Anticipation for Pokemon Legends: Z-A is building alongside speculation about the reintroduction of the Mega Evolution mechanic in the upcoming game's return to the Kalos region. Paired with the topic of which starters will appear in the game, the prospect of new Megas offers the chance for a long-awaited adjustment to take place when it comes to the legacy of Gen 6. When it comes to the Mega Evolutions that could appear in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, it would be best to avoid repeating history by favoring one member of the region's starter trio over the rest.
An assortment of starters from different regions set the stage with their Hisuian forms in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, but it's unclear whether that game's successor will follow the same precedent due to its seemingly more modern Kalos. Regardless of which starters are chosen, the original trio of Kalos starters are still likely to appear due to this. If they receive Megas, however, the preferential treatment that Greninja has received over Delphox and Chesnaught needs to be made up for with adequate boosts in power.
Greninja Has Fallen into the Pokemon Trope of Overshadowing Its Fellow Starters
The Overpowered Reputation of Protean
When it debuted in X and Y, Greninja became a competitive powerhouse due to its hidden ability, Protean, which changes the user's type to make every single move receive STAB (same type attack bonus). The versatility of being able to subvert the type-matchup chart while getting improved damage led to a ban in the Smogon Pokemon community's Uber tier in Gen 6. This ability alone allows the mon to still remain decent while its counterparts have just fallen into obscurity through being outperformed in their niches.
Anime Popularity and Ash-Greninja
As one of Ash's most iconic Pokemon anime partners, Greninja rose to a status that no other Pokemon has earned when it was given the Battle Bond ability and transformation in Gen 7. The Ash-Greninja form only continued to make the Pokemon disproportionately powerful in a given playthrough even without Protean, and Froakie was freely given to players along with the Gen 7 starters in an act of favoritism to the Kalos starter. This has since placed Greninja in a similar spot to Charizard and Blaziken as a starter who has appeared in more media in general, but the return to Kalos could redeem the Fennekin and Chespin lines with new forms too.
Mega Evolutions for the Kalos Starter Trio in Pokemon Legends: ZA Can Finally Equalize their Statuses
Making Up for Lost Time in the Greater Franchise
As their profiles have decreased over the years, the Kalos starter evolutions have largely been replaced in status by the subsequent starters of the three generations that have come since. If they receive Mega Evolutions in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, however, they can finally get the treatment they deserve since only Greninja was given a special form. The main risk would be making Mega Greninja too prevalent once again by allowing it to have a better ability like Protean. However, if Mega Delphox and Mega Chesnaught also receive their own new abilities which also challenge the mechanics of the game, they could secure popular positions as top-tier starter Pokemon.
It's not out of the question that a Mega Greninja in Pokemon Legends: Z-A could remain powerful by simply keeping Protean with boosted stats, but abilities for its counterparts would need to support their own appropriate niches. It would take entirely new abilities to truly match how Protean was introduced, but thematically appropriate ideas similar to it could serve to vastly elevate the Kalos starter Megas. Some potential abilities that could accomplish this task include:
Mega Delphox
- Adaptability (Boosts STAB)
- Tinted Lens (Boosts NFE moves)
- Desolate Land/Misty Terrain (Boosts Fire and Fairy-type moves)
Mega Chesnaught
- Fur Coat (Boosts Defense)
- Huge Power (Boosts Attack)
- Regenerator (Heals on switch-out)
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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
