From Pokémon Legends: Z-A to the Pokémon Trading Card Game, one tendency is obvious throughout new releases. I’m not talking about the Year of Eevee material, but I’ve enjoyed seeing cool new Eeveelutions releases this year. While a marketing campaign involving a beloved Pokémon is safe, the series seems to be taking a riskier approach in 2025.
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Different Pokémon have always been major elements of the franchise. Originally, Pokémon evolved to do this. However, regional variations of Gigantamax Pokémon have appeared since then. One of the most popular Pokémon transformations returns this year. I think this returning feature may be problematic if it doesn’t meet fans’ expectations.
Mega Evolution Returns Big In 2025
Mega Evolution returns to Pokémon in numerous forms this year. Its involvement in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, where many new Pokémon will probably get Mega Evolutions, is remarkable. Dragonite and Feraligatr may be Mega Evolved, according to reports. Pokémon Legends: Z-A will feature Mega Charizard and Mega Lucario, according to trailers. This year, Mega Evolutions will appear elsewhere besides the game.
Mega Evolutions will return to Pokémon Trading Card Game on September 26, 2025. Mega Venusaur and Mega Latias ex will be in the set. Unlike the Pokémon video games, the Pokémon TCG enables you easily Mega Evolve a second evolved form like Ivysaur instead of Venusaur. Mega Basic Pokémon can be played immediately.
Mega Evolutions returned to every major aspect of the Pokémon franchise this year after rumored teasers in March that they would return to Pokémon Horizons. Mega Evolution pins, clothes, and plush have appeared in the Pokémon Center online store. Pokémon is clearly trying to bring back Mega Evolutions, but will it work? Not knowing any new Mega Evolution forms makes it hard to say.
The Mega Evolutions were popular, but were they too nostalgic?
Mega Evolutions were a smash at launch. We saw new designs for fan-favorite Pokémon like Charizard and Blastoise, and they were powerful in battle. The popularity of fan art suggests Pokémon gamers wanted more Mega Evolved Pokémon. Their popularity makes it an obvious option to return to the series, but I’m worried it will be more nostalgia than innovation.
Mega Evolutions were exciting when they initially came out and would be again if we received more. No new Mega Evolutions have been confirmed for Pokémon Legends: Z-A. I initially thought that was a secret reveal, but now I’m wondering if any are coming. I would have expected confirmation of at least some new Mega Evolutions before pre-orders went up to encourage sales.
The Pokémon Center will release new Mega Evolution items in June, thus it would make sense that new Mega Evolutions would have been announced early enough to be included. This would have coincided with game pre-orders and boosted interest for both titles. While the Pokémon Company may be hiding new Mega Evolutions until launch, I suspect Pokémon Legends: Z-A will rely on nostalgia for the old ones.
Gen 10 Pokémon Needs Evolution
The Pokémon Legends games don’t always follow the core series, therefore I hope the next generation will advance the franchise instead of using old mechanics. This should bring a lot of new Pokémon. I’d want to see another game with an original Pokédex like Pokémon Black and White. I’m not sure the franchise needs another gimmick, but I’d rather have one than an old one for nostalgia.
There’s some originality in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. One of the biggest Pokémon advancements in recent years is its real-time fighting. Perhaps expecting new Mega Evolutions and a new Pokémon fighting system is too much to ask of the game. Based on what I’ve observed, Pokémon Legends: Z-A may be fun. Mechanical innovation is wonderful, but I’d rather see more Pokémon game concepts.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A revealing all the rumored Mega Evolutions would be welcome. Not as many as some are guessing, but a few new Mega Evolutions would be enough to make me feel like the game isn’t only using nostalgia for Pokémon. If not, I hope Generation 10 delivers a new Pokémon when introduced.
