While it will likely be best for the series in the long run, there’s no denying that millions of Pokemon fans are being left behind in 2027. Pokemon is one of the most popular video game franchises in the world. It’s a multimedia phenomenon that includes wildly successful anime series, endless merchandise, a massive trading card game empire, and more.
Even though Pokemon extends far beyond the video games it originated from, the games are still the core releases that move the franchise forward. The new Pokemon and regions introduced in the games inform the rest of the franchise, inspiring new episodes of the anime, trading cards, and more. To be truly engrossed in the Pokemon world, you need to play the latest releases, and unfortunately for some fans, that will be a lot harder when it comes to Generation 10 in 2027.
Pokemon Winds and Waves Are Skipping Switch 1
It’s been confirmed that when the Generation 10 Pokemon games, Pokemon Winds and Waves, release in 2027, they will be skipping the OG Switch. Pokemon Winds and Waves will be Switch 2 exclusive games, and while that’s definitely a good thing for their performance and general quality, it will no doubt be a disappointing revelation for some longtime fans of the franchise. Even though the Switch 2 is one of the fastest-selling consoles of all time, there are still about 130 million more Switch 1 units out in the wild. It’s safe to say that there are millions of Pokemon fans that have yet to upgrade to the Switch 2 and may still not have the means to do so when Winds and Waves launch next year, so they will be missing out on the new games.
It will be even harder for Pokemon fans to upgrade to the Switch 2 in the near future. Nintendo is raising the Switch 2 price from $449.99 to $499.99 starting September 1, thanks to ongoing parts shortages and other global economic reasons. The good news is that Nintendo is going to be giving new Switch 2 adopters a free game, with the choice between Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, and the life-sim spin-off game Pokemon Pokopia.
Pokemon fans that have yet to upgrade to the Switch 2 should rest easy knowing that the console will at least be a safe investment. Pokemon Pokopia is the highest-rated game in the franchise to date, and while it isn’t a traditional Pokemon adventure, it’s something that can easily be played for hundreds of hours, especially if you are a creative type that likes designing and building your own cities. All the Switch 1 Pokemon games can readily be played on Switch 2 as well, plus there’s future games like Pokemon Winds and Waves in 2027 to look forward to.
It’s understandable that those that have yet to upgrade to Switch 2 may be disappointed that Pokemon is leaving them behind in 2027, but it’s ultimately what’s best for the franchise. By focusing on the Switch 2 hardware, Pokemon Winds and Waves will hopefully avoid Pokemon Scarlet and Violet‘s technical problems and deliver the best-looking main series Pokemon game in the process. Winds and Waves are expected to release late 2027, so Pokemon fans at least have plenty of time to prepare.
- Released
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2027
- Multiplayer
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Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
