The wait is finally over. The Pokémon Company has officially unveiled Pokémon Winds and Waves, the long-awaited Generation 10 titles, during a massive 30th-anniversary Pokémon Presents broadcast. Confirming months of speculation, the reveal showcased the three new starters—including the viral fire-type Pombon—and confirmed a significant graphical overhaul designed to leverage the power of the Nintendo Switch 2. As the franchise celebrates three decades of catching 'em all, this announcement marks a pivotal shift toward next-generation hardware and a lush, tropical open world.
Gen 10 Pokémon Starters: Meet Browt, Pombon, and Gecqua
The highlight of the February 2026 presentation was undoubtedly the introduction of the trio that will accompany trainers across the new archipelago region. Breaking from recent traditions, Game Freak revealed the starters immediately, sparking fierce debate over which partner reigns supreme.
Browt, the Grass-type "Bean Chick" Pokémon, has already charmed fans with its leaf-shaped eyebrows and clumsy demeanor. Standing at just one foot tall, this avian creature is described as lively but prone to tripping, a personality quirk that suggests a charismatic evolution line. Meanwhile, Gecqua, the Water-type "Water Gecko" Pokémon, brings a cool, intelligent attitude to the group. Its sleek, blue design hints at high speed and agility, perfect for the game's confirmed underwater exploration mechanics.
Pombon Fire Starter Evolution Leaks and Theories
However, the true breakout star is Pombon, the Fire-type "Puppy" Pokémon. Resembling a fluffy orange Pomeranian with a mane that eclipses its tiny body, Pombon has dominated social media trends since the broadcast. While the official trailer kept evolutions under wraps, recent Pokémon Winds and Waves leaks suggest that the Pombon fire starter evolution may lean into a majestic, lion-like canine design, possibly breaking the long-standing Chinese Zodiac fan theory. Leakers from January correctly predicted the "goofy" nature of the grass starter, lending credibility to rumors that Pombon's final form will be a powerful physical attacker with a dual Fire/Fairy typing.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pokémon Gameplay and Visual Overhaul
Perhaps the most significant news for hardcore fans is the confirmed platform. Pokémon Winds and Waves will launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027, bypassing the original hardware entirely. This shift has allowed for a dramatic visual upgrade. The debut trailer featured sweeping shots of wind-swept islands, dense mangrove swamps, and crystal-clear oceans that reflect real-time weather changes.
The footage teased seamless open-world gameplay that appears to build on the foundation of Scarlet and Violet but with the performance stability fans have been clamoring for. Textures on the Pokémon themselves looked visibly detailed, with Pombon’s fur and Gecqua’s scales rendering with impressive fidelity. The trailer also hinted at a new traversal mechanic involving wind currents and deep-sea diving, fully utilizing the upgraded processing power of the new console.
New Special Pikachu Variants and Anniversary Surprises
No anniversary celebration would be complete without the franchise mascot. The Pokémon 30th Anniversary news segment revealed two New Special Pikachu variants exclusive to these titles: "Mr. Windychu" and "Ms. Wavychu." These unique forms don vacation-themed attire—a button-down shirt and a floral skirt, respectively—and are said to play a central role in the narrative, distinct from standard wild Pikachu.
Beyond Gen 10, the Pokémon Presents February 2026 broadcast was packed with other announcements. Pokémon Champions, a turn-based battle simulator, is set for an April release, while the cult classic Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is finally coming to the Switch 2 Online service. Yet, all eyes remain fixed on the horizon of 2027, where the winds and waves of a new generation promise to redefine the Pokémon experience.
