Pokémon Legends: Z-A Introduces Mega Malamar as Latest Mega Evolution Ahead of Switch Release

Nintendo has officially unveiled Mega Malamar as the newest Mega Evolution in the highly anticipated Pokémon Legends: Z-A, set to launch globally on October 16, 2025 for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

Developed by industry mainstay Game Freak, Pokémon Legends: Z-A represents the latest major entry in the Pokémon franchise, building on the innovative gameplay introduced in previous titles. Since Pokémon Legends: Z-A was first announced during a Nintendo Direct presentation, fans have eagerly awaited details about new features, storylines, and iconic Pokémon transformations.

The addition of Mega Malamar expands the roster of Mega Evolutions available in this upcoming spinoff, reaffirming the series’ commitment to both established mechanics and creative new gameplay elements. According to an official update published on the Pokémon website, Mega Malamar’s transformation results in a significantly enlarged brain and radiant psychic energy.

This powerful glow, described as a vivid light, greatly intensifies Malamar's hypnotic capabilities.

The enhanced Mega Evolution allows Malamar to alter personalities and even overwrite memories, giving it a fearsome psychological edge in battle.

Nintendo’s YouTube channel also features a brief reveal video that highlights the dramatic visual changes and abilities this Mega Evolution brings to the battle arena. In the words of the official description, Mega Malamar “emits a brightly colored light upon Mega Evolution, which serves to further amplify its hypnotic techniques—capable of rewriting personalities or memories with ease.” This marks one of the most formidable upgrades to a Pokémon’s psychic arsenal yet seen in the series, indicating exciting new strategies for competitive players and seasoned trainers alike. Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be released on both the current Nintendo Switch and the next-generation Nintendo Switch 2 console.

Notably, the Switch 2 edition will cost $10 more than its predecessor’s version, reflecting the enhanced capabilities of the new hardware platform.

Fans can expect simultaneous release and full compatibility across both platforms, further boosting anticipation within the Nintendo and Pokémon communities. The reveal of Mega Malamar follows similar announcements for other Mega Evolutions, such as Mega Hawlucha, Mega Victreebel, and Mega Dragonite, each of which will debut within Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

With continuous updates shared through Nintendo Direct presentations and official channels, Pokémon enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to as the launch date approaches. As one of Nintendo’s flagship releases for the upcoming year, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is poised to deliver an expanded adventure with new gameplay features, a robust lineup of Mega Evolutions, and seamless integration with both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 hardware.

Be sure to check the eShop for pre-order options and stay tuned for further news as Nintendo and Game Freak release additional details about this groundbreaking Pokémon journey.

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