Pokémon Gen 10: Winds and Waves Region Inspired by Philippines, Indonesia & Malaysia

A Region Rooted in Reality: Pokémon Winds and Waves Draws Inspiration from Southeast Asia

The Pokémon world is expanding, and its next destination is deeply connected to the real world. With the upcoming launch of Pokémon Winds and Waves for the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027, the Pokémon Company is setting its sights on Southeast Asia as the primary inspiration for the game’s novel region. The reveal, part of the broader announcement of 10th generation Pokémon games, has sparked excitement – and recognition – among fans in the region, particularly in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

The initial trailer for Pokémon Winds and Waves immediately resonated with players familiar with Southeast Asian landscapes. The game’s design choices aren’t abstract. they’re directly referencing iconic locations and architectural styles. Fans were quick to point out the striking similarities between in-game rice terraces and the Ifugao rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Luzon, Philippines, built over 2,000 years ago. These terraces, renowned as the “eighth wonder of the world,” are a testament to ancient engineering and sustainable agriculture.

Filipino Fans Lead the Recognition

The online reaction was swift and enthusiastic, particularly on Filipino social media. Streamer Sevy (@SevyPlays) succinctly captured the sentiment on Twitter, stating, “MF Here’s JUST THE PHILIPPINES?????” accompanied by screenshots comparing the game’s visuals to real-world locations. The excitement wasn’t limited to the terraces; users also highlighted the resemblance of floating bamboo houses and the deep blue-green waterfronts seen in Palawan to actual locations within the Philippines. Other fans noted the presence of mangrove trees, common to Indonesia and Malaysia, further solidifying the Southeast Asian influence.

ViyaGyudon (@FeedMe_Katsudon) on Twitter celebrated the inclusion of mangrove trees, stating, “Okay so APPARENTLY Gen 10 is based on SouthEast Asia! So not just Philippines but the likes of Indonesia and Malaysia.” Another user, @N0UVEAUCAFE, playfully declared, “we’re filipinomaxxing this gen,” reflecting the strong sense of representation felt by Filipino fans.

A Pattern of Real-World Inspiration

This isn’t the first time Game Freak has drawn inspiration from real-world locations for its Pokémon regions. Previous generations have prominently featured Spain (Paldea region in Scarlet and Violet), Hawaii (Alola region in Sun and Moon), France (Kalos region in X and Y), and more. This practice grounds the fantastical world of Pokémon in recognizable geography and culture, adding a layer of depth and relatability for players.

The connection to Southeast Asia was also foreshadowed by the recent Pokémon leaks, which accurately predicted the region’s inspiration. This alignment with leaked information has further fueled anticipation for the game.

Beyond the Scenery: Cultural Integration

While the landscapes are a clear starting point, fans are eager to spot how the game incorporates other aspects of Southeast Asian culture. Will the region’s language, iconography, and cuisine play a role in the gameplay experience? The possibilities are vast, and the potential for authentic representation is significant. One fan on social media playfully suggested the inclusion of Lechon, a popular Filipino roasted pig dish, as a nod to the region’s culinary traditions.

IGN’s Michael Higham, himself Filipino, expressed his enthusiasm, noting the historical connections between the Philippines and Spain, which could potentially be reflected in the game’s design. He ended his report with a heartfelt “Salamat sa ‘yong suporta” (Thank you for your support).

What’s Confirmed and What’s Still to Come

Currently, the confirmed details surrounding Pokémon Winds and Waves are limited to the region’s inspiration and the planned release on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027. The game names, Winds and Waves, were also revealed. However, many questions remain unanswered. What will the region be officially named? What new Pokémon will inhabit this diverse landscape? And how will the story unfold within this culturally rich setting?

Further details were revealed during the Pokémon Presents 2026 stream, including the launch of ports of FireRed and LeafGreen on the Switch, and the addition of Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness to the Nintendo Switch Online Gamecube library. These additions provide fans with immediate content while they await the release of the next generation.

Looking Ahead: A New Wave of Pokémon Adventures

The development of Pokémon Winds and Waves is ongoing, and the Pokémon Company is expected to release more information in the coming months. Fans can anticipate further reveals regarding the game’s story, characters, and Pokémon roster. For now, the confirmation of a Southeast Asian-inspired region has ignited a wave of excitement and anticipation within the Pokémon community, promising a fresh and culturally vibrant experience when the game finally arrives on the Nintendo Switch 2.

You can find more information about the confirmed Pokémon so far here, and learn why Pombom, the new fire-type starter, is already a fan favorite here.