A new adventure in the world of Pokémon is on the horizon following the reveal of Pokémon Winds and Waves, and questions are already being asked about the inspiration for the title and the region it is based on.
Pokémon Winds and Waves will release exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027, marking the tenth generation of the Pokémon franchise.
If you’ve got questions on the region and inspiration for Pokémon Winds and Waves, Insider Gaming has shared everything known so far.
What Region Is Pokémon Winds And Waves Based On?
The region that Pokémon Winds and Waves is based on has not been officially announced, but it’s widely understood to be based on Indonesia and the surrounding islands of Southeast Asia.
Winds and Waves looks set to be a sprawling adventure across multiple islands, lush jungles, and the depths of the ocean, with the trailer offering a hint of what fans can expect from the game.
Additional details on the Winds and Waves official website confirm this, stating that the titles “feature an open world to explore, with beautiful windswept islands and a vast ocean with glittering waves that ebb and flow.” The description also states the region has a “lush environment” that has seen Pokémon “develop their own unique ecosystems.”
That description also connects to Indonesia and Southeast Asia, which have a variety of animals and creatures that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Although Pokémon may never officially confirm the region as the inspiration for Winds and Waves, the real world has always served as inspiration for Pokémon games, including Scarlet and Violet being based on Spain, Sword and Shield based on England, and Sun and Moon based on Hawaii.
What Other Inspiration Is In Pokémon Gen 10?
Pokémon often appears to take inspiration from real-world creatures, mythicalogically beast, and elements of nature when developing games, which again seems to be present in Winds and Waves.
Although the reveals so far have been limited, the starter Pokémon all have strong resemblances to familiar creatures.
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Pombon, the Puppy Pokémon, has striking similarities to a Pomeranian, while Gecqua’s basis is clear with the category of the “Water Gecko Pokémon.” Finally, Browt is clearly based on a baby bird.
Given the names of the titles, the legendary Pokémon that headline Winds and Waves could well be tied to the sky and the sea. While there have already been Pokémon that fit those areas, Gen 10 could delve deeper into the world of Legendary Pokémon, tying the wind and the waves specifically to these new creatures.
What do you want to see featured in Pokémon Winds and Waves? Share your ideas in the Insider Gaming Discord.
For more Pokémon Winds and Waves, find out if the game is on Nintendo Switch 1, and take a look at what we learned from the first trailer.
