- Primary Subject: Pokemon Winds and Pokémon Waves (Generation 10 / Switch 2)
- Key Update: The article proposes a major overhaul to version exclusivity by introducing distinct Gym Leaders, unique traversal mechanics, version-specific NPCs, and divergent storylines to make purchasing both titles genuinely meaningful.
- Status: Feature Proposal / Pitch (Community Wishlist for 2027 Titles)
- Last Verified: September 16, 2026
- Quick Answer: The proposal urges Pokemon Winds and Waves to move beyond superficial version exclusives by offering distinct Gyms, traversal activities, NPCs, and divergent narrative arcs.
Since Pokemon Red and Blue, there have been two releases in each generation, but for the most part (and disappointingly so), the difference between them has been either the color of the main character's clothes, the villain team, or the select Pokemon that can be found in them. Sadly, that's about it.
What's the point of having two versions if everything just feels similar? FOMO left the building and never looked back. For a franchise boasting around the idea of choice and variation, this mindset simply does not make sense. But maybe, with Pokemon Winds and Waves on the horizon, having drastically different themes, this unwelcome cycle of repetitiveness will finally be broken. Here are some ideas we have for version exclusives that go beyond just the species we get to encounter.
1. Exclusive Gym Leaders
This may be the most obvious place to start. If Pokemon Waves will indeed be dwelling in the idea of the ocean and its depths, its Gym Leaders should be located in coastal cities, beaches, or even underwater structures. Their puzzles must include swimming, diving, or aquatic challenges in general. The waters are an unpredictable thing, and it should be part of the challenge and the immersion.
Pokemon Winds, on the other hand, should have Gym Leaders hanging out in hangars, operating wind farms, or residing in floating cities. To reach them, the player must climb, glide between platforms, or even use air currents for navigation. It can also mean that if Pokemon Waves has a Water-Type Gym, the other version must have a Sky-Type counterpart. This will make every version highly comparable to the other.
2. Exclusive Side Activities
Exclusivity between these games should not stop at the Gym Leaders we face and the main path. Side activities and traversal features must also be very different to reflect its central theme. Pokemon Waves should heavily lean into water-based activities like diving, surfing, fishing, and underwater treasure hunting. Imagine reaching point to point is more than just walking in an empty route because the ocean invites you to use the features and explore more than the land.
Winds should then take the opposite approach. Instead of relying on the salty waters to get to your destination, players will need to glide, Avatar Aang style, soar the skies using Pokemon or flying apparatus, or participate in aerial battles. Bottom line, the differences shouldn't just be aesthetics. Experience cannot be traded; thus, it becomes more desirable.
3. Exclusive Side Characters and NPCs
What makes a player's Pokemon journey isn't just the Pokemon or the region. It's also because of its characters and NPCs. So, on top of the exclusive Gym Leaders, the side characters supporting the player should also be unique in every version. Pokemon Waves should have side characters who are oceanographers, marine biologists, divers, oceanic nomads, and more. Maybe a character or characters will be introduced who hate the sky-dwelling characters exclusive to Winds.
Pokemon Winds could then introduce sky fanatics like sky shamans, pilots, kite makers, or sky divers. Heck, even the NPC dialogue should occasionally change where Youngster Joey mentions seeing a huge creature in the sea in Pokemon Waves, but in Winds, he sees the scary figure in the clouds. Perspective is key in this forked adventure.
4. Exclusive Storyline
Now, let's get really ambitious. Pokemon Winds and Waves must have drastically different stories with different endings. It doesn't necessarily have to be unrelated but different enough to warrant curiosity and make you ask, "What could've been if I bought the other version?" The stories could still be anchored around the same lore and ancient civilization, but the events, the cutscenes, the objectives should have significant variations.
What if Pokemon Waves had a focus on underwater history, à la Atlantis, while Pokemon Winds explored hanging cities? These storylines could eventually intersect, but the ending is still different in a satisfying way. This is an opportunity that Pokemon cannot dare to miss if they want to make more money, because this makes buying both versions basically a must for players.
Choosing A Version Should Actually Matter
Pokemon games, having unsubstantial version exclusives, have become so predictable that choosing a version really won't matter. Just pick up whatever's available at your nearest game store and trust me, you're not missing anything. Pokemon Winds and Waves could and should change that.
By considering the above proposals, the new titles will have a much-deserved opportunity to let the versions share a huge world while offering uniquely different perspectives and experiences. If Game Freak wants us to buy the two versions, it should be worth it, and we believe if the above is given, we may be more willing to shell out more cash, just to make sure we aren't missing the epic other side of the coin.