Pokémon Winds and Waves: new Pokémon and gameplay for the franchise

Intelligence Summary
- Discover what Pokémon Winds and Waves could mean for the franchise, including new Pokémon, gameplay, and its impact on players.
In short
- Pokémon Winds and Waves may introduce up to 300 new Pokémon and forms, including regional variants.
- The game is an exclusive title for Nintendo Switch 2 and is scheduled for release in 2027.
- The starters for this generation are Browt, Pombon, and Gecqua, which could signal a new direction for the franchise.
GAME-scanner analysis
Pokémon Winds and Waves is shaping up to be a crucial addition to the Pokémon franchise, especially with the expected introduction of around 300 new Pokémon and forms. That number, which also includes regional variants, could represent a major expansion of the Pokémon world. Historically, each new generation has introduced around 100 new Pokémon, but recent generations have not always followed that pattern. Making it a Switch 2 exclusive suggests an effort to take advantage of the improved hardware, which could lead to a richer and more dynamic gameplay experience. The starters Browt, Pombon, and Gecqua have already been revealed through reliable sources such as Centro Leaks, further fueling the hype around the game. This could also be a strategic move to boost community engagement, as players are often excited by new Pokémon designs.
What does this mean for players?
For players, this means they can look forward to a broad and fresh experience in Pokémon Winds and Waves. The chance to play with a greater variety of Pokémon, including new forms and regional variants, could significantly deepen strategy and enjoyment. On top of that, if the game does make use of Nintendo Switch 2’s improved technology, we can expect a visually impressive world that makes exploring and interacting with Pokémon even more appealing.
Timeline
2026-07-08: Article published with the first rumors about Pokémon Winds and Waves.
2027-07-08: Planned release date for Pokémon Winds and Waves.
Related GAME-scanner articles
Sources
Tweet van @CentroLeaksTweet van @CentroLeaksTraditionally, each new mainline Pokemon game introduces around 100 new Pokemon--Generations 6-9 were the exception here--and we've already seen the starter Pokemon for Generation 10--Browt, Pombon, and Gecqua. According to the usually reliable Centro Leaks, Pokemon Winds and Waves will have around 300 new Pokemon and forms in the game, and that's an important distinction. If the trio of starter Pokemon follows the usual pattern of having two evolutionary forms, then that's nine Pokemon right of
Tweet van @CentroLeaksTweet van @CentroLeaksTraditionally, each new mainline Pokemon game introduces around 100 new Pokemon--Generations 6-9 were the exception here--and we've already seen the starter Pokemon for Generation 10--Browt, Pombon, and Gecqua. According to the usually reliable Centro Leaks, Pokemon Winds and Waves will have around 300 new Pokemon and forms in the game, and that's an important distinction. If the trio of starter Pokemon follows the usual pattern of having two evolutionary forms, then that's nine Pokemon right of
Tweet van @CentroLeaksTweet van @CentroLeaksPokemon Winds and Waves ' Pokedex will include 530 species , a Salandit cross-gen evolution that's Poison/Dragon, special battle forms for Arcanine, Kecleon, Lucario, and Pikachu, and MMO-lite features for online gameplay. According to recent leaks, Pokemon Winds and Waves will have 300 new Pokemon , which is an astounding number and almost double that of the largest generations in the series (Gen 5 with 156 Pokemon and Gen 1 with 151, respectively). If these leaks are true, then Pokemon Winds a
Tweet van @CentroLeaksTweet van @CentroLeaksSource: Billy via Centro Leaks