As has become customary, the announcement of **Pokémon Winds and Waves** was paired with the introduction of three new starter Pokémon that trainers will have the option to select at the game’s outset, marking them as the first three Pokémon revealed in Gen X. These are **Browt**, **Pombon**, and **Gecqua**. Let’s get to know them.
### Browt
Kicking things off is **Browt**, a baby bird resembling an owl with prominent eyebrows. Just picture the late nights spent determining that name. It’s the Grass-type starter, labeled as a Bean Chick Pokémon, and we already have its essential stats:
– **Height**: 1′ (0.3m)
– **Weight**: 7.7lb (3.5KG)
– **Ability**: Overgrow
It does feel slightly peculiar that the game has reverted to owls as a starter concept, considering Rowlet was introduced just three generations back. However, this could be more of a strange design decision than a reflection of an actual species, as it’s referred to as a “chick.” With the leaf-like eyebrows on this creature, we can expect it to utilize Bulbasaur-esque plant-based attacks.
### Pombon
This fluffy little creature is yet another dog-inspired pocket monster, marking the first time one has been a starter. It’s the Fire-type in this set and categorized as a Puppy Pokémon. Its stats are:
– **Height**: 1’4 (0.4m)
– **Weight**: 14.8lb (4.3KG)
– **Ability**: Blaze
There’s not much else to uncover about this adorable pup, aside from its clear resemblance to a Pomeranian. It will be intriguing to see if it remains cute as it matures or if it transitions into a more wolf-like appearance.
### Gecqua
The trickiest to spell is **Gecqua**, whom we can deduce from the name alone is a water-dwelling gecko. Naturally, it’s a Water-type and with its large eyes, it’s my immediate favorite of the trio, fitting into the somewhat uninspired category of Water Gecko Pokémon. Its stats are:
– **Height**: 1′ (0.3m)
– **Weight**: 9.5lb (4.3KG)
– **Ability**: Torrent
It was only in Gen VIII that we last encountered a reptilian starter, specifically a Water-type with Sobble. Considering the visual parallel between the two, especially when recalling Sobble’s final evolution, Inteleon, it’s another surprisingly redundant design. Nevertheless, Gecqua is utterly charming and has already secured my preference.
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So, which one catches your eye? Have you already developed a fondness? Or are you just puzzled that Game Freak couldn’t think of any alternative species to draw inspiration from for the new starters?
