Pokemon Presents July 2025 Recap: Pokemon Friends Surprise Release, Legends: Z-A Updates, and More Revealed

The July 2025 Pokemon Presents event delivered an exciting array of new announcements, updates, and first looks tailored for the franchise's dedicated fanbase.

Hosted by The Pokemon Company, the digital showcase highlighted both surprise releases and major developments for upcoming Nintendo Switch titles, reinforcing the brand’s global cultural significance and ongoing innovation by developer Game Freak. One standout moment was the announcement—and immediate worldwide release—of Pokemon Friends, a new puzzle game created exclusively for the Nintendo Switch and available on the eShop.

This marks a bold move by The Pokemon Company, demonstrating confidence in delivering instant digital experiences.

In their official statement during the presentation, company representatives shared their enthusiasm by noting that releasing Pokemon Friends simultaneously with its reveal was all about delivering joy and surprises directly into players' hands. Another highlight from the July 2025 Pokemon Presents was a deeper look at Pokemon Champions, the next mainline entry slated for release in 2026.

The new footage showcased expanded gameplay systems, innovative multiplayer features, and the Series’ trademark art direction refined for the Nintendo Switch hardware.

While further details remain under wraps for now, The Pokemon Company reaffirmed their commitment to evolving the franchise and noted that fans can expect additional updates as development progresses. For those anticipating the next big adventure, the presentation provided an extended update on Pokemon Legends: Z-A, scheduled for a Q4 2025 launch on Nintendo Switch.

New gameplay footage revealed an urban reimagining of Lumiose City, demonstrating a seamless open-world design and ambitious visual presentation.

The segment featured the debut of Mega Dragonite—a form that set social media abuzz upon its reveal—underscoring Game Freak’s willingness to revisit and reimagine classic gameplay mechanics. Since its inception, the Pokemon Presents series has served as a vital communication channel between The Pokemon Company and its worldwide audience, offering timely updates through digital events akin to Nintendo Direct streams.

The July 2025 edition continued that tradition, focusing on tangible releases, platform enhancements, and new experiences crafted for long-time fans and newcomers alike. With the Nintendo Switch continuing its dominant run and the eShop seeing a fresh lineup of entries, this latest Pokemon Presents underscores both the enduring legacy and future trajectory of Pokemon.

As fans celebrate immediate launches like Pokemon Friends and anticipate sweeping adventures in upcoming titles such as Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Pokemon Champions, July 2025 will go down as a pivotal moment in the franchise’s storied history.

Pokémon Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Pokemon Pokemon Presents Pokemon Friends Pokemon Legends: Z-A Pokemon Legends Z-A Pokemon Champions The Pokemon Company Game Freak