Pokémon Company Announces Winds and Waves: Release Date & Details

• Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves officially announced as the next main series RPGs, arriving in 2027 on Nintendo Switch 2.
• Fan-favorite remakes, Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version, are now available on Nintendo eShop.
• New battle-focused title, Pokémon Champions, launches April 2026 for Nintendo Switch and mobile, with Pokémon HOME connectivity to Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
• Cozy multiplayer builder, Pokémon Pokopia, is set to debut on Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5, 2026.
• A new, globally coordinated Pokémon TCG celebratory expansion is planned for 2026 to mark the 30th anniversary.
• Interest lists for the all-new fan convention PokémonXP and the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco open April 2.
• A fierce new form, Mega Garchomp Z, has been discovered for Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension, obtainable via a new Mystery Gift.

Today’s Pokémon Presents was more than just another anniversary stream; it was a 30-year victory lap packed with significant announcements that set the stage for the franchise’s future. As Lead Tech Analyst here at In Game News, I can say this presentation offered exactly what veteran trainers and newcomers alike were hoping for: a clear vision of what's next, paired with some fantastic nods to the past.

The entire broadcast leaned heavily into the 30th-anniversary celebrations, appropriately dubbed the "What’s Your Favourite?" campaign. It's a smart move, especially with Pokémon GO hitting its 10-year milestone. As Kenji Okubo, president of The Pokémon Company International, put it:

“Pokémon has captured the imagination of millions around the world. This Pokémon Day is extra special as we kick off the celebration of 30 years of Pokémon with exciting announcements for Trainers everywhere. I can’t wait to see ‘What’s Your Favourite’ as we embark on new adventures together.”

That sentiment perfectly captures the mood today. Let's dive into the biggest reveals that have us buzzing.

Generation Next: Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves Usher in a New Era on Switch 2

This was easily the headline grabber. GAME FREAK inc. is taking us to an entirely new region with the next main series RPGs, Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, slated for a 2027 release on the Nintendo Switch 2. Yes, you read that right – Nintendo Switch 2. This is massive for a couple of reasons. First, it confirms the existence of the rumored console (at least from a Pokémon Company perspective), and second, it implies these games will be pushing boundaries we haven't seen before in the series.

The description hints at an open world filled with "beautiful windswept islands and a vast ocean with glittering waves," which sounds like a dream for exploration. Our new journey begins with a choice of three first partner Pokémon, each with distinct flavors:

Meet Your New Partners

• Browt, the Bean Chick Pokémon: A Grass-type with Overgrow, standing at 1′ and weighing 7.7 lbs. Visually, we're picturing something adorable, likely a plant-based critter that could grow into a formidable force.
• Pombon, the Puppy Pokémon: A Fire-type with Blaze, a bit larger at 1′4″ and 14.8 lbs. Fire-type starters are always popular, and a puppy Pokémon has massive appeal. We're hoping for a strong final evolution.
• Gecqua, the Water Gecko Pokémon: The Water-type option with Torrent, matching Browt's height at 1′ but slightly heavier at 9.5 lbs. Water geckos often lead to sleek, agile designs, which could make for an interesting combatant.

Our take? This trio feels fresh. The move to an open world on new hardware promises a real generation-defining experience, a true game-changer after the iterative steps we've seen in recent years. Plus, the official support for Brazilian Portuguese is a smart, welcome move towards global inclusivity, which we always advocate for.

Pokémon Champions: The Battle Arena Calls

For those who live for competitive play, Pokémon Champions is arriving this April 2026 on Nintendo Switch, with mobile integration later this year. This title looks like a direct nod to the competitive scene, culminating in its presence at the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco. The most intriguing aspect? Its connectivity with Pokémon HOME and Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Being able to transfer Pokémon between these titles is a fantastic QoL feature, allowing trainers to bring their best to the arena.

Even better, trainers can snag special Mega Stones (Chesnaughtite, Delphoxite, and Greninjite) by linking and transferring their corresponding Pokémon from Pokémon Legends: Z-A. This is a brilliant incentive and connects the lore across games in a meaningful way. We're definitely keeping an eye on the meta that emerges from this system.

Pokémon Pokopia: Crafting Your Cozy Corner

Launching March 5, 2026, also on Nintendo Switch 2, Pokémon Pokopia sounds like the chill, creative counterpoint to the more intense adventures. This "cozy new adventure" focuses on building a world for everyone, complete with multiplayer support for up to three friends. The ability to visit other towns and even bring a Pokémon along for exploration is a great touch, echoing the social aspects many players enjoy in life-sim games. We’re anticipating some serious community engagement here, with players showing off their unique towns.

Celebrating History: FireRed & LeafGreen Return, TCG Expands

In a move that tugged at every veteran trainer's heartstrings, Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version are now available on the Nintendo eShop. The original Kanto remakes hitting Switch is pure nostalgia gold. It's a perfect way to celebrate 30 years by revisiting where many of us truly began our Pokémon journey.

The Pokémon TCG isn't missing out on the anniversary action either, with a new celebratory expansion slated for 2026. What's truly notable is that this will be the first-ever TCG expansion to debut with a simultaneously coordinated global launch. This is huge for the TCG community, ensuring everyone gets to partake in the celebration at the same time and preventing some of the regional disparities we've seen in the past.

Beyond the games, the Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue Game Music Collection: Game Boy Jukebox and the "Opening Scene" merchandise collection offer physical ways to appreciate the franchise's origins. That Game Boy Jukebox sounds like an essential collectible for any true fan.

Mega Evolutions and More: Legends: Z-A Gets a Garchomp Boost

Finally, Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension received a significant update with the revelation of Mega Garchomp Z. This new form of the already terrifying Mach Pokémon promises to shake up battles. Players can now claim a Mystery Gift that unlocks a special hyperspace distortion where they can battle for a Garchompite Z stone. This keeps the upcoming Legends: Z-A fresh and exciting, adding a new layer to the already popular Mega Evolution mechanic.

Beyond these tentpole announcements, we also saw updates for a slew of popular mobile games and apps, including Pokémon GO, Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, Pokémon Sleep, Pokémon UNITE, Pokémon Masters EX, and Pokémon Café ReMix. The ecosystem is alive and thriving, ensuring every corner of the Pokémon world is catered to.

This Pokémon Presents delivered. It wasn't just a look back, but a strong forward momentum for the franchise, signaling that 30 years in, Pokémon is more ambitious than ever. We're already counting down the days until 2027 for Winds and Waves, but with Champions and Pokopia hitting the Switch 2 much sooner, our Pokedexes will be busy.

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