FromPokémon Legends: Z-Ato thePokémon Trading Card Game, there is one clear trend across new releases in the franchise that is hard to ignore. And no, I’m not talking about the Year of Eevee content, though I have been very pleased to see fun new releases surrounding the Eeveelutions this year. However, while a marketing push featuring one of the more popular Pokémon is a safe bet, the franchise seems to be going all-in on a much riskier prospect in 2025.
Different forms of Pokémon have always been a core feature of the franchise. Originally, this was just achieved through Pokémon evolution. However, since then, we have seen a variety of new Pokémon forms, like regional variants or Gigantamax Pokémon. Some of these changes are more popular than others, and the one returning this year seems to be one of the most popular styles of Pokémon transformation. However, I can’t help but feel that this returning feature may be a risky bet, especially if it doesn’t deliver what fans are expecting from it.
Mega Evolution Returns In A Big Way In 2025
Mega Evolutions Will Appear Across Most Forms Of The Pokémon Franchise
Mega Evolution is coming back to thePokémonfranchise in multiple formsthis year. Perhaps most notable is its inclusion inPokémon Legends: Z-A, where it is rumored a host ofnew Pokémon will be receiving Mega Evolutions. If the rumors are correct, we could see long-awaited Mega Evolved Pokémon like Dragonite or Feraligatr. From the trailers, we have also seen that popular existing Mega Evolutions like Mega Charizard and Mega Lucario will appear inPokémon Legends: Z-A. However, the game isn’t the only place we’ll see Mega Evolutions this year.
Mega Evolutions are also making a comeback in thePokémon Trading Card Gamewith theMega Evolutionsetdue out on July 08, 2025.The set will include Mega Evolved versions of Pokémon ex, like Mega Venusaur ex or Mega Latias ex. Luckily, unlike in thePokémonvideo games, thePokémon TCGlets you go straight from a second evolved form, like Ivysaur, into a Mega Evolved Pokémon, instead of having to Mega Evolve a fully evolved Pokémon like Venusaur. Mega versions of Basic Pokémon are also Basic, meaning they can be played immediately.
Back in March, there were also some leaked spoilers thatMega Evolutions would be returning to the animeinPokémonHorizons, soMega Evolutions are returning to every major facet of thePokémonfranchise this year. We’ve even seen Mega Evolution merchandise start to pop up in the Pokémon Center online store on pins, apparel, and in plush form. It’s clear that Pokémon is taking a big swing at bringing back Mega Evolutions, but will it be a hit? It’s hard to say, especially without concrete news about any new Mega Evolution forms.
Mega Evolutions Were Popular, But Is It Too Much Nostalgia?
There Are Still No New Mega Evolved Pokémon Confirmed For Pokémon Legends: Z-A
When they first came out, Mega Evolutions were a big hit. After all,we were seeing brand-new designs for fan-favorite Pokémon like Charizard and Blastoise, not to mention how powerful they were in battle. If the proliferation of fan art is any indication,Pokémonplayers wanted to see more Mega Evolved versions of their favorite Pokémon. It seems like a natural choice that they would return to the franchise, given their popularity, but I’m concerned that their return might be more of a nostalgia trip than an innovation.
Mega Evolutions were new and exciting when they first came out, and they would be again if we got some new ones. However, as of now,there are no new Mega Evolutions officially confirmed forPokémon Legends: Z-A. Although I initially chalked that up to something that would be saved for a later reveal, I’m starting to wonder if any are actually coming. I would have thought we’d at least get confirmation of at least some new Mega Evolutions before pre-orders of the game went live, to help boost sales.
With new Mega Evolution merchandise coming to thePokémon Center in June, it would also have made sense that, if there were new Mega Evolutions coming, they would have been revealed early enough to make it into this merchandise line. This would have coincided well with pre-orders for the game, and could have built up the excitement around both products. While it’s entirely possible that the Pokémon Company is somehow keeping a lid on a batch of new Mega Evolutions until launch,I’m starting to thinkPokémon Legends: Z-Awill simply be relying on nostalgia for the existing ones.
Pokémon Needs To Continue To Evolve For Gen 10
ThePokémon Legendsgames are not always necessarily reflective of the mainline series, so I have hope that the next generation ofPokémongames will take the franchise forward instead of relying on old mechanics. Hopefully, this also means a big batch of new Pokémon. I would love to see another attempt likePokémon BlackandWhiteat having a game with a completely original Pokédex. Although I’m hesitant about saying the franchise needs another gimmick, I’d at least take a new gimmick over an old one being rolled out for the sake of nostalgia.
It is worth noting thatPokémon Legends: Z-Aisn’t completely unoriginal. In fact,its real-time combat is one of the biggest innovations in thePokémonfranchise in a while. Perhaps it’s asking too much of the game to expect both a batch of fresh new Mega Evolutions as well as a completely new way to engage in Pokémon battles. I’m not necessarily sayingPokémon Legends: Z-Ais going to be a bad game, and I’ll likely enjoy it based on what I’ve seen. As cool as mechanical innovation is, I think I would just prefer to see more new ideas for the actual Pokémon in a game.
I would more than welcomePokémon Legends: Z-Asurprising me by including all the rumored new Mega Evolutions. Even if it’s not as many as people are speculating, just a few new Mega Evolutions would be enough to make me feel like the game isn’t just resting on nostalgia when it comes to its choice of Pokémon. If not, then I hope Generation 10 can deliver some new Pokémon whenever it is announced.
