The July 2025 Pokémon Presents stream has come and gone after nearly a month of anticipation. While it wasn’t the franchise’s strongest showcase, it featured a handful of exciting announcements, including fresh looks at upcoming titles like Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Pokémon Champions. Below are the biggest highlights from the event.
A Closer Look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A
The next entry in the Pokémon Legends series promises to shake things up in a big way. The latest footage showcased thrilling new Mega Evolutions alongside an overview of the game’s story and core mechanics. Set in Pokémon X and Y’s iconic Lumiose City, the game follows a new trainer invited to join Team MZ, an organization dedicated to protecting the city. Key members like Naveen and Lida will play significant roles in the story as you navigate the bustling metropolis.
Lumiose City evolves dynamically, with a day-and-night cycle that impacts gameplay. By day, you’ll explore the city, battle, and catch Pokémon to grow your team. By night, the action shifts to the Z-A Royale, a competitive arena where trainers climb the ranks by facing increasingly challenging opponents. These battles replace traditional gym battles, creating a fresh take on the Pokémon formula.
But there’s more than battling to enjoy. The game offers a level of trainer customization never seen in the franchise, from hairstyles and outfits to a built-in photo mode. You can also bond with your Pokémon at hangout spots throughout the city. Side missions from various characters add depth to the experience, alongside the classic task of completing a new Pokédex.
The return of Mega Evolution is perhaps the most exciting element. Wild Pokémon are now capable of independent Mega Evolution, often turning them into dangerous, rogue threats. To combat this, players can utilize their own Mega Evolutions, teaming up with an ally from Team MZ for added support. One new Mega Evolution was teased—Mega Dragonite.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A releases on October 16, 2025, with an upgraded Nintendo Switch 2 version available at launch. A Switch 2 bundle including a digital copy of the game will also be available.
Pokémon Champions Arrives in 2026
First revealed earlier this year, Pokémon Champions is a game focused exclusively on Pokémon battling. Developed for the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, it allows players to bring in their Pokémon from Pokémon Home or use Pokémon available within the game.
Players will assemble and train their teams, then dive into competitive online ranked battles or private matches. At launch, only single and double battles will be available, though more formats could be added in future updates. The game also introduces a streamlined approach to competitive play, letting players customize stats, moves, natures, and abilities without the usual grind.
With its focus on no-frills Pokémon battles, Pokémon Champions looks set to appeal to fans of competitive play. The game is slated for a 2026 release.
Pokémon Friends – A New Puzzle Game Available Now
Adding to the roster of smaller Pokémon spin-offs, Pokémon Friends is a brand-new puzzle game now available on the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.
Boasting over 1,200 puzzles, with new ones added daily, the game offers a mix of quick brain-teasers and more involved challenges. Completing puzzles rewards players with plush toys of Pokémon, which can be used to decorate in-game plush rooms. With a variety of puzzle types, it’s a fun daily distraction for Pokémon fans.
The game is available for download now on iOS, Android, and the Nintendo Switch eShop.
Aardman Animation Announces Stop-Motion Pokémon Series
One of the most exciting surprises from the stream was the announcement that Aardman Animation, the studio behind Wallace & Gromit, is creating a stop-motion Pokémon series.
Titled Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d and Pichu, the series will be set in a region inspired by Galar, reflecting Aardman’s British roots. Peter Lord, Aardman’s cofounder and creative director, expressed his enthusiasm for working on the project, promising a unique take on the Pokémon universe.
If Aardman’s previous work is any indication, this series is sure to be a hit. It’s set to debut in 2027, but a short teaser is already available.
The Pokémon Presents stream may not have been groundbreaking, but it still delivered plenty of intriguing updates to keep fans excited for what’s ahead. From the ambitious Pokémon Legends: Z-A to the charming Pokémon Tales, there’s plenty for trainers to look forward to in the coming years.
