as the regional inspirations behind the games’ design, have also been revealed. The release of these titles is expected to drive significant adoption of the Nintendo Switch 2, capitalizing on the enduring popularity of the Pokémon franchise. Source.
