Pokemon Legends: Z-A Brings Back Mega Evolutions with 26 New Forms on Nintendo Switch

Pokemon Legends: Z-A Brings Back Mega Evolutions with 26 New Forms on Nintendo Switch Pokémon Legends: Z-A is poised to be one of the most anticipated releases for Nintendo Switch in 2024.

Developed by Game Freak, this latest entry in the franchise not only returns to the exploratory gameplay of Pokémon Legends: Arceus but also marks the long-awaited comeback of Mega Evolutions—a battling mechanic beloved by competitive and casual players alike.

Initially introduced in Pokémon X and Y, Mega Evolutions allow select Pokémon to transform temporarily during battle, offering improved stats and new appearances.

After a notable absence from recent mainline games, their reintroduction in Pokémon Legends: Z-A signals a major feature revival for the series and the Nintendo Switch platform. The excitement around Mega Evolutions resurfaced in late March, when well-known Nintendo insider Pyoro, recognized for accurate leaks during previous Nintendo Direct presentations, hinted at a significant expansion of Mega options in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

In a cryptic social media exchange, Pyoro suggested that players should "look at the upper left corner of their keyboard"—a subtle nod to ASCII Code 27, which fans quickly interpreted as evidence for 27 new Mega Evolutions being added.

Supporting this claim, another prominent outlet, Universo Nintendo, highlighted several classic Pokémon rumored to be receiving brand-new Mega forms, including Victreebel, Starmie, Chandelure, and Excadrill. Shortly after, a more comprehensive list surfaced courtesy of reliable Pokémon news aggregator CentroLeaks.

According to the latest information, the final count of new Mega Evolutions in Pokémon Legends: Z-A stands at 26, following the removal of Mega Zeraora from the planned lineup.

This update is significant for both long-time fans and competitive trainers, as it introduces Mega Evolutions for Pokémon across multiple generations—from the series’ origins in Kanto, all the way to Galar. Below is the full list of Pokémon receiving new Mega Evolutions in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, organized by region: Kanto: Mega Clefable, Mega Starmie, Mega Victreebel, Mega Dragonite Johto: Mega Meganium, Mega Feraligatr, Mega Skarmory Sinnoh: Mega Froslass Unova: Mega Emboar, Mega Scolipede, Mega Excadrill, Mega Eelektross, Mega Scrafty, Mega Chandelure Kalos: Mega Chesnaught, Mega Delphox, Mega Greninja, Mega Pyroar, Mega Malamar, Mega Barbaracle, Mega Dragalge, Mega Hawlucha, Mega Eternal Flower Floette, Mega Zygarde Alola: Mega Drampa Galar: Mega Falinks Game Freak has not yet made any official announcements confirming the full lineup of new Mega Evolutions.

As always, Pokémon fans are encouraged to await direct confirmation from The Pokémon Company or via an upcoming Nintendo Direct.

Nevertheless, the consistent track record of these sources lends credibility to the list thus far. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is slated for release on Nintendo Switch later this year.

The anticipated return of Mega Evolutions, alongside a fresh set of 26 new forms, promises to inject new life and strategic depth into competitive play and strengthen the title’s appeal on the eShop.

For more updates, including confirmed Pokémon, battle mechanics, and release details, stay tuned to official announcements from Game Freak and Nintendo.

Pokémon Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Pokemon Mega Evolutions Pokemon Legends: Z-A Z Pokemon Legends Z-A Game Freak CentroLeaks Pyoro Universo Nintendo