The latest Pokémon Presents felt different, this time the stakes felt just a little bit higher. With the franchise officially hitting its 30th anniversary, fans were expecting a celebration for the ages. While the showcase occasionally drifted into “tame” territory with its mobile updates, the headline reveal ensured that 2027 is already marked in our digital calendars.
The Next Generation: Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves
The absolute “mic drop” of the presentation was our first glimpse at Generation 10. Titled Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, these titles are officially the first Pokémon games exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.
Set in a sprawling archipelago, the trailer teased a seamless open world where biomes range from tropical peaks to what appears to be fully explorable underwater trenches. The visual fidelity didn’t quite reach the “next-gen” heights I was hoping for, in fact it is looking a tad underwhelming for a Switch 2 exclusive, especially in a week where we see Resident Evil Requiem showcasing what the hardward is capable of. Props go the water effects though which are undeniably stunning, so much so that they feel out of place with the rest of the scene.
We also met our new best friends:
- Browt: A Grass-type bird that looks ready for a trek.
- Pombom: A Fire-type Pomeranian that is legally too cute to stay in a Poké Ball.
- Gecqua: A sleek Water-type gecko that is already a fan favourite.
We’ll have to wait until 2027 to set sail, but the scale of this oceanic adventure looks promising.
Retro Love and Island Vibes
If you can’t wait until next year, Nintendo had a “buy it now” surprise. Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green, the beloved 2004 GBA remakes are officially available on the Nintendo eShop today for both Switch and Switch 2. They include Pokémon Home compatibility, making them more than just a nostalgia trip.
For those looking for something more relaxed, Pokémon Pokopia received a fresh deep dive. We were introduced to Stereo Rotom (or “DJ Rotom” to its friends), a new form that lets you liven up your island with CDs so you can dance with your Pokémon. We also met Chef Dente, a Greedent who will teach you the culinary arts. Between the terraforming and the tunes, Pokopia is shaping up to be a sleeper hit when it launches next week. Between this, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, and Requiem, my switch use is in overdrive in 2026, keep it up Nintendo!
A Multiverse of Updates
The 30th-anniversary celebrations are touching every corner of the Pokémon ecosystem:
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A: The Mega Dimension DLC just got a boost with Mega Garchomp Z. If you like your Dragon-types looking like supersonic fighter jets, this one is for you. It’s available to download right now.
- Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness: The GameCube cult classic is finally joining the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack in March.
- Pokémon Champions: This “no-frills” battler is slated for an April release. Early adopters can snag a Dragonite with its Mega Stone as a bonus.
- Pokémon Unite: The Kanto trio (Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres) are joining the fray, with Johto starters Meganium, Typhlosion, and Feraligatr confirmed for the future.
Nostalgia You Can (Almost) Touch
In a quirky move, The Pokémon Company announced the Game Music Collection, a physical music player styled like a classic Game Boy. It comes with 45 separate “cartridges” featuring iconic tracks. Sadly, for those of us in Australia, these are Pokémon Center exclusives and currently unavailable for local purchase. It’s a bit of a sting for the collectors among us, but perhaps a signal that more physical treats are on the horizon.
