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Gotta watch ’em all! The time has come for another round of Pokémon Presents, focusing on updates across the franchise that include various mobile titles, animated projects, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the highly anticipated sequel to Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and more.
Leading up to the livestream, a look at the newest Pikachu to join the roster of Captain Pikachu: DJ Pikachu was unveiled, passing the time with an hour of Pokémon-themed beats. Pokémon World Championships exclusives served as the opener, highlighting several exclusive items for attendees and participants of this year’s event in Anaheim, California, taking place from 15 to 17 August.
In addition to a special version of the Paradise Resort card with unique art, top-performing players will receive the Champions’ line of merchandise comprising an exclusive playmat, a bag, a jacket, and a hat, while all attendees are entitled to a digital card for a Toedscool in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Here’s a quick look at the rest of the major announcements for July’s Pokémon Presents showcase.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
As a tentpole release, high expectations are riding on Pokémon Legends: Z-A. A previous deep-dive presentation gave a lowdown on new mechanics and gameplay features, and a new trailer shared even more information about the upcoming sequel, starting with Mega Dragonite.
Inspired by the wings on Dragonair’s head and the pearl on its tail, the new companion joins its other returning Mega Evolution Pokémon, which will play a major role in the story. Rogue Mega Evolution Pokémon will also be introduced, alongside friendly faces like fashion designer Naveen, professional dancer Lida, and depending on the player character, Urbain or Taunie.
Not all of the new characters are allies, so prepare to cross paths with Rust Syndicate and its boss, Corbeau, when competing in the Z-A event at night. During the day, players can explore Lumiose City and participate in various side activities, embark on side quests from NPCs, and even give their Pokémon a little trim.
New Pokémon Concierge Episodes
Pack your bags, as Pokémon Resort is due to reopen its doors soon. Following an earlier confirmation of more episodes to come, the cosy stop-motion animated Pokémon Concierge marks the return of Haru, Psyduck, and a bunch of adorable critters on 4 September, promising more feel-good moments, comedic shenanigans, and a reunion between Haru and her ex-boyfriend, Kent.
PokéPark Kanto
Marking the first-ever permanent outdoor Pokémon attraction, PokéPark Kanto will bring 26,000 square feet of themed fun to Yomiuriland in Tokyo’s Tama Hills early next year. Fans can expect to encounter over 600 critters across Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town, with the latter housing Pokémon Trainers’ Market, a Pokémon Centre, Poké Mart, Sedge Gym, a Pokémon parade, and two other attractions. Tickets go on sale in 2025, and more details are expected in due time.
Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu
Coming out in 2027, Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu is now confirmed as the title for the previously announced special project from Aardman, the stop-motion animation studio behind Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run. Little was shown beyond a 40-second trailer, but two things are for sure: Wooloo is as cute as ever, and Sirfetch’d and Pichu are a menace together.
Pokémon Friends
Adding a puzzling flair to the Pokémon-catching lifestyle is Pokémon Friends, out now on the Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and iOS and Android devices. The mechanics are straightforward: complete puzzles, unlock in-game plushes, and use them to decorate rooms. A total of 1,200 brain teasers and 150 toys are available, from the original Pokémon to newer-generation companions like Piplup and Sprigatito.
Pokémon Champions
Pokémon Champions is the place to go for players who want to be the best that no one ever was. Bearing echoes of the old Stadium games, the battle-focused adventure puts trainers in full 3D matches where they have to build their teams, pick out a few Pokémon to enter fights, and emerge victorious. Winning in Ranked Battles earns Victory Points (VP), but there are other modes included as well, such as Casual Battles and Private Battles. It will launch for the Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android in 2026, introducing an extensive battling system while at it.
Pokémon Trading Card Game
Ahead of its official rollout on 26 September, the Mega Evolution expansion for Pokémon Trading Card Game has dropped a first look at some beautiful art. Alongside Mega Lucario ex, Mega Kangaskhan ex, and Mega Gardevoir ex, players can also look forward to a trio of Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Mega Venusaur ex, which reveals a larger image when connected.
Miscellaneous: Pokémon GO, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, And More
More 5-star Tera Raid events are in store for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, with Shiny Wo-Chien, Chien-Po, Ting-Lu, and Chi-Yu set to take centre stage. Here’s the kicker — not only can all of them be captured, but trainers will be awarded with an additional Mystery Gift if the playerbase defeats each one a million times.
As for Pokémon GO, the AR title is ready to bring Eternatus into the fold in the celebration of its “biggest event in history”. Elsewhere, Suicune, Entei, and Raikou research will grace Pokémon Sleep this September, while Latios and Latias head into Pokémon Unite for its fourth anniversary. Pokémon Cafe Remix is also set to dress Lapras up in a sea captain getup, joining other new critters in the roster.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Kevin Low
