Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, the Generation 10 mainline games, were officially announced on February 27, 2026, during a Pokémon Presents event marking the franchise’s 30th anniversary. They are exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 and scheduled for a simultaneous worldwide release in 2027. The games feature an open-world archipelago setting with windswept islands and a vast ocean. The starters are Browt (Grass-type Bean Chick Pokémon), Pombon (Fire-type Puppy Pokémon), and Gecqua (Water-type Water Gecko Pokémon). Special Pikachu forms called Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu also appeared in the reveal.
Much of the pre-announcement and post-announcement information comes from the so-called Teraleak (or Teraleak 2), a major data breach of Game Freak materials that first surfaced in 2024 and expanded significantly in October 2025. Subsequent reports from accounts such as Centro Leaks, Light88, and Billy have added layers of detail. Many early claims about the titles, region inspiration, and basic structure aligned with the official trailer. Later leaks remain unverified and subject to change during development. Here is a consolidated roundup of the reported details.
Origins and Core Development Claims
Early Teraleak documents allegedly referenced the titles Pokémon Wind and Pokémon Waves (later standardized as Winds and Waves), directed by Shigeru Ohmori. The overarching theme was described as “Infinity,” focusing on connections between past, present, and future generations of people, Pokémon, and nature. The region draws heavy inspiration from Indonesia and broader Southeast Asia, shifting away from earlier Greece-based rumors.
An internal target release window of September 2027 has been mentioned in later reports, though this is not official and could shift.
Region, Map, and Exploration
The setting is an archipelago with a reported mix of roughly 17 major islands (including an uninhabited one) plus numerous smaller ones, surrounding oceans, and deep-sea areas. A compiled map based on Teraleak data has circulated, marking gyms, points of interest, research labs, caves, and legendary temples. Diverse biomes include tropical jungles, snowy areas, lava zones, and underwater environments. Diving is said to return after a long absence.
Players reportedly begin in a large tourist city or hotel island hub with MMO-lite social elements. Procedural generation of certain islands (influenced by a companion Pokémon) was a recurring early claim, though some reports suggest aspects may have been scaled back. Survival elements in jungle areas and a focus on weather interactions appear frequently in the materials.
Starters, New Pokémon, and Pokédex Size
Official starters are confirmed as listed above. Leaks claim their final evolutions receive dual typing: Browt as Grass/Ground, Pombon as Fire/Fairy (remaining quadrupedal and lion- or dog-like), and Gecqua as Water/Psychic.
One of the most discussed claims is a Pokédex of around 530 species with roughly 300 new Pokémon or forms (based on placeholder slots in builds). This would be the largest single-generation addition ever. The number includes new species, regional variants, and weather forms tied to the battle gimmick.
Specific new Pokémon teased via riddles or descriptions include:
- A three-stage Komodo dragon-inspired line (pseudo-Legendary, developing wings and fire-breathing ability).
- A pirate-themed bird.
- A tree kangaroo with boxing or Fighting-type themes.
- A long-beaked echidna with sniper-like attacks.
- A tapir (possibly linked to a Buddha-inspired design or Drowzee regional).
- Version-exclusive or related sun hornbill and moon rabbit designs.
Regional forms or evolutions are reported for Salandit (Poison/Dragon), Psyduck (Ice/Psychic with new evolutions), Drowzee (new regional plus Buddha-inspired evolution), Shellos, Nincada, Houndour, Zweilous, Onix, Clamperl, and others. Weather forms (gimmick transformations) are claimed for Pikachu, Arcanine, Lucario, Kecleon, and at least seven new Gen 10 Pokémon, plus the box legendaries.
Battle System and New Mechanics
Battles are described as turn-based but more dynamic, allowing any number of opposing Pokémon to join or exit mid-fight (similar to elements in Legends: Z-A), with horde encounters returning. The signature gimmick is often called Tenko-Waza or Weather Technique (sometimes referenced as Netsu), involving weather-influenced moves and form changes.
Catching outside of battle returns in the style of the Legends games. Recent Teraleak footage reportedly shows a power meter that controls throw distance, with the player character reacting after a full charge.
Other features mentioned include ride licenses, Pokémon rescue activities, improved character animations, and potential MMO-style raid or lobby elements on the starting island. Voice acting was planned in some early materials but may have been reduced or removed.
Legendaries and the Seed Pokémon
The box legendaries are described as a Garuda-like creature for Winds (tied to wind or storms, sometimes characterized with an “old man” role) and a Naga-like mermaid for Waves. They live on a special island and interact primarily with trainers who have properly raised a Seed Pokémon.
The Seed Pokémon is a recurring and distinctive claim. Players obtain one early. It must be raised to a certain point to access the legendary island. Its evolution is said to feature unique, potentially procedural patterns (flowers, fractals, or environment-based variations), making each player’s version distinct. It ties into the weather system, story progression, and legendary encounters. Some reports frame it as a companion that adapts based on location, battles, and story choices.
Story, Characters, Gyms, and Elite Four
The narrative is said to feature three main plotlines and three companions: one native focused on protecting nature and opposing development, one heir to a major company initially unaware of its impact, and one originally from Kanto. Themes revolve around environmental balance, corporate influence, and morally complex decisions. The Champion is described as protective (sometimes aggressively so) of the region and Seed Pokémon. A rival of the opposite gender to the player and Lt. Surge’s son (using a Raichu) have also been mentioned.
Gym types are listed in leaks as Grass, Poison, Flying, Fighting, Dark, Normal, Steel, and Fairy (possibly challengeable in flexible order on different islands). Special “Majin” battles cover Fire, Psychic, Ice, Ground, Rock, and Ghost. The Elite Four types are reported as Electric, Water, Bug, and Dragon.
Other Details and Caveats
Returning Pokémon sighted in materials or early builds include various classics such as Charizard, Pikachu, Lucario, and others. Some leaks reference a Rotom-related vehicle or scooter. Graphics and animation improvements over previous titles have been highlighted in recent footage comparisons.
All of the above beyond the official announcement details should be treated as unconfirmed. Development builds evolve, features get cut or expanded (as seen with past games and DLC), and some Teraleak information dates to earlier stages of production. The Switch 2 exclusivity and inability to easily datamine the final product mean most information continues to rely on these secondary sources until official reveals resume, which some leakers suggest may not occur until closer to 2027.
Pokémon Winds and Waves already stand out for the scale of reported ambition in new Pokémon numbers, weather-driven forms, and exploratory freedom. As more official information arrives, many of these claims will either solidify or fade. For now, they provide the fullest picture available of what Generation 10 may deliver.
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