The July 2025 Pokémon Presents livestream was a celebration of everything fans love about the series: bold new games, heart-warming spin-offs, and enough nostalgia to make even the most jaded trainer smile. Held on July 22, the presentation ran for just over 20 minutes, but it packed a surprising punch. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest announcements.
Pokémon Legends: Z‑A Gets Mega
The crown jewel of the presentation was Pokémon Legends: Z‑A, Game Freak’s next major entry in the Legends series. Set entirely in Lumiose City, the game blends open-world exploration with urban mystery, as players investigate unstable Mega Evolutions yes, they’re back.
A new trailer revealed Mega Dragonite in action, along with hints of Mega Tyranitar, Gardevoir, and more. The visual style seems sharper than Legends: Arceus, with a darker tone that’s unusual for the mainline games. It’s not just nostalgia bait, either mechanics have been retooled, and traversal through the city appears seamless.
Z‑A launches October 16, 2025, on both the current Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2. A special edition Switch 2 bundle was also teased.
Pokémon Champions Introduces Competitive Twist
Game Freak and The Pokémon Company also lifted the curtain on Pokémon Champions, a competitive strategy game designed for ranked play. With stylized isometric battles and a new “V-Points” stat system, the game is a clear play for the esports scene.
Players can build teams, earn ranking points, and import Pokémon from Home. The art style feels like a hybrid of Pokémon Unite and Fire Emblem, and the focus on small-scale battles suggests a high-skill ceiling.
Champions won’t arrive until 2026, but the announcement alone has already lit up the competitive community.
Pokémon Friends: Out Now
Out of nowhere, Pokémon Friends dropped during the stream—and it’s already climbing the mobile charts.
This cozy puzzle-and-decorate game is available now on Switch, iOS, and Android. Players solve daily puzzles to collect plush-style Pokémon and decorate a personal room. It’s not a core title, but it’s pure serotonin for fans who want something low-stakes and charming.
Anime, TCG, and Theme Parks
Beyond games, The Pokémon Company showed it’s serious about expanding the brand.
Netflix’s Pokémon Concierge is returning for a second season this September. But the real surprise was Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu, a claymation series from Aardman Studios. It’s set to debut in 2027 and already looks like a must-watch.
Meanwhile, the Pokémon TCG continues its unstoppable march with a new Mega Evolution expansion hitting shelves September 26. Cards revealed include Mega Lucario EX and Mega Venusaur EX, both fan favorites.
Finally, PokePark Kanto is opening in 2026 at Tokyo’s Yomiuriland amusement park, offering fans a real-world playground with themed rides, photo spots, and interactive zones.
Mobile Updates
On the mobile front, Pokémon GO’s “GO Fest 2025: Max Finale” will feature Eternatus in August. Pokémon Sleep adds the legendary beasts Entei, Raikou, and Suicune in September, while November introduces the new Amber Canyon zone. Masters EX and Café ReMix also received updates, mostly focused on new character outfits and seasonal content.
Pretty Good Showing
July 2025’s Pokémon Presents wasn’t just about new games it was a reminder of how wide and varied the Pokémon world has become. From competitive titles and real-world parks to cozy puzzlers and ambitious RPGs, the franchise is evolving in more ways than one.
Whether you’re a veteran trainer or just getting started, there’s something here for everyone. And with Legends: Z‑A around the corner, it’s shaping up to be a busy and very exciting year to be a Pokémon fan.
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