Nintendo Switch 2’s upcoming Pokemon games, Pokemon Winds and Waves, are still far from release, but discussions about their possible pricing are already spreading online. According to a new leak, the games could end up being more expensive than several other Nintendo first-party titles, which has worried many fans.
Pokemon Winds and Waves were officially announced earlier this year and will represent the franchise’s tenth generation. While an exact release date has not been revealed yet, the games are confirmed to launch sometime in 2027.
Debate Around Nintendo Switch 2 Game Prices
Game pricing has remained a major topic ever since the Nintendo Switch 2 launched. When the console released, Mario Kart World arrived with a $79.99 price tag. Nintendo argued that the game’s amount of content and long-term support justified the higher cost, but many players were unhappy with the idea of paying $80 for games.
Even so, most of Nintendo’s first-party releases over the past year have avoided that price range. Because of that, many fans expected Pokemon Winds and Waves to follow a more standard pricing model.
Possible Price of Pokemon Winds and Waves
An Amazon Germany listing recently showed Pokemon Winds and Waves priced at €79.99. If the listing turns out to be accurate, the games could launch in the United States for $79.99 as well.
Nintendo has already hinted that future game pricing will depend on factors like content size, scale, and expected lifespan. Because of this, future Animal Crossing, Super Smash Bros., and Splatoon titles could also receive premium pricing.
On the other hand, some Nintendo games are still launching at lower prices. For example, Star Fox is reportedly priced at $49.99 digitally, while the physical version could cost $59.99.
The Leak Could Still Be a Placeholder
Fans should not treat this leak as final information yet. Pokemon Winds and Waves are still a long way from release and could even launch in the second half of 2027. Because of that, the Amazon listing may simply be a placeholder or an estimated price.
Previously, Pokemon Pokopia launched with a large amount of content and still carried a $69.99 price tag. Because of this, there is still a chance that Winds and Waves could follow similar pricing.
Nintendo has also recently started offering cheaper digital versions of some games. Following that trend, the physical edition of Pokemon Winds and Waves could cost $79.99, while the eShop version may launch at $69.99.
Fans Are Still Waiting for Official Details
So far, very little official information has been shared about Pokemon’s tenth generation. The company has only revealed the three starter Pokemon and shown a few early glimpses of the new region.
It has been nearly four years since Pokemon Scarlet and Violet launched, so fans are naturally eager for updates about the future of the franchise. Beyond gameplay details, the game’s final pricing has now become another major topic among players.
Pokemon Winds and Waves Could Become a Huge System Seller
Nintendo Switch 2 sales are already performing strongly, but many players still have not upgraded from the original Nintendo Switch. Exclusive games like Pokemon Winds and Waves could become a major reason for players to finally move to the new console.
Unlike Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Winds and Waves is expected to be exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, making it an even more important release. Even if the game launches at an $80 price point, it may not hurt sales too much because of the Pokemon franchise’s massive popularity.
For now, fans will have to wait for an official announcement, as leaked prices are not always final.
