Everything We Know About Pokémon Winds & Waves and Pokémon Champions

The Pokémon franchise is moving into a new phase with two major projects: the 10th core generation, set in a region inspired by Southeast Asia, and a title entirely focused on competitive battles.

Below, we have gathered and organized all the information released and perhaps some leaked so far, categorized by game.

Region and Setting

According to revealed information and previous leaks, the new region is inspired by Southeast Asia, featuring islands that evoke locations like Singapore, Malaysia, and Bali. The setting highlights a vast maritime environment, reinforcing the proposal of exploration between islands and oceanic areas.

Your main character will wear a different outfit depending on the version of the game: White for the Winds version and Blue for the Waves version.

Official Trailer

The trailer also suggests:

- Underwater exploration, including the possibility of catching Pokémon beneath the surface.

- A heavy focus on the sea and navigation.

- Protagonists with a sporty look using surfboards, indicating surfing mechanics and aquatic travel.

Mysterious Characters

Among the characters introduced are:

- Mr. Windychu: A male tropical version of Pikachu.

- Ms. Wavychu: A female tropical version of Pikachu.

Both seem to play a relevant role in the narrative. There is speculation that each Pikachu belongs to a specific version of the game.

New Starters and Confirmed Pokémon List

So far, three entirely new species have been confirmed:

- Pombon: Fire-type

- Gecqua: Water-type

- Browt: Grass-type

In addition to them, several Pokémon from previous generations have already been confirmed, including:

- Pikachu (Pichu, Raichu)

- Oddish (Gloom, Vileplume, Bellossom)

- Krabby (Kingler)

- Tangela (Tangrowth)

- Ledyba, Ledian

- Slugma (Magcargo)

- Wingull (Pelipper)

- Taillow (Swellow)

- Wailmer, Wailord

- Duskull (Dusclops, Dusknoir)

- Corsola

- Mareanie, Toxapex

- Sandygast (Palossand)

- Tropius

- Carnivine

- Tympole (Palpitoad, Seismitoad)

- Nymble (Lokix)

- Sizzlipede (Centiskorch)

- Finneon (Lumineon)

- Frillish (Jellicent)

- Tynamo (Eelektrik, Eelektross)

- Browt, Pombon, and Gecqua

Battle System and Other Details

The combat system has not yet been fully detailed, and the final format of the battles remains undefined.

Other key points:

- Expected release in 2027;

- Exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2;

- The announcement was the highlight of the Pokémon Presents celebrating the franchise's 30th anniversary.

Game Concept

Pokémon Champions is a title dedicated to competitive battles, featuring turn-based encounters in an experience accessible to both casual players and the competitive scene.

The concept is reminiscent of classics like Pokémon Stadium, focusing exclusively on combat between trainers.

Official Trailer

Platforms and Release Date

- Nintendo Switch: April 2026

- Mobile: Also in 2026, specific date TBD

- Developed by The Pokémon Works

- Compatible with Pokémon HOME, allowing the transfer of Pokémon from other games.

Rewards and Launch Campaign

Players who download the game early will receive:

- A Dragonite via in-game mail

- By progressing through the battle pass, it will be possible to obtain Dragoniteite for Mega Evolution

A special campaign will also allow players to obtain Mega Stones:

- Chesnaughtite

- Delphoxite

- Greninjite

- Floettite

These rewards will be linked to transferring Pokémon obtained in Pokémon Legends: Z-A to Pokémon HOME and then to Champions.

Support Characters

Upon starting your competitive journey, several trainers will assist you:

- Tatora: Introduction to the competitive scene

- Kitt: Pokémon selection at the Roster Ranch

- Cordy: Strategy tips throughout battles

- Caraway and Kajima: Present in the Battle Arena

With Winds & Waves expanding exploration and the tropical setting, and Champions strengthening the competitive scene, the franchise seems to be heading in two clear directions: innovation in the main RPG series and the centralization of battles on a dedicated platform. This latter shift is something that VGC fans have long been asking for.

Let’s see how these new projects unfold! Which one is your favorite so far?