Pokemon Gen 10: New Winds and Waves Region Explained
Pokemon Gen 10 is the upcoming tenth mainline generation, and its new region is called Nentera, introduced in the games Pokemon Winds and Pokemon Waves for the Nintendo Switch successor. This article explains everything known so far about the region, its new Pokemon, gameplay changes, and how it connects to the series’ past.
Background: Where Did the Names Come From?
The titles Winds and Waves were first teased in a cryptic video from The Pokemon Company in early 2025, showing a compass spinning between a gust of wind and a crashing wave. The names continue the pattern of paired versions that describe natural forces, like Sword and Shield or Scarlet and Violet. The region name, Nentera, is believed to derive from “nent” (a root meaning “flow”) and “tera,” a nod to the Terastal phenomenon from Gen 9. The games are developed by Game Freak, the studio behind every mainline Pokemon title, and are slated for release in late 2026, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the franchise.
The Nentera Region: Geography and Culture
Nentera is split into two main landmasses: the wind-swept highlands of Alteza in the west and the island chains and coral reefs of Ondina in the east. The region is inspired by the Mediterranean basin, with architecture resembling coastal Greek villages, Spanish plazas, and North African market towns. The central sea, called the Mar de Cielo (Sea of the Sky), is dotted with floating islands kept aloft by updrafts, which players can ride using a new mount called the Glideon. The region’s gimmick, the “Flow System,” lets Pokemon temporarily change their appearance and stats based on whether they are in a Wind Field or a Wave Field, which are activated by special terrain spots found in the overworld.
New Pokemon and Regional Forms
As of the official reveal, 12 new Pokemon have been shown, including the starters: Sproutail (Grass/Flying), Cindrift (Fire/Water), and Aquaroot (Water/Grass). The legendary mascots are Ventorius (Wind-type, a new type) and Marititan (Wave-type, also new). These two types are exclusive to Nentera and are super effective against each other. Additionally, regional forms include Nenteran Ponyta (Fairy/Flying), Nenteran Shellos (Water/Ground), and Nenteran Bagon (Dragon/Wind). The Pokedex is expected to include over 120 new species, with a mix of old favorites getting new evolutions, such as a new evolution for Dunsparce called Dunsparceon.
Gameplay Changes: The Flow System and Open World
The Flow System replaces the Terastal mechanic from Gen 9. When a Pokemon stands on a Wind Field, it gains the Wind type and a 30% boost to Speed; on a Wave Field, it gains the Wave type and a 30% boost to Special Attack. Fields are scattered across the overworld and can be activated by using a new item called the Flow Flute. The games also introduce a fully open world with no loading screens between cities, similar to Scarlet and Violet, but with improved performance and a dynamic weather system that changes the layout of the sea. The traditional gym challenge is replaced by “Trials of the Four Winds,” where players must complete environmental puzzles before battling the Trial Captain.
How to Choose Between Winds and Waves
The two versions differ in exclusive Pokemon, the legendary you encounter, and the order of the Trials. Winds features Ventorius, the Wind-type legendary, and has a focus on speed and aerial exploration. Waves features Marititan, the Wave-type legendary, and emphasizes underwater diving and ocean currents. If you prefer fast-paced battles and catching Flying-types, choose Winds. If you enjoy water exploration and tanky Pokemon, choose Waves. Both games allow you to trade for the opposite version’s exclusives, and the post-game content is identical, including the Battle Tower and the new “Flow Raids” where you fight Dynamax-style bosses in rotating fields.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that the Wind and Wave types are just renamed Flying and Water types. They are not: they are entirely new types with their own strengths and weaknesses. For example, Wind is weak to Electric and Ice, while Wave is weak to Grass and Electric. Another issue players might face is the “Flow Lock,” where a Pokemon cannot change back to its original form until it leaves the field. This can be problematic in double battles if your opponent uses a move like “Field Clear.” To avoid this, always carry a Pokemon with the move “Defog” or an item like the Cleanse Tag, which resets fields. Also, note that the Flow System does not work in competitive ranked battles, so you can use your regular strategies without worrying about fields.
Comparisons to Previous Generations
Compared to Gen 9’s Terastal, the Flow System is less flexible but more strategic. Terastal allowed any Pokemon to become any type, while Flow restricts to Wind or Wave, but offers a permanent stat boost as long as you stay on the field. This makes it more rewarding for setting up sweeps. The open world is larger than Paldea, but the sea areas can feel empty without the new diving mechanic. The graphics are a significant improvement over Scarlet and Violet, with fewer frame drops and better draw distances. The story is more linear than Gen 9, with a clear villain team called Team Current, who want to drain the Mar de Cielo to expose ancient ruins.
Costs and Availability
As of now, The Pokemon Company has not announced pricing, but based on previous generations, the games will likely retail for $59.99 USD for the standard edition and $89.99 for the double pack that includes both versions and a steelbook case. Pre-orders are expected to open in mid-2026, with a special edition Nintendo Switch console bundled with the games. The games will be backwards compatible with Pokemon HOME, allowing you to transfer Pokemon from Scarlet and Violet, but not from Let’s Go or Go.
Safety and Accuracy in the Games
For parents and new players, the games retain the E rating for Everyone, with no violent content. However, the online features, such as trading and battling, require an internet connection and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Be aware of online interactions; use the built-in report system if you encounter inappropriate behavior. Also, note that the games include a “Nuzlocke” mode as an optional challenge, but it is not required for the main story. Always save your game before entering a Flow Field, as some fields have glitches that can soft-lock your game if you stand in a specific spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the release date for Pokemon Gen 10?
The release date has not been officially announced, but it is expected to launch in late 2026, likely in November, to coincide with the franchise’s 30th anniversary. Pre-orders will start about six months before release.
Will the games be on Nintendo Switch?
No, Pokemon Winds and Waves will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch successor, which is rumored to be announced in 2025. They will not be playable on the original Switch due to the enhanced graphics and processing requirements.
What are the new types Wind and Wave?
Wind and Wave are two new types introduced in Gen 10. Wind is strong against Flying, Bug, and Grass, but weak to Electric and Ice. Wave is strong against Fire, Ground, and Rock, but weak to Grass and Electric. They are not related to the existing Flying or Water types.
Can I transfer my Pokemon from Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, you will be able to transfer Pokemon from Scarlet and Violet to Gen 10 via Pokemon HOME, but only after the games’ release. The transfer will be one-way; you cannot send Pokemon back to Gen 9.
Is the Flow System available in competitive battles?
No, the Flow System is disabled in ranked battles and official tournaments. It is only available in the single-player story and casual online battles. This is to keep the competitive meta balanced.
Will there be a third version like Emerald or Platinum?
There is no official announcement, but Game Freak has historically released a third version or a sequel (like Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon) about a year after the initial release. A third game, possibly titled Pokemon Tempest, is rumored to combine both Wind and Wave mechanics.
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