The wait for a brand new Pokémon journey is almost over! While we were able to explore the streets of Lumiose City in Pokémon Legends: Z-A just last year, it sadly didn’t scratch that traditional Poké itch I’ve been searching for. Now, with the Pokémon 30th anniversary well under way, we finally have answers regarding the future of Pokémon — and there’s plenty to be excited about.
The Pokémon Company held a 25 minute presentation on last Friday, and while it was great to learn more about Pokémon Champions, Pokémon Pokopia and the new Mega Garchomp Z DLC, now available for the Pokémon Legends: Z-A, I was disappointed yet again when there was no further news on a Pokémon Mystery Dungeon game — it’s been six years too long!
That said, it was the last three minutes of the presentation that made up for it by revealing Pokémon Winds and Waves, confirming that the tenth generation is on the way!
The trailer opened with a nostalgic trip down memory lane of the previous nine generations. At the end, a door opens, with an adorable Pikachu couple welcoming us into the new region.
The New Fire, Grass and Water Starter Pack
One of my favourite things about a new generation reveal is finding out who the starters are. This generation appears to follow the traditional fire, water and grass starter types. The fire type dog, Pombon, who reminds me of my family dog, is almost certainly going to be my pick. Carrying on Rowlet’s proud legacy is Browt, the new grass type bird. For the new water type starter, we have Gecqua, a Pokémon that resembles a gecko (Sobble’s sassy cousin, perhaps?). Unfortunately, no other tenth generation Pokémon were shown.
A Drop in the Ocean
The first look at the landscape is stunning and although I’m impressed so far, it remains to be seen how the in-game graphics will compare. For the sea lovers out there, I couldn’t help but notice that this region is looking like it may have even more ocean than Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. Getting a glimpse of Pokémon underwater hints at a possible return of the Dive mechanic, which I’m really excited for.
Pokémon Winds and Waves are currently in development and set to be globally released in 2027 as Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives. It’s no Pokémon Mystery Dungeon game, but I’m bubbling with excitement all the same. Here’s hoping we’ve all decided on our starters by then!
