Pokémon Light Platinum Will Keep You Busy Till Winds & Waves

With Pokémon fans having to wait another year for the launch of the next main installment, Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, many are feeling the urge to get catching and this brand-new release may just make the wait that little bit easier.

After all, the Pokémon franchise celebrates its 30th anniversary this year with the first Pokémon game releasing way back in 1996. As such, 2026 has welcomed Pokopia, which took the world by storm back in March by putting a unique spin on the tried-and-tested Pokémon gameplay by offering fans the chance to enjoy a social simulation game instead. Since then, Nintendo and Game Freak announced its next major installment, Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, which launches some time in 2027 and will mark the start of Pokémon's Gen 10 saga. Until then, however, we have to find our own ways to amuse ourselves, and luckily, Pokémon Light Platinum presents the perfect way to do so.

Available in English for the first time, Pokémon Light Platinum DS: Chapter 1 is a "reimagining of the original GBA ROM hack," and features everything from Fairy-types to 807 Pokémon from Gen 1 to Gen 7. It also features an original soundtrack, balance and region reworks, internet functionality and more.

Free to download right now, Pokémon Light Platinum DS: Chapter 1's description reads as follows: "Pokémon Light Platinum DS is a ROM-hack for Nintendo DS, inspired by the original Pokémon Light Platinum for Game Boy Advance by WesleyFG. This new adaptation not only enhances the original features, but also introduces a whole new reimagination of the original ROM-hack, delivering a significantly expanded experience." Although the creator points out that the project is far from completed, it offers a "deeper exploration of DS-era Pokémon ROM Hacking by showcasing what the current scene is capable of."

With only Chapter 1 available at the time of writing, the player can earn five badges for now, but loads more is expected to be added in the future. As such, this will allow you to get a taste of the highly ambitious ROM hack and see if it is for you. Following the news that an English version of the game had been released, fans took to the creator's Twitter page to share their thanks and impressions of the game. "This is one of the most beautiful games I have EVER seen, period," one user shared, "I really wish Sinnoh had these bright green hues for the grass in the official games." Another agreed, adding, "This is sick. It's amazing how far ROM hacking has come."

So, if you want a way to pass the time whilst waiting for Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, Pokémon Light Platinum DS: Chapter 1 may just be the perfect distraction, and better yet, it is completely free to download and try out right now.