Here’s a first look at the leaked redesign of Pikachu for the Gen 10 Pokemon game, allegedly titled Winds and Waves.
A massive new Pokemon leak has revealed many new details on upcoming games based on the franchise up until 2030. One such detail is the redesign of Pikachu for the Gen 10 game, codenamed Gaia and allegedly titled Winds and Waves.
Pikachu Old vs New Design
Concept art comparing the old and the new Gen 10 design of Pikachu can be seen below.
The new Pikachu design appears rather familiar likely because Game Freak has been using a similar design in just about every illustration of the character it has made in the past 20 years or so. For example, the redesign looks about the same as the various annual World Championship illustrations of Pikachu. It’s only only now that the developer is basing the in-game 3D model on this design.
According to the leak, Pokemon Winds and Waves is set for release in 2026, with DLC planned for 2027. The project, codenamed Gaia, has already mapped islands and cities. The game will allegedly feature the Gym Adventure, the Weather Move Acquisition Quest, the Ride License Quest, MMO Raid Battle, Pokemon Rescue, Boss Pokémon (large dominant Pokémon), and Pokemon Survival Diving. It is being developed in Pokemon Engine X, a new game engine that developer Game Freak is using for the future titles. Test footage for Pokemon Winds and Waves rendered in the engine can be seen below.
As for the Gym Adventure, it is said to contain over 100 adventures. Completing all of them will allegedly unlock a special gift. Talented trainers may even be approached by gym leaders or champions. Players can complete the game without completing all 18 gyms or catching any legendary Pokemon, though neither scenario will unlock the ‘true ending’.
