Generation 1 of Pokemon introduced 151 of the titular creatures, and many of them have gotten significant updates in the years since. In fact, the very next generation introduced new baby forms for various Generation 1 Pokemon, and subsequent generations also offered new Gen 1 forms for Pokemon fans to add to their roster.
Generation 4 saw the debut of new evolutions for a handful of Gen 1 Pokemon, while others received Mega Evolutions in Generation 6. Regional variants, like Alolan Vulpix and Alolan Sandshrew, showed up in Generation 7. Generation 8, meanwhile, added Gigantamax forms to the mix. Like Mega Evolutions, Gigantamax forms are only temporary, but they are still deliver incredible new looks for fan-favorite Pokemon.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Basically Confirms All 16 DLC Mega Evolutions
Pokemon Legends: Z-A's upcoming release saw dataminers retrieve information regarding 16 new Mega Evolutions in the game's DLC.
Almost every Generation 1 Pokemon line has received some kind of update since they were introduced in the 90s. However, there are 16 Generation 1 Pokemon that have never received a new evolution in their line, a Mega Evolution, a regional variant, or a Gigantamax form.
List of Gen 1 Pokemon Without Major Updates Since the 90s
- Fearow
- Arbok
- Nidoqueen
- Nidoking
- Parasect
- Venomoth
- Golduck
- Dodrio
- Dewgong
- Cloyster
- Hypno
- Seaking
- Ditto
- Omastar
- Kabutops
- Mew
Based on the leaks I've seen, it doesn't seem like the Pokemon Legends: Z-A Mega Dimension DLC will be adding Mega Evolutions for any of these Pokemon. If that's the case, the next chance these Pokemon would have of getting any kind of new form (whether that be a regional variant or something that hasn't even been invented yet), would be when the Generation 10 Pokemon games release.
There have been a lot of leaks about the Gen 10 Pokemon games, and if the info is accurate, fans can expect the new games to be announced on February 27, 2026, aka Pokemon Day. The Gen 10 Pokemon games are then expected to launch in late 2026 as Switch 2 exclusives. It's possible the new games will come with their own regional variants and that one of these Pokemon will be represented, but that's anyone's guess at this point.
Out of all the neglected Gen 1 Pokemon, there are a couple that seem highly unlikely to ever receive new forms. One is Ditto, whose whole gimmick is taking the form of other Pokemon, and so giving it an evolution would be redundant. The other is Mew because it is a Mythical, though stranger things have happened in the franchise. For now, Pokemon fans can look forward to the Mega Dimension DLC and mark their calendars for Pokemon Day on February 27, 2026.