Celebrating 30 Years of Pokémon: Key Highlights from the Anniversary Pokémon Presents Event
The year 2026 marks a significant milestone in the history of the Pokémon franchise, heralding its 30th anniversary. On February 27, 2026, fans around the globe celebrated the monumental release of the original Pokémon Red and Green games in Japan. Today’s Pokémon Presents event was anticipated with excitement as it showcased a range of upcoming projects from The Pokémon Company, spanning mobile applications, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), and much more, including mainline titles for the Nintendo Switch and its successor, the Nintendo Switch 2.
Introduction of Generation 10 Pokémon Games
The highlight of the event was the announcement of the Generation 10 Pokémon games, titled Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves. This new installment will introduce players to an expansive open-world experience that features an innovative underwater exploration component. Notably, these will be the first mainline Pokémon titles developed exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2.
While these games are scheduled for release in 2027, historical trends suggest a likely launch around Fall 2027.
Introducing New Starter Pokémon
Fans were also thrilled to learn about the new trio of starter Pokémon for this upcoming generation. Continuing the tradition of Grass, Fire, and Water types, the new starters include:
- Browt – A delightful Grass-type resembling a small chick adorned with leaf-like brows.
- Pombon – This Fire-type Pokémon draws inspiration from the Pomeranian breed, both in name and appearance.
- Gecqua – A Water-type that offers a charming gecko aesthetic, making it distinctive and appealing.



Exploration of New Regions
While the name of the new region has yet to be unveiled, early glimpses suggest inspiration drawn from the landscapes of Southeast Asia. As we await further details closer to the release date, one thing is certain: Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves are poised to be the most visually striking games in the franchise’s history.
Additional Announcements
In addition to the significant developments concerning Generation 10, the presentation also featured some exciting news:
- Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is slated to join the Nintendo Classics library in March 2026, though no exact date was provided.
- Pokémon Champions, a collaborative battling game for the Nintendo Switch/Switch 2 and mobile platforms, is expected to launch in April 2026. Players will be able to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Fire Red and Pokémon Leaf Green through Pokémon Home.

Upcoming Releases and Merchandise
The event also reminded fans of the imminent release of Pokémon Pokopia, set to hit the Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5, 2026. Additionally, a new form of Mega Garchomp will be introduced as part of the Mega Dimensions DLC for Pokémon Legends Z-A, which launched in December 2025.
Lastly, to honor three decades of Pokémon, several new pieces of merchandise were announced, enriching the franchise’s extensive collection for commemorators and fans alike.
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