All the Scoops on Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Aardman’s Animated Magic, Pokémon Friends, Champions & Beyond!
Pokémon fans, the future just got a whole lot more electrifying! The July 2025 Pokémon Presents didn't just drop a handful of updates—it rewrote what to expect from the world's favorite monster franchise. Whether you’re a battler, collector, cinema-lover, or puzzle-solving ace, something in this event was tailored for you.
Here’s your ultimate breakdown of each major announcement, every showcased feature, and what it all means for the sprawling Pokémon universe.
Landing exclusively on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on October 16, 2025, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is shaping up to be the most ambitious Pokémon RPG yet1234. Imagine Kalos’ Lumiose City—reimagined as a living, breathing metropolis—where every corner, character, and encounter is part adventure, part mystery.
Unlike traditional multi-region games, Z-A is set entirely within Lumiose City, letting Game Freak fill every street, market, and alley with layered stories, unforgettable allies, and hidden enemies. The city’s day/night system isn’t just cosmetic: daytime is for exploring and Pokémon catching, while nighttime transitions into the hyper-competitive Z-A Royale—a test of battler cunning as you strive to become the city’s champion.
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: October 16, 2025 (Switch & Switch 2)
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: Entirely in Lumiose City
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: Team MZ, featuring Naveen (fashion designer), Lida (dancer), Urbain/Taunie (story dependent)
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: Rust Syndicate, led by Corbeau
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: Exploration by day, Z-A Royale by night
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: 100 Poké Balls and a Ralts with Gardevoirite4
A showstopper in the new trailer was the debut of Mega Dragonite, a gleaming blend of nostalgia and invention. Drawing visual cues from Dragonair, Mega Dragonite’s pearl-tipped tail and elegant head wings reflect a deepening of old lore while promising monstrous new powers14.
For the first time, Mega Evolutions aren’t simply battle mechanics or brief forms—they’re baked into the storyline. Wild, “Rogue” Mega Evolution Pokémon now prowl Lumiose’s outskirts causing chaos. Your mission: investigate, battle, and perhaps even save these power-wracked creatures.
Notable Mega Evolution Additions:
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Others teased in the reveal, with more expected as the release nears.
Mega Evolutions now affect both narrative tension and gameplay, beckoning veteran trainers with a new twist on classic mechanics.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A isn’t just about catching; it’s about connecting:
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: The people of Lumiose aren’t template NPCs, but your friends, teammates, mentors, and rivals. Naveen, the trendsetting fashion designer, and Lida, the dazzling dancer, each offer unique backstories—including personalized quests and challenges.
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: Depending on your chosen character, Urbain or Taunie will join as your right-hand. Each route promises distinct story branches and special moments exploring Lumiose’s subcultures.
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: Change your outfit (and your Furfrou’s style) as often as the city’s mood shifts. Embark on side cases for detective Emma, or unravel research mysteries with Mable, the acting lab director24.
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: The Rust Syndicate, led by the enigmatic Corbeau, return the franchise to classic gang intrigue—yet woven directly into Lumiose’s nighttime Z-A Royale, where every battle is as much about city politics as pocket monsters14.
Launched with a surprise drop, Pokémon Friends is the daily puzzle game you didn’t know your routine needed—now available on Switch (premium) and mobile (free-to-start)56.
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Over 1,200 brainteasing levels—from easy “one-line” connectors (light up all the Pikachu bulbs!) to cerebral path-planners and track-connecting marathons.
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Earn animated plush Pokémon by triumphing over each challenge. Customize and display them in your virtual plush room.
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Decorate your digital domain with plushies, furniture, and charming wallpaper.
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Meet the quirky citizens of Think Town, delivering plush quests for rewards and room upgrades.
Family-Friendly, Addictive, and Accessible:
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Multiple save files for every family member6.
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Optional microtransactions provide more puzzles and plushies, but the core is generous.
Pokémon Friends is already positioning itself as the next big cozy game, blending cute collectible design with a reason to return every morning.
Animation aficionados, rejoice! The creators of Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, and Chicken Run are taking their first steps into Unova’s wilds with Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu78.
: 2027
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Stop-motion mastery meets Pokémon’s iconic whimsy.
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A narrative where Pokémon—especially a hapless Sirfetch’d and a mischievous Pichu—take center stage, largely in the playful, sheep-dotted pastures Aardman is famous for.
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Humans are background noise at best—the spotlight belongs to physical comedy, subtle emotion, and the everyday chaos of Pokémon life.
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Wooloo getting entangled in innocent outdoor mischief while Sirfetch’d and Pichu run riot.
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Signature Aardman humor and British charm woven through every frame.
While the series won’t air until 2027, the teaser alone has fans of all ages clearing schedules and prepping snacks. This is set to be a defining crossover of heart and craft78.
The competitive spirit of Pokémon finds a fresh battlefield with Pokémon Champions, coming to Switch, iOS, and Android in 2026910.
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: Battles take place in stadiums loaded with cheering NPC crowds, reminiscent of Galar’s gym battles but with renewed intensity.
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: Pokémon HOME will allow importing beloved partners from past games, so your roster feels truly yours.
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“Trial Recruitment” lets you test Pokémon on your team temporarily—no risk, pure experimentation!
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Earn “Victory Points” (VP) in Ranked Battles to make trial Pokémon permanent additions—or fine-tune your Pokémon’s stats, moves, and even Abilities.
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: Ranked, Casual, and Private modes ensure everyone’s play style has a niche.
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: The training system, stat customization, and double/single battle options dial up competitive possibilities far beyond prior multiplayer outings910.
If Pokémon Showdown and Sword/Shield had a baby—then gave it steroids and a slick, mobile-friendly redesign—this is it.
The next Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion is all about Mega Evolutions, promising new mechanisms and epic artwork1. Standouts from the new set include:
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A connecting triptych of Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Mega Venusaur ex
For collectors and battlers alike, this expansion will redefine what’s possible within a single battle—especially with newly connecting images across cards.
A permanent Pokémon amusement park—no, not a fantasy, but soon to be a reality. PokéPark Kanto is preparing for its grand opening in Yomiuriland, Tokyo’s picturesque Tama Hills, spanning over 26,000 square feet2.
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: Pokémon roam free in lush, natural habitats—ideal for photos and interactive fun.
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Pokémon Trainers’ Market
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Pokémon Center
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Poké Mart
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Sedge Gym
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Pokémon Parade & two more yet-to-be-revealed attractions
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Over 600 Pokémon will be featured throughout the land, with tickets slated to go on sale later in 2025.
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: The stop-motion Netflix series returns with emotional arcs and more creatures than ever on September 4.
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: Challenge Shiny Legendary Quartet (Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, Chi-Yu) in 5-Star Tera Raids—collaborate globally to unlock Mystery Gifts by achieving 1,000,000 victories for each.
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: Themed events for Grass-, Ice-, Ground-, and Fire-types are rolling out for hunters.
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: Gears up for GO Fest: Max Finale (August 23-24), featuring Eternatus.
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: New sea captain Lapras joins the lineup.
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: Research on Legendary Beasts (Suicune, Entei, Raikou) and the Amber Canyon area arrives in September.
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: Fourth anniversary welcomes Latios and Latias in quick succession.
From sprawling urban adventures and narrative-driven battling in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, to cozying up with daily puzzles in Pokémon Friends and falling in love with animated sheep via Aardman’s magic, the Pokémon universe isn’t resting on its laurels.
Instead, it’s growing—from mobile to console, screen to theme park, and classic TCG to next-gen multiplayer. Whether you’re after high drama, brain-teasing comfort, or infectious whimsy, summer 2025’s Pokémon Presents has delivered.
What are you most excited for? Is Mega Dragonite your new must-have? Planning a pilgrimage to PokéPark Kanto? Sound off below—your Pokémon journey is only just beginning!
Pokémon Presents July 2025 reaffirms what longtime trainers already know: this world is only getting bigger, more playful, and more ambitious. Stay tuned for more in-depth features on each new title—and keep your Pokédexes ready!
- https://www.ign.com/articles/pokmon-presents-july-2025-everything-announced
- https://www.polygon.com/news/614984/pokemon-presents-july-2025-news-announcements-all-recap
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Legends:_Z-A
- https://economictimes.com/news/international/us/pokemon-z-a-release-date-mega-dragonite-pre-order-bonus-styles-features-side-quests-nintendo-switch-2-pokemon-direct/articleshow/122840032.cms
- https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-friends-is-a-brand-new-pokemon-game-out-today-for-switch-2-and-more/1100-6533330/
- https://9to5mac.com/2025/07/22/pokemon-friends-is-a-cute-new-daily-puzzle-game-for-iphone/
- https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/07/aardman-animations-pokemon-collaboration-teased
- https://gizmodo.com/aardmans-pokemon-show-looks-absolutely-delightful-2000632519
- https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/614646/champions-new-competitve-game-gameplay-release-trailer
- https://champions.pokemon.com/en-us/
- https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/news-and-updates-from-the-july-2025-pokemon-presents
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZAe5ewM-ic
- https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/1m6d81k/pok%C3%A9mon_presents_7222025/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGBbyqnV_kw
- https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-presents-july-2025-everything-announced
- https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-games/Pokemon-Legends-Z-A-2533423.html
- https://www.ign.com/articles/wallace-and-gromit-studio-announces-animated-series-pokmon-tales-the-misadventures-of-sirfetchd-pichu-for-2027
- https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Pokemon-Friends-2872653.html
- https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-stadium-alike-new-game-pokemon-champions-gets-a-2026-release-date-in-new-action-packed-gameplay-trailer
- https://www.techradar.com/news/live/pokemon-presents-july-22-live