The latest Pokémon Presents (July 22, 2025) delivered a whirlwind of announcements, blending long-awaited updates for flagship titles, surprise game drops, and bold multimedia expansions. Here’s everything you need to know:
1. Legends Pokémon: Z-A: Deep Dive into Lumiose City
Releasing October 16, 2025, on Nintendo Switch/Switch 2, this game transforms Lumiose into a dynamic playground:
- Day/Night Mechanics: By day, hunt Alpha Pokémon (oversized, red-eyed variants); by night, battle in the competitive “Z-A Royale” mode against trainers like Corax, leader of the Rust Syndicate .
- Mega Evolution Crisis: Investigate wild Mega Evolutions gone rogue! Team MZ (your customizable crew) must calm these Pokémon to earn Mega Stones .
- Meet Mega Dragonite: Revealed with Dragonair-inspired wings and a tail pearl, enabling faster flight .
- Pre-Order Bonus: Get a Ralts holding Gardevoirite for early buyers .
2. Pokémon Champions: The Competitive Arena Arrives in 2026
This strategic battler (Switch/Switch 2/mobile) reimagines online combat:
- Recruitment System: Temporarily test Pokémon via “Trial Recruitment,” or permanently unlock them using Victory Points (VP) earned in ranked matches .
- VP Customization: Spend points to tweak stats/abilities for tailored teams .
- Three Battle Modes: Ranked, Casual, and Private lobbies .
3. Pokémon Friends: Surprise Drop with a Catch
Launched immediately after the show! This puzzle game (1,200+ levels) tasks players with untangling knots to craft Pokémon plushies:
- Free on Mobile: Includes ads/DLC packs (e.g., $9.99 “Basic Pack” for extra puzzles/plushies) .
- Paid on Switch: Costs $9.99 (includes the “Basic Pack” content) but lacks a free version .
- Social Elements: Gift plushies to NPCs or decorate virtual rooms .
4. Animated Adventures: Stop-Motion & Netflix Returns
- The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu (2027): Aardman Studios (Wallace & Gromit) brings signature humor to this stop-motion series set in Galar .
- Pokémon Concierge Season 2: Hits Netflix September 4, 2025 .
5. TCG, Events & Park Updates
- TCG “Mega Evolution” Expansion: Drops September 26, 2025, featuring Mega Lucario/Gardevoir/Kangaskhan ex. Includes connectable Bulbasaur-Ivysaur-Mega Venusaur art cards .
- World Championships 2025: August 15–17 in Anaheim, CA. Attendees get a Paradise Resort promo card and a Toedscool download code for Scarlet/Violet .
- PokéPark KANTO: Permanent outdoor attraction opening in 2026 at Japan’s Yomiuriland. Features Pokémon Forest (wildlife area) and Sedge Town (social hub) .
6. Updates for Existing Games
- Scarlet/Violet (Switch 2 Enhanced): Free graphics upgrade! July 23–Sept 14 Tera Raid event: Hunt “Debacle Pokémon” variants. Track suit codes:
STRACKSU1T(Scarlet) /VTRACKSU1T(Violet) . - Pokémon GO: Eternatus debuts at August’s GO Fest. Use code
GOFESTMAXby August 3 . - Pokémon Sleep: Raikou/Entei/Suicune research arrives in September .
The Bottom Line
This Presents balanced fan service with innovation: Legends Z-A’s lore-rich world, Champions’ competitive depth, and Friends’ casual charm cater to diverse players. Meanwhile, Aardman’s collaboration and PokéPark KANTO signal Pokémon’s ambition beyond games. While Gen 10 remakes went unmentioned, October’s Z-A launch promises to keep trainers busy!
What excited you most? Share your thoughts below!
Sources: Official Pokémon Press Release , Nintenderos , GamerFocus , Vandal .
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