Summary
- Power-Up Punch will return in Pokemon Legends: Z-A for specific critters to use in battle.
- The Fighting-type move was introduced in Pokemon X and Y, but was omitted from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
- Fans have noticed that older Pokemon like Chikorita can learn moves they couldn't use in previous games in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
Following the reveal of a new Pokemon Legends: Z-A trailer on Pokemon Day, some fans took to social media to share that the move Power-Up Punch will be available in the upcoming game. Although Power-Up Punch was cut from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the Fighting-type attack will return in Pokemon Legends: Z-A for specific critters to use in battle.
The main feature of the February 27 episode of Pokemon Presents was an extended look at Pokemon Legends: Z-A, which was shown off for the first time since 2024's Pokemon Day. As an apparent sequel to 2013's Pokemon X and Y, trainers will return to Lumiose City, located in the heart of the Kalos region, and assist with its renovation to transform it into a high-tech metropolis where people and Pokemon can coexist. Pokemon Legends: Z-A will allow trainers to choose between three Starters, Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile, to assist them in their adventures in Lumiose City. Pokemon Legends: Z-A will launch in late 2025.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Seemingly Bringing Back Detective Agency from X and Y
After the recent Pokemon Presents showcase, Pokemon Legends: Z-A fans believe a familiar face from the Detective Agency is returning.
As trainers analyzed the extended Pokemon Legends: Z-A trailer, some pointed out that one particular move will return to the series. On Twitter, CentroLeaks shared a screenshot from Pokemon Legends: Z-A which briefly demonstrated how Mega Kangaskhan could be used in a battle. One of the moves that Mega Kangaskhan can use is Power-Up Punch, which first appeared in Pokemon X and Y as a Fighting-type attack. Power-Up Punch has a base attack power of 40 but is guaranteed to increase the physical attack stat of its user by one stage, making it easy for Fighting Pokemon like Lucario and Hitmonchan to ramp up their more powerful moves. Power-Up Punch could also be used by Mega Evolutions like Mega Kangaskhan. Power-Up Punch was removed from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and Pokemon who had Power-Up Punch during a transfer from Pokemon Home into the ninth-generation games were required to forget the move.
Power-Up Punch Is Returning In Pokemon Legends: Z-A
However, Pokemon Legends: Z-A will also give older Pokemon some new moves that they did not have before. Another look at the extended trailer revealed that Chikorita can use the Fairy-type attack Disarming Voice, a sound-based attack with accuracy similar to moves like Swift and Aerial Ace. Chikorita and its evolutions Bayleef and Meganium cannot use Disarming Voice in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
Given that it will not launch for several months, the wait has afforded trainers time to formulate different theories about Pokemon Legends: Z-A's features. Only time will tell which guesses prove correct.
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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!
