When rumors and leaks for the Nintendo Switch 2 first started dropping, I was as excited as anyone. There's no denying the staying power of the original Switch, and I wasn't deterred as it slowly became clear that it was, more or less, just stronger and better hardware. I wish it were something with a little more of that Nintendo weird energy to it, but I was fine with that. But as the Nintendo Switch 2 got closer and closer, I decided against buying it for one major reason: the games.
None of the Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives so far speak to me enough to buy the new hybrid console, especially when what does speak to me is also available on my original Switch. Pokemon Legends: Z-A was available on my original Switch, so there was no point (to me) in buying a Switch 2 just for the upgrade. The same goes for Metroid Prime 4. In fact, buying a Nintendo Switch 2 to play Metroid Prime 4 is probably the only way that game could have been more disappointing for me. I'm not a big Kirby fan, nor am I a big Mario fan, so while I want to play Kirby Air Riders and Mario Kart World eventually, I felt like I could wait. The biggest loss is Donkey Kong Bananza, but I couldn't convince myself to buy it mainly for DK.
However, the time may soon be upon me. Am I worried about paying more for a Nintendo Switch 2 because of the state of the economy and/or the RAM Crisis? Yeah. But if I am anything, it's irresponsible with money. All signs point toward February 27 debuting a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive that I cannot, in good conscience, miss out on: Pokemon Gen 10.
Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa acknowledged the volatility of the RAM market but did say that no price increases are on the horizon. However, Nintendo continues to monitor the situation, and that could change.
February 27 Could Signal the Beginning of My Nintendo Switch 2 Era
At the start of the new year, the Japanese Pokemon Twitter account posted "Pokemon 30th anniversary, Here we go! 30 years since the release of Pokemon Red and Green. On February 27, 2026 (Friday), Pokemon turns 30. I have a feeling this year is going to be the best one yet! Look forward to it!"
While this is a pretty standard announcement for an IP, a new year, and an anniversary, it seems to reinforce all the rumors and leaks that Pokemon Gen 10 will be revealed on Pokemon Day 2026, aka February 27. Even if I am seeing this through rose-tinted glasses (of sorts), everything points toward February 27 as the reveal for Pokemon Gen 10, likely releasing later in 2026. As soon as I know Pokemon Gen 10 is 100% real, I am buying that Nintendo Switch 2.
That'll give me plenty of time (and then some) to play the Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives I've missed out on, while eagerly awaiting new developments, new Pokemon, new looks, and so forth. That said, plenty of information is available about Pokemon Wind and Waves right now thanks to the Teraleak 2.
The Big Details Leaked About Pokemon Gen 10 Right Now
- Pokemon Wind and Waves (although the exact pluralization is unclear) are the official names of Pokemon Gen 10
- They are Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives
- The Legendary Pokemon have designs tied to "wind grandpa and wave grandma"
- Pokemon Wind and Waves' battle gimmick is tied to the weather, with videos online somewhat showing it in action
- Pokemon Gen 10 starters and starting location are found within a big tourist city
- There is a hub area based on a Resort
- The region is based in Southeast Asia
- There appears to be some degree of procedural generation for its islands
- There is a special pokemon referred to as a Seed Pokemon, which will have a base form and utilize procedural generation when it evolves.
- There may be Raid Battles and shareable maps
- A lot of Pokemon are getting redesigned models, including Charizard, Pikachu, Machamp, and Lumineon
- Pokemon Gen 10 Gyms and Titan Pokemon are mixed, with a total of 18 challenges for players to complete
- Players can allegedly beat Gen 10's final boss immediately and roll credits, but all 18 challenges are required for the true ending
Pokemon Gen 10 and the Nintendo Switch 2 Sound Like a Heaven I Can't Miss Out On
While the Teraleak seems more reliable than most leaks, it's worth reiterating that all of that is worth taking with a grain of salt. Some of it gives me pause. The hub, Raid Battles, and all that make sense given the direction of the franchise, but procedural generation in a Pokemon game caught my off-guard. It truly depends on how it's implemented. That said, I am deeply curious about a Pokemon that utilizes procedural generation for its evolution, meaning practically no players will have the same Seed Pokemon.
What I do know is that I won't miss a Pokemon game. Pokemon Yellow was my first video game ever, and every generation gets me excited. No, I didn't care that Pokemon Sword and Shield really didn't leverage the Switch's capabilities. No, I didn't care that the performances and graphics in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet weren't perfect. Pokemon, I buy day one and buy a new platform if needed—no questions asked. Not every game is on the same quality-wise, of course, but the simple truth is, Pokemon is always a console-selling IP for me. And I can't wait to dive into Pokemon Gen 10 and enjoy some games I've missed out on in the meantime. Well, as long as February 27 brings in a new Direct and a new region to Pokemon.