Z-A unveils Rogue Mega Evolutions

A lengthy Pokémon Presents presentation took place this morning so The Pokémon Company could reveal what was coming next for the popular RPG franchise. The highlight of the show was its in-depth look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the next Pokémon RPG coming to Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

During its segment, we met many new characters and Pokémon that will be featured in the game, and got our first look at the Rogue Mega Evolution boss battles, which appear to be a major part of the game.

What did we learn about Pokémon Legends: Z-A?

Team MZ, the Rust Syndicate, and Rogue Mega Evolutions are central to its plot

A lot of Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s Pokémon Presents segment revealed more about the game’s premise, which follows Team MZ as they work together to protect Lumiose City from organizations like the Rust Syndicate. Players will also be helping a detective named Emma solve mysteries around the city.

During the day, players can explore the city to find Pokémon to catch and buy clothes to customize their character. At night, players compete in the Z-A Royale with the Pokémon they caught, slowly increasing their rank and allowing them to take on powerful trainers.

This game’s two big twists are how battles work and Rogue Mega Evolution. It was previously confirmed that this game’s battles take place in real-time, but this Pokémon Presents is the first time we’ve seen Rogue Mega Evolutions of Pokémon. These are large-scale boss battles where players fight Mega Evolved Pokémon with their own, including the newly revealed Mega Dragonite.

Of course, Pokémon Legends: Z-A wasn’t the only thing shown off during the latest Pokémon Presents. The following were also teased:

• This year’s Pokémon World Championships
• The second season of Pokémon Concierge
• Aardman’s Pokémon series, Pokemon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d and Pichu
• The real-world Pokémon park Pokémon Kanto
• Pokémon GO Fest 2025: Max Finale
• Updates for Pokémon Masters EX, Pokémon Café ReMix, and Pokémon Sleep
• Latios and Latias are coming to Pokémon Unite
• Upcoming cards for the Pokémon Trading Card Game
• Pokémon Friends, a new kids puzzle game for mobile and Nintendo Switch, out today.
• Pokémon Champions‘ first look at gameplay and 2026 release window

Overall, it was a pretty packed presentation. There are clearly several games, TV shows, and mobile game updates players have to look forward to over the coming months and years. I am looking forward to Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s launch on October 16 the most, though.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Released

October 16, 2025

Developer(s)

Game Freak, Creatures Inc.

Publisher(s)

Nintendo, The Pokemon Company

Franchise

Pokemon

Nintendo Switch Release Date

October 16, 2025

Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date

October 16, 2025