When rumors and leaks for Nintendo Switch 2 first started to drop, I was as excited as anyone. There's no denying the staying power of the original Switch, and I wasn't put off as it slowly became clear that it was more or less just stronger and better hardware. I wish it was something with a little more of Nintendo's weird energy, but I was fine with it. But as the Nintendo Switch 2 got closer and closer, I decided not to buy it for one important 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 speaks to me is also available on my original Switch. Pokemon Legends: ZA was available on my original Switch, so it didn't make sense (to me) to buy a Switch 2 just for the upgrade. The same applies to Metroid Prime 4. In fact, buy a Nintendo Switch 2 to play Metroid Prime 4 is probably the only way the game could have been more disappointing for me. I'm not big Kirby heck, I'm not big either Mario damn, so while i want to play Kirby Air Riders and Mario Kart World finally I felt I could wait. The biggest loss is Donkey Kong Bananabut I couldn't convince myself to buy it mainly for DK.
But 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? Yes. But if I'm anything, it's irresponsible with money. All signs point to the debut of an exclusive Nintendo Switch 2 on February 27th that I cannot in good conscience miss: Pokémon Gen 10.
February 27th may signal the beginning of my Nintendo Switch 2 era
At the beginning 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 will be the best yet! Looking forward to it!”
While this is a fairly standard announcement for an IP, a new year and an anniversary, it seems to reinforce all the rumors and leaks that Pokémon Gen 10 will be revealed on Pokemon Day 2026, aka February 27th. Although I'm looking at this through rose-tinted glasses (of sorts) everything points to February 27th as the reveal for Pokemon Gen 10, likely to be released later in 2026. As soon as I know Pokémon Gen 10 is 100% genuine, I'm buying that Nintendo Switch 2.
That will give me plenty of time (and then some) to play the Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives I've missed, while I eagerly await new developments, new Pokemon, new skins, and so on. That said, a lot of information is available about Pokemon wind and waves right now thanks to Teraleak 2.
The big details leaked about Pokemon Gen 10 just now
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Pokemon Wind and Waves (although the exact pluralization is unclear) are the official names of Pokemon Gen 10
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They are exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2
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The legendary Pokémon have patterns tied to “wind grandfather and wave grandmother”
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Pokemon Wind and Wave's battle gimmick is linked to the weather, with videos online somewhat showing it in action
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Pokemon Gen 10 starter and starting location is in a big tourist town
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There is a hub area based on a resort
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The region is based in Southeast Asia
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There seems to be some degree of procedural generation for its islands
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There is a special pokemon called a Seed Pokemon, which will have a base form and use procedural generation when it evolves.
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There may be Raid Battles and sharable maps
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Many Pokemon get redesigned models, including Charizard, Pikachu, Machamp, and Lumineon
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Pokemon Gen 10 Gyms and Titan Pokemon are mixed in, with a total of 18 challenges for players to complete
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Players can allegedly beat Gen 10's final boss instantly and roll credits, but all 18 challenges are required for the true ending
Pokemon Gen 10 and Nintendo Switch 2 sounds like heaven I can't miss
While Teraleak seems more reliable than most leaks, it's worth repeating that all of this is worth taking with a grain of salt. Part of it gives me pause. The hub, Raid Battles and everything that makes sense given the direction of the franchise, but procedural generation in a Pokémon the game captured me. It really depends on how it is implemented. That said, I'm deeply curious about a Pokémon that uses procedural generation for its evolution, meaning that virtually no players will have the same Seed Pokémon.
What I do know is that I won't miss one Pokémon game. Pokemon yellow was my first video game ever, and every generation gets me excited. No, I didn't care about that Pokemon Sword and Protect really didn't take advantage of the Switch's capabilities. No, I didn't care that the achievements and graphics were included Pokemon Scarlet and Violet were not perfect. Pokémoni buy day one and buy a new platform if needed – no questions asked. Not all games are equal in terms of quality, of course, but the simple truth is, Pokémon 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 in the meantime. Well, as long as February 27th brings in a new Direct and a new region for Pokemon.
