Pokémon Presents July Recap

Get ready, Trainers—Pokémon just dropped an info bomb, and we’re still catching our breath (and plushies). In a globally streamed Pokémon Presents, The Pokémon Company unveiled major updates, game launches, and jaw-dropping collabs sure to keep fans buzzing through 2026 and beyond.

Here’s a breakdown of the biggest announcements from today’s showcase:

Welcome Back to Lumiose City in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Launching October 16, 2025 on Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch 2, Pokémon Legends: Z-A takes players back to a beautifully reimagined Lumiose City—but this isn’t your average Kalos stroll.

Daytime Exploration: Wander through city zones and wild areas, where you’ll run into massive, glowing Alpha Pokémon that are tough to catch and tougher to beat. Z-A Royale Battles (at night!): Battle your way up the ranks and take on high-tier Trainers—including Corbeau, leader of the shady Rust Syndicate.

Meet the Locals: Help detective Emma solve mysteries or support scientist Mable in Pokémon research to earn sweet rewards like TMs. Rogue Mega Evolution Alert: Wild Pokémon are Mega Evolving without warning! Battle them with the help of Team MZ and earn Mega Stones.

New Mega Forms Revealed: Say hello to Mega Dragonite, now rocking sleek Dragonair-inspired wings and serious flight speed boosts.

For more information visit, pokemon.co.jp/Z-A

Pokémon Champions (2026): Competitive Battling Goes Global

Ready to build your dream team and rise through the ranks? Pokémon Champions hits Switch, Switch 2, iOS, and Android in 2026, bringing an intense new format focused on strategy and customization.

Trial & Permanent Recruitment: Try Pokémon before committing, then use Victory Points (VP) to permanently recruit and train your favorites.
Battle Modes: Choose from Ranked Battles, Casual Battles, or invite friends to Private Battles—play solo or in doubles!

Plushie Chaos in Pokémon Friends — Available Now!

Need a mental cooldown? Pokémon Friends is a new puzzle game now live on Switch, Switch 2, and mobile platforms. Solve puzzles to earn yarn and craft Pokémon plushies using the adorable Plush-O-Matic. Decorate your own plushie room and help the residents of Think Town through “friend quests.”

Over 1,200 puzzles
150+ plushies to collect
Daily stamps, calendar goals, and up to 5 save files for family fun

Created with Wonderfy Inc., this one’s perfect for cozy gamers and collectors.

Aardman x Pokémon = Stop-Motion Gold

Yes, you read that right. The team behind Wallace & Gromit is teaming up with Pokémon for a new stop-motion series, Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu.

Coming 2027, the series promises all the wit, charm, and visual magic Aardman is known for. The teaser already has fans swooning. Watch it now on the official Pokémon YouTube channel,

Mega Evolution Returns to the Pokémon TCG

Revealed ahead of the Mega Evolution Expansion launching September 26, 2025, new cards features, Mega Lucario ex, Mega Kangaskhan ex, Mega Gardevoir ex, and A stunning Bulbasaur–Ivysaur–Mega Venusaur ex panorama set.

This expansion is a must-have for collectors and competitive TCG players alike.

2025 Pokémon World Championships – Anaheim, CA

From August 15–17, Trainers will gather in Anaheim for this year’s World Championships. A newly revealed Paradise Resort promo card joins the previously announced Celebration Pikachu—available to participants (while supplies last).