Game Freak and The Pokémon Company have announced the latest generation of mainline Pokémon games, Pokémon Winds and Waves, set to launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027.

The trailer reveals that this will be another open-world title similar to 2022’s Scarlet/Violet. The visuals have seen a substantial upgrade, likely owing to an extended development timeline and the new hardware given that these will be Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games, unlike Pokémon Legends Z-A.

Wind and Waves will feature three new starters, a Pomeranian-like fire type named Pombon, grass type Browt, and water type Gecqua. The trailer also teases that there will be new variants of Pikachu in this entry, showcasing different versions of the character kitted out in stylish beach clothing.

Pokémon Winds and Pokemon Waves Announcement Trailer

The open-world design established in Scarlet/Violet seems to be pushed far further in Wind/Waves, with the first look seemingly implying that underwater exploration will be back for the first time since Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire on Nintendo 3DS.

These new mainline games will release almost 5 years after Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, making it the longest development gap between generations. This is likely in response to the mixed reception towards Scarlet and Violet’s technical performance on the original Nintendo Switch, which created controversy surrounding Game Freak’s development cycles and budgets for the series.

Pokémon Wind and Waves will release in 2027, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. For more from the Pokémon 30th anniversary celebration, stick with Gamer Social Club.