Summary
- The Pokemon Company revealed Mega Evolution artwork for Pokemon Legends: Z-A ahead of its October 16 launch.
- No new Mega Evolutions were announced, only showcasing ones from the sixth generation.
- Trainers can expect more details with a new Pokemon Presents episode on July 22.
The Pokemon Company showed off new artwork of some Mega Evolution forms returning to the franchise in Pokemon Legends: Z-A ahead of its October 16 launch. Pokemon Legends: Z-A shared art pieces of creatures like Mega Charizard X and Y, Mega Kangaskhan, and Mega Lucario as part of its ongoing promotional push for the game.
On May 28, The Pokemon Company surprised fans by shadow-dropping the release date of Pokemon Legends: Z-A on social media. The next title in the Pokemon franchise will hit store shelves on Thursday, October 16, on both the original Switch and the Switch 2. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Pokemon Legends: Z-A will offer higher framerates and graphical fidelity compared to the original Switch. However, the gameplay of both versions will remain the same. Original Switch users with a physical or digital copy of Pokemon Legends: Z-A can later upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition via an upgrade pack on the Nintendo eShop.
Adults Are Stealing Pokemon Cards
A Pokemon TCG fan brings attention to an ongoing issue at a local store, as adults have been stealing new Pokemon cards and packs.
After confirming that Pokemon Legends: Z-A will arrive on October 16, The Pokemon Company revealed new artwork of some Mega Evolutions that trainers will encounter. The Pokemon Company launched a Japanese website dedicated to Mega Evolution, headlined by a script logo and artwork of Pokemon like Mega Charizard X and Y, surrounded by powerful and explosive auras. The Mega Evolution forms of Charizard, Ampharos, Lucario, Gardevoir, Altaria, Gyarados, Kangaskhan, Absol, and Sableye were all revealed as users scrolled through the site. The artwork was subsequently cataloged on the r/Pokemon subreddit by Reddit user Skullghost, with a white background added to highlight each Mega form's attacks and color palettes.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Reveals Mega Evolution Promo Artwork
However, no new Mega Evolutions were revealed, as only the artwork of some forms that debuted in the sixth generation of Pokemon games were shown off. Alongside the new Mega Evolution artwork, Pokemon confirmed that trainers will have more information headed their way in the coming months. A new episode of Pokemon Presents will air on Tuesday, July 22, at 9:00 AM Eastern on Twitch and YouTube. Given that news about Pokemon Legends: Z-A and other games will likely be part of the show, The Pokemon Company subsequently encouraged content creators to co-stream the Pokemon Presents episode with their audience.
Between the focus on action-based gameplay and the return of fan-favorite Mega Evolutions like Mega Lucario and Mega Charizard X, fans continue to grow excited about Pokemon Legends: Z-A. It remains to be seen what surprises The Pokemon Company has planned between now and October 16.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 79 /100 Critics Rec: 66%
- Released
- October 16, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak, Creatures Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
WHERE TO PLAY
LIVE THE LIFE OF A POKÉMON TRAINER IN THE STREETS OF LUMIOSE CITY
Whether you’re a die-hard Pokémon fan or about to toss your first Poké Ball, the Pokémon Legends: Z-A game has plenty to offer for Trainers of all types. Experience classic gameplay with modern twists that are sure to revolutionize your Pokémon RPG experience.
CATCH, BATTLE, AND MEGA-EVOLVE—ALL IN REAL TIME!
Step onto the battlefield and command your Pokémon directly—there are no turns! For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, Trainers and their Pokémon can both move around in real-time battles, and your Pokémon will unleash their moves when you tell them to. Strategically swapping out your Pokémon and accounting for each move’s timing and area of effect will greatly help you in this new style of battle.
HARNESS THE POWER OF MEGA EVOLUTION
When Trainers have a strong bond with their Pokémon, a Key Stone worn by the Trainer resonates with a Mega Stone held by their Pokémon, allowing Mega Evolution to take place.
ROGUE MEGA EVOLUTION
Rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon are threatening Lumiose City. These Pokémon are extra tough to beat, but if you do manage to defeat them, you'll receive valuable Mega Stones as a reward.
RISE THROUGH THE RANKS OF THE Z-A ROYALE
You’re invited to join the Z-A Royale, a competition for Pokémon Trainers to test their skills and determine who’s strongest.
Each night, a battle zone for the competition will appear. Prepare yourself by spending the day in wild zones, catching and training Pokémon, then venture into the battle zone and take on other Trainers.
Be strategic and complete bonus card challenges as you battle to speed up your climb from Rank Z to Rank A. Can you climb the ranks and reach the top?
WELCOME TO LUMIOSE CITY
Visit shops, restaurants, and more, all centered around Prism Tower. An urban redevelopment plan is underway to shape the city into a place that belongs to both people and Pokémon.
BATTLE WITH TRAINERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
With a Nintendo Switch Online membership*, you can battle up to three other Trainers at once, locally or online, in frenetic real-time battles!
- Franchise
- Pokemon
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
