Pokemon Winds and Waves Will Introduce 2 New "Special" Pikachu

The reveal of the 10th generation of Pokemon games, Pokemon Winds and Waves, has also unveiled two “special” editions of the series’ iconic mascot Pikachu. The two Pikachu were first shown at the very beginning of Pokemon Winds and Waves’ reveal trailer, just before a first look at gameplay of the two new games was shown.

After numerous leaks and speculations circulated the internet, Game Freak officially revealed Pokemon Winds and Waves during a special 30th anniversary edition of its Pokemon Presents showcase. The first glimpse at the game revealed its tropical setting, with a host of familiar Pokemon seen navigating forest and island-themed areas. The reveal also showcased Pokemon Winds and Waves‘s new playable characters, who will have unique outfits depending on which version of the game players choose, and a look at the 10th generation of starter Pokemon that will join fans at the onset of their journey.

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Pokemon Winds and Waves Feature a Pair of Brand-New “Special” Pikachu

The reveal of Pokemon Winds and Waves, the Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive Pokemon titles set to be released in 2027, has also given fans their first look at a pair of “special” Pikachu. These two unique versions of the popular series mascot, named Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu, are clad in vacation-themed clothing that feels fitting given the game’s tropical island-themed aesthetic, though many fans will note that it is rare to find Pokemon in the series wearing any full set of clothing.

Mr. Windychu, the male variant of Pikachu from the trailer, is seen wearing a white and purple buttoned shirt, along with the variety of hat that the two protagonists will wear in Pokemon Winds. Similarly, Ms. Windychu is showcased with the baseball cap-style hat that the player’s character wears in Pokemon Waves, along with a blue skirt and top that feature a pattern of pink flowers. While Pokemon typically features creatures that are either male or female, the games usually showcase subtle differences between the two genders featured, such as the female Pikachu’s heart-shaped tail. That’s still the case here, but it appears that the games also explicitly refer to each Pikachu as “Mr.” or “Ms.”, respectfully. These unique Pikachu will play some type of role in the game’s greater storyline.

Given Pikachu’s status as Pokemon’s official mascot, the series has never shied away from creating special versions of the popular electric mouse. Pokemon Yellow, the updated edition of the series’ first two titles, Pokemon Red and Blue, featured Flying Pikachu — a version of the Pokemon with balloons tied to its body — in its opening cinematic. Although players were not able to obtain this Pikachu variant in the game, it was featured in future titles, appearing as a part of a special event in the game’s sequels, Pokemon Gold and Silver. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet recently featured an appearance from Flying Pikachu as part of a limited-time event. A Surfing Pikachu, which also made its video game debut in Pokemon Yellow as a part of a small mini-game, has also been a reoccurring theme in the games. Flying and Surfing Pikachu originate from the popular Pokemon Trading Card Game, and both are also featured as cards in the Game Boy Color title inspired by the card game.

While the clothing featured on these two editions of Pikachu may come as a surprise to longtime Pokemon fans, they also give a glimpse at the game’s themes and feel, with a distinct “vacation” vibe between the two. With Mr. Windychu and Ms Wavychu likely to play some role in the game’s storyline, developer Game Freak will have plenty of opportunities to help familiarize players with these rare Pikachu variants.