Pokémon Presents Unveils Major Announcements: Pokémon Legends Z-A, Champions, and More Arrive on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

On July 22, 2025, The Pokémon Company captivated fans worldwide with a new Pokémon Presents livestream, spotlighting a sweeping array of announcements that signal a dynamic future for the beloved franchise.

From headline game debuts to trading card innovations and multimedia collaborations, the latest showcase reinforces Pokémon’s unrivaled influence on the gaming industry. Pokémon Legends: Z-A Poised for Major Launch on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 One of the event’s most anticipated moments was new information for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, confirmed for release on October 16, 2025, on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

Set in the bustling Lumiose City, players can embark on daytime explorations of urban wild zones, where powerful "alpha" Pokémon roam—larger, glowing-eyed creatures with heightened strength and resistance.

By night, the competitive landscape transforms with the Z-A Royale, a ranked tournament that pits trainers against increasingly formidable opponents, culminating in a challenge against Corbeau, leader of the Rust Syndicate. Trainers will also meet prominent Lumiose City characters, including detective Emma, who enlists players to help track down missing Pokémon and items, and Mable, interim director of the Pokémon Research Lab, who rewards explorers with TMs and other valuable items for contributing to field research.

An intriguing story thread, Rogue Mega Evolution, has wild Pokémon inexplicably transforming and rampaging through the city—Trainers teaming up with Team MZ to subdue these Pokémon can earn coveted Mega Stones.

Notably, the reveal of Mega Dragonite, featuring enhanced speed and a distinctly Dragonair-like appearance, adds excitement for competitive and casual fans alike. Pokémon Champions Set for Multiplatform Release in 2026 The showcase also delivered new gameplay details for Pokémon Champions, arriving in 2026 on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, iOS, and Android.

Trainers can experiment with a “Trial Recruitment” system that allows Pokémon to temporarily join their team, enabling fresh strategic play before making permanent roster additions through Victory Points (VP) gained in competitive modes.

The game boasts multiple battle types—Ranked, Casual, and Private Battles—catering to global matchmaking as well as private matches among friends and family.

Trainers can use VP to train their Pokémon to fit personalized strategies, enhancing depth and replayability.

More information is available on the official Pokémon Champions website. Animated Series and Puzzle Game Expansions In collaboration with acclaimed studio Aardman, The Pokémon Company International announced a new stop-motion animated series: ‘Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu’, set for a 2027 premiere and teased in the presentation.

Additionally, Pokémon Friends—a puzzle title co-developed with Wonderfy Inc.—is now available on Nintendo Switch (including Switch 2) and mobile platforms.

The game offers players over 1,200 brainteasing puzzles, daily stamp-tracking, and the chance to collect 150 different plush items, all within customizable in-game rooms.

Up to five save files allow for family-friendly play, and daily quests keep the format fresh.

Some game features require additional downloadable content. New Mega Evolution Expansion for Pokémon Trading Card Game Debuts September 2025 The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) continues to break new ground with the Mega Evolution expansion launching on September 26, 2025.

Players can look forward to powerful new cards like Mega Lucario ex, Mega Kangaskhan ex, and Mega Gardevoir ex, alongside unique connected artwork for Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Mega Venusaur ex.

Pokémon World Championships and Cross-Platform Updates This year’s Pokémon World Championships will take place August 15–17, 2025 in Anaheim, California, with exclusive promo cards and prizes announced for participants, including the Paradise Resort promo card.

The event will be supported by competitive play across various Pokémon games, including Pokémon Scarlet, Pokémon Violet, Pokémon Masters EX, and more. With this round of announcements, The Pokémon Company not only celebrates its ongoing success across the Nintendo Switch family of systems, including Nintendo Switch 2, but also demonstrates an unwavering commitment to innovation and community engagement.

Fans can revisit the full presentation on the official Pokémon YouTube channel for more detailed updates.

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