Pokémon Legends: Z-A Mega Evolution Details Emerge from Pokémon World Championships Hands-On Demo

Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the highly anticipated new entry in the Pokémon franchise, is shaping up to be one of the most innovative titles for the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

Developed by Game Freak, the studio behind the mainline Pokémon series, the game made its first hands-on appearance at the recent Pokémon World Championships, where new details about its gameplay mechanics—including the revamped Mega Evolution system—were officially observed and discussed. Mega Evolution, a feature first introduced in Pokémon X and Y, returns to Pokémon Legends: Z-A as a central gameplay mechanic.

According to verified hands-on impressions from the event, certain Pokémon can temporarily transform into more powerful forms during battle, with new Mega Evolutions also confirmed to join the roster.

This offers fans both a nostalgic callback and fresh content to explore. The revamped Mega Evolution works through a dynamic in-battle system: - When a player’s Pokémon deals damage, the opposing Pokémon drops "Mega Energy" orbs. - The trainer is challenged to actively collect these Mega Energy orbs, which feed into a new "Mega Gauge." - After filling the Mega Gauge, players can trigger a Mega Evolution by pressing the right joystick. - Unlike previous games, Mega Evolution can be used multiple times in a single battle—as long as trainers continue dealing damage and collecting Mega Energy to refill their gauge. - The Mega Gauge decreases gradually over time, but skillful play can keep it active by consistently gathering energy. During demonstrations, it was also revealed that not all encounters will be straightforward.

Rogue Mega Evolved Pokémon present a new threat by directly targeting the player, rather than their Pokémon.

This change introduces a higher level of difficulty and requires players to carefully evade attacks, with the potential risk of fainting—making battles more challenging than in previous franchise installments. Additional verified features distinguish Pokémon Legends: Z-A from its predecessor, Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

For instance, held items are returning, but with a twist: each item comes with its own cooldown period, necessitating strategic use.

In line with Arceus, Pokémon abilities remain absent, while natures are still present, and a shop in-game sells various mints. Players will also get to explore a fresh interpretation of Lumiose City, a regionous, fan-favorite location, with the game’s map making a notable appearance at the event.

This provides both new and long-time fans an opportunity to revisit familiar environs with entirely new mechanics and challenges. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is slated for release on October 16, 2025, and will be available for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, ensuring accessibility across two generations of hardware.

Elsewhere in the franchise, a new distribution event for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet has started, further engaging the Pokémon community ahead of Z-A’s launch.

With Game Freak’s reputation for innovation, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is positioning itself to be a standout installment in the series.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pokémon Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 Switch Pokémon Legends: Z-A Mega Evolution Pokémon World Championships Z World Championships Pokémon Legends Z-A Game Freak Pokémon X and Y Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Lumiose City