Only one difference is confirmed between Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves: the main character’s outfit. The others, such as version-exclusive Pokémon, have not been announced yet.
What changes from one version to the other (official)
The outfits share the same base: a T-shirt over a long-sleeved undershirt, shorts, black tights and sneakers, with a large backpack and a board-shaped piece of equipment attached to it. The accessories are what change:
- In Pokémon Winds, a white and light blue bucket hat, and a bag and white gloves with light blue highlights.
- In Pokémon Waves, a blue cap decorated with a golden emblem, and a bag and gloves in royal blue.
The two logos follow the same logic: a jade green wind feather for Winds, a blue, purple and pink splash for Waves.
The link with Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu
What should change too
Since Pokémon Red and Blue, each pair of versions has been set apart by a handful of Pokémon found in only one or the other, which encourages trading to complete the Pokédex. Recent generations have gone further:
- The box art legendary almost always changes from one version to the other: Koraidon and Miraidon in Scarlet and Violet, Zacian and Zamazenta in Sword and Shield, Solgaleo and Lunala in Sun and Moon.
- Different characters: two Gym Leaders changed depending on the version in Sword and Shield, and the professor in Scarlet and Violet.
- The setting or the time: Pokémon Moon was offset by twelve hours from Pokémon Sun.
So, Winds or Waves?
For now, the choice comes down to gut feeling: the green feather or the blue splash, the bucket hat or the cap, Mr. Windychu or Ms. Wavychu. The main story should be the same in both games, as in all previous generations, and trading will let you get the Pokémon from the other version.
The selector at the top of this page lets you display the whole mini-site in your version’s colors.
What is the difference between Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves?
The only confirmed difference is the main character’s outfit: a white and light blue bucket hat in Winds, a blue cap in Waves. Exclusive Pokémon and other differences have not been announced yet.
Do you need to buy both versions?
No. As in previous generations, the story should be the same in both games, and the Pokémon exclusive to the other version can be obtained by trading with another player.
Is Mr. Windychu exclusive to Pokémon Winds?
That is not official. His name and his hat, close to the Winds hero’s, suggest it, just as Ms. Wavychu seems tied to Waves.
