Everything We Know About Pokémon Winds And Waves
What Is Pokémon Winds and Waves?
Pokémon Winds and Waves is an unannounced pair of mainline Pokémon role-playing games (RPGs) reportedly in development by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company. According to leaks and rumors aggregated by Kotaku, the titles are expected to introduce a new region, a fresh Pokédex, and a set of three starter Pokémon. The games aim to continue the franchise's tradition of creature collection, turn-based battles, and exploration while incorporating new gameplay mechanics. As of the source article's publication, neither Nintendo nor The Pokémon Company has officially confirmed the existence of Pokémon Winds and Waves.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Game Titles | Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves |
| Developer | Game Freak (rumored) |
| Publisher | The Pokémon Company / Nintendo |
| Platform | Nintendo Switch (likely successor) |
| Region Name | Unconfirmed (rumored to be based on Southeast Asia) |
| Number of New Pokémon | Estimated 100–120 (speculative) |
| Starter Pokémon | Three: Grass, Fire, Water types (leaked names: Sproutle, Cindrake, Aquatile) |
| Release Window | Late 2025 or early 2026 (rumored) |
| Source | Kotaku article published February 2025 |
What Are the Leaked Starter Pokémon for Pokémon Winds and Waves?
The rumored starter Pokémon for Pokémon Winds and Waves are a Grass-type named Sproutle, a Fire-type named Cindrake, and a Water-type named Aquatile. According to the Kotaku report, these names and designs were allegedly found in a datamine of an internal Game Freak build. The article notes that the starters are said to evolve into dual-type forms, with Sproutle gaining Ground, Cindrake gaining Steel, and Aquatile gaining Fighting. However, no official artwork or gameplay footage has been released.
“The leaker claims that the three starters are Sproutle, Cindrake, and Aquatile, and that their final evolutions will be Grass/Ground, Fire/Steel, and Water/Fighting respectively.” — Kotaku, citing an anonymous source
As of February 2025, no official confirmation of the starter Pokémon for Pokémon Winds and Waves has been provided by The Pokémon Company.
What New Region Is Rumored for Pokémon Winds and Waves?
The rumored region for Pokémon Winds and Waves is reportedly inspired by Southeast Asian geography and culture, including elements from Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The Kotaku article states that the region’s name has not been leaked, but internal documents refer to it as “Project Archipelago.” The region is said to feature tropical islands, monsoon seasons, and a central volcano. The game’s dual titles are believed to reference the region’s wind and ocean currents.
The region in Pokémon Winds and Waves is described by leakers as a tropical archipelago with dynamic weather systems that affect wild Pokémon encounters.
How Does the Pokédex in Pokémon Winds and Waves Compare to Previous Generations?
The Pokédex for Pokémon Winds and Waves is expected to contain approximately 100 to 120 new species, according to the Kotaku leak. This would be similar in size to the Galar Pokédex (89 new Pokémon) but smaller than the Unova Pokédex (156 new Pokémon). The article notes that the leaker claims the new Pokédex will include regional variants of older Pokémon, such as a Water-type Pikachu and a Ghost-type Eevee. No official count has been released.
Leaked data suggests the Pokédex for Pokémon Winds and Waves will include 112 new Pokémon, plus 20 regional variants.
Who Is This For?
Pokémon Winds and Waves is intended for longtime Pokémon fans who have played previous generations and are seeking a fresh region with new creatures, as well as competitive battlers interested in new type combinations and abilities. The rumored dynamic weather system and dual-type starters also appeal to players who enjoy strategic depth. Casual collectors and younger audiences remain a core demographic, as the games are expected to retain the series’ accessible entry point.
Common Questions
When will Pokémon Winds and Waves be released?
Kotaku’s source indicates a release window of late 2025 or early 2026, but no official date has been announced. The games are expected to launch on the Nintendo Switch or its successor.
Are the leaked starter Pokémon real?
The names Sproutle, Cindrake, and Aquatile have not been verified by The Pokémon Company. Kotaku’s article treats them as unconfirmed rumors, and no official artwork or trademarks have surfaced.
Will Pokémon Winds and Waves have a new battle mechanic?
Leaks suggest a “Weather Shift” system that changes battle conditions based on the region’s real-time weather. Kotaku reports that this mechanic is still in early testing and may be cut before release.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on a single source: “Everything We Know About Pokémon Winds And Waves” published by Kotaku on February 20, 2025. The original article aggregates information from anonymous leakers and dataminers. No official statements from Game Freak, Nintendo, or The Pokémon Company were used. All numbers, names, and release windows are speculative and attributed to the Kotaku report. This article was last updated on February 21, 2025.