February 27 marks Pokémon Day, celebrating the original release of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan. Each year, The Pokémon Company hosts a special live stream to commemorate the occasion, and with the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, this year’s Pokémon Presents 2025 showcase was especially intriguing.
Though Nintendo’s next console wasn’t revealed during the stream, we did get a glimpse of two games that are likely headed to the system. Pokémon Legends: Z-A received a new trailer, confirming a late 2025 release, suggesting it could be a cross-launch title for the Switch 2. Additionally, Pokémon Champions was announced, which may also arrive on Nintendo’s upcoming hardware.
Beyond that, the presentation featured updates on various Pokémon mobile games, including Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket and Pokémon Go. If you missed the event, here’s a full recap of everything that was announced at Pokémon Presents 2025.
Pokémon Champions is a new Stadium game
The Pokémon Stadium series is making a comeback with Pokémon Champions, a new competitive game currently in development for Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. Given that it’s set to launch on “the Nintendo Switch family of consoles,” it’s likely to arrive on the Switch 2 as well.
Developed by The Pokémon Works, the game will support Pokémon Home, allowing players to transfer creatures from across the series. While the presentation only provided a brief teaser, it showcased familiar arena battles reminiscent of the classic Pokémon Stadium games on the Nintendo 64.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A gets its grand reveal
The Pokémon Company ended the showcase with a big reveal for Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The new trailer provided a first look at its gameplay, which builds on the foundation of Pokémon Legends: Arceus but takes place in Lumiose City.
The footage showed a trainer battling on the streets with familiar Pokémon like Lucario and catching creatures freely. Following the trailer, we got an overview of the game’s story, characters, and mechanics. The city features Wild Zones, explaining why trainers can catch Pokémon in urban areas. The battle system has also been completely revamped, incorporating real-time elements. Additionally, Mega Evolutions are making a return in Z-A.
While no exact release date was given, the game is set for a late 2025 launch, fueling speculation that it could be a Nintendo Switch 2 title.
Tons of mobile game updates; TCGPocket included
We got a flurry of quick updates for Pokémon mobile games, so here’s a rapid-fire rundown:
- Pokémon Go is hosting a Black and White-themed event on March 4.
- Pokémon Masters EX is adding Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre.
- Pokémon Café Remix is launching a new apple-themed event, featuring fresh recipes and outfits.
- Pokémon Sleep will soon welcome Cresselia and Darkrai.
- Pokémon Unite is getting Suicune, Alolan Raichu, and Alcremie this year, along with an updated map and a new “First to 500” game mode.
- Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is releasing a new booster pack, Triumphant Light, on February 28, featuring Arceus. Additionally, Mega Pokémon cards are coming later this year.
Mega Evolutions return to the Pokémon TCG
Mega Evolutions will be making their return to the Pokémon TCG in 2025! These powerful cards will function similarly to Pokémon VMAX, giving up three Prize cards when knocked out.
Unlike in the games, Mega Evolutions will follow the same evolutionary stages as their base forms. For example, Mega Gardevoir ex is a Stage 2 Pokémon that evolves from Kirlia. To clarify this difference, the cards include a special note stating, “The Mega-Evolved form of (Pokémon)!”
We also got a look at some of the new attacks:
- Mega Lucario ex features Mega Brave
- Mega Gardevoir ex has Mega Symphonia
These moves align with the Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia sets that were previously uncovered through trademarks. The sets are expected to launch around August in Japan.
That wraps up everything from today’s Pokémon Presents 2025! While we didn’t get a look at the Nintendo Switch 2, the announcements still gave fans plenty to be excited about—from the return of Mega Evolutions in the TCG to the first real look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A. With new games, updates, and surprises on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for Pokémon. Stay tuned for more details as they come!
