As part of this year’s Pokémon Presents, The Pokémon Company has revealed an in-depth look at one of its most anticipated titles, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, showing off its three starter Pokémon, an updated hybrid battle system and most importantly, announcing its release window of late 2025.
Taking place entirely in Lumoise City, the setting of 2013’s Pokémon X and Y, the game will feature similar mechanics to its 2022 predecessor Pokémon Legends: Arceus, with the world split into various regions known as Wild Zones, areas where players can find and catch wild Pokémon in real-time. Battling will be quite different, however, as the game features a mix of traditional turn-based elements with modern real-time features akin to other role-playing games, emphasising player positioning and dodging incoming attacks.
Additionally, it was revealed that the game will feature cross-generational starter Pokémon, with players able to choose between Totodile, Chikorita and Tepig. Mega Evolutions are also set to return, although it is unclear if any new Mega Evolutions will be introduced as the trailer only showcases existing evolutions for Pokémon such as Charizard and Kangaskhan.
That’s not all the 2025 Pokémon Presents had to offer though, as it also unveiled a new game in development, Pokémon Champions, a multiplayer offering that will allow players from around the world to take part in traditional Pokémon battles, even able to connect with Pokémon Home to allow the transfer of Pokémon caught in other games like Pokémon Go to be used in battle. Numerous other Pokémon titles, such as Pokémon Sleep, Pokémon Unite and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are also set to receive new content in the upcoming months.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set to release sometime in late 2025 for the Nintendo Switch, with its Japanese trailer offering a more specific release window of Fall 2025.
Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.
Edwin Teo
