The Pokemon Company revealed during today's Pokemon Presents broadcast that Pokemon Legends: Z-A is currently in development and is set to release in 2025. This will be the second title in the "Legends" series following the success of Pokemon Legends: Arceus, which brought players back to the Sinnoh region before it was known by that name — now bringing players back to the Kalos region of Pokemon X and Y for the first time in nearly 12 years.
The teaser trailer featured an "urban redevelopment plan" for Lumiose City, showcasing drawings of what the biggest city in the Kalos region could look like, complete with simulations of Pokemon battles featuring Pokemon first discovered there. In the center of the city stands the Prism Tower, the spotlight of Lumiose City, which would eventually become home to the Lumiose City Gym and the Electric Type Gym Leader, Clemont.
The title of the game also indicates a heavy focus on Zygarde, who received more attention in the anime than in Pokemon X and Y, with its various forms instead receiving a small side-story in Pokemon Sun and Moon. However, "Z-A" hints at some other factors at play here, possibly the war that led to the creation of the Ultimate Weapon and even further backstory on the mysterious King of Kalos, AZ. But unlike Pokemon Legends: Arceus, the nature of the trailer doesn't give fans enough information to know when in the history of the Kalos region this game will take place, particularly with the idea of an "urban redevelopment plan."
Mega Evolutions return in Pokemon Legends: Z-A
The trailer ended with the Mega Evolution symbol, likely confirming that the fan-favorite Mega Evolution mechanic will be retuning in this title. This concept of powering-up Pokemon further while in battle was native to the Kalos region, and expanded to titles like Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, but only appeared scarcely following Pokemon UItra Sun and Ultra Moon.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A will likely also gain access to the Pokemon HOME software at some point following its release, which would allow players to transfer Pokemon between even more of their Nintendo Switch titles
This Pokemon Presents broadcast also included information on updates coming to a number of other titles within the series, including Pokemon Masters EX, Pokemon Cafe ReMix, and Pokemon GO, all of which will be holding their own Pokemon Day celebrations. A new mobile title, Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket, was also revealed with a 2024 release, which will allow for players to open virtual card packs, battle, collect, and trade.
More information regarding Pokemon Legends: Z-A is expected to be revealed throughout the year, which will likely lead to a clear release date at some point towards the year's end. The game is currently scheduled to release for the Nintendo Switch in 2025.
