Pokemon games always face the tough challenge of balancing new creatures with familiar faces. Fans recently received a massive update regarding the series’ future. Developers officially confirmed 54 Pokemon for the upcoming ‘Pokemon Winds and Waves’.
This upcoming title specifically targets the Nintendo Switch 2 generation. Therefore, players should prepare for inevitable Pokedex cuts. A complete National Pokedex remains highly unlikely, meaning some fan favorites will inevitably miss the cut. However, the confirmed roster already gives players a solid idea of what to expect.
New Starters & Thematic Focus
First, players must learn three brand-new starter Pokemon. Game Freak revealed the base forms for this new generation, namely Browt, Pombon, and Gecqua. Historically, every starter Pokemon features a three-stage evolutionary line. Consequently, we treat these reveals as full, three-stage evolution lines that count toward the 54 total slots.
Additionally, early reveals highlight a very specific thematic bias. Currently, the Pokedex leans heavily toward Water and Flying-type Pokemon. This direction perfectly fits the unique themes showcased for Pokemon Winds and Waves so far.
The Confirmed Pokedex Returning in Pokemon Winds and Waves
Beyond the new starters, the game pulls creatures from several different generations. Furthermore, revealing one Pokemon essentially guarantees the presence of its entire evolutionary line. For example, Pikachu appearing confirms both Pichu and Raichu.
Here is the complete list of officially confirmed returning Pokemon lines:
| Pokemon Evolution Line | Generation Origins |
| Pichu – Pikachu – Raichu | Early Gen Icon |
| Oddish – Gloom – Vileplume – Bellossom | Early Gen Icon |
| Krabby – Kingler | Early Gen Icon |
| Tangela – Tangrowth | Early Gen Icon |
| Ledyba – Ledian | Early Gen Icon |
| Slugma – Magcargo | Early Gen Icon |
| Taillow – Swellow | Thematic Fit (Flying) |
| Wingull – Pelipper | Thematic Fit (Water/Flying) |
| Wailmer – Wailord | Thematic Fit (Water) |
| Duskull – Dusclops – Dusknoir | Fan Favorite |
| Tympole – Palpitoad – Seismitoad | Later Gen |
| Frillish – Jellicent | Later Gen |
| Tynamo – Eelektrik – Eelektross | Later Gen |
| Mareanie – Toxapex | Later Gen |
| Sandygast – Palossand | Later Gen |
| Sizzlipede – Centiskorch | Later Gen |
| Nymble – Lokix | Later Gen |
| Finneon – Lumineon | Thematic Fit (Water) |
| Carnivine | Standalone |
| Tropius | Standalone |
| Corsola | Standalone |
The “Fairy Tale Book” Teases
Finally, the official count does not include every creature shown to the public. The Pokemon Winds and Waves reveal trailer featured a fairy tale-like book. This book displayed several Pokemon from other regions.
Game Freak did not show these Pokemon in actual gameplay. As a result, they do not count toward the official 54-Pokemon total. Nevertheless, they remain highly likely to appear in the final game.
Here is a list of unconfirmed “Trailer Book” Pokemon:
- Eevee, Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Leafeon, Glaceon
- Slowbro, Slowking
- Larvitar, Pupitar
- Silcoon, Beautifly, Cascoon, Dustox
- Staravia, Staraptor
- Fletchinder, Talonflame
- Floette, Florges
- Altaria
- Abomasnow
- Deerling
- Skiddo
- Oinkologne
- Wattrel
- Gholdengo
Currently, the confirmed total sits firmly at 54. Fans will simply have to wait to see how Game Freak handles the rest of the Nintendo Switch 2 transition.
