On Tuesday, the Pokémon Company hosted a special showcase known as Pokémon Presents, unveiling significant updates about Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the Pokémon Concierge show on Netflix, and a fresh look at Pokémon Champions. Additionally, a new puzzle game has been launched on mobile devices and the Nintendo Switch.
The 24-minute presentation included details regarding the 2025 Pokémon World Championships, alongside the announcement of a new stop-motion series titled Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu. Insights were also provided on the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Pokémon GO, and other franchise highlights. Below is a summary of all the key announcements from the recent Pokémon Presents showcase:
New Gameplay for Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Game Freak, the developer, showcased new gameplay and a story trailer for the upcoming main Pokémon title targeted for the Nintendo Switch 2. The new footage detailed the storyline and introduced non-player characters (NPCs) who will serve as allies in the player’s journey.
The setting of Lumiose City, inspired by Paris, will offer unique experiences during both day and night. Players will have the opportunity to explore the city and discover new Pokémon during daylight hours, while nighttime will be reserved for engaging in Pokémon battles. The video also highlighted Mega Dragonite, a new Mega Pokémon set to appear in the game.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is scheduled for release on both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on October 16.
Overview of Pokémon Champions Gameplay
Initially introduced during the Pokémon Presents event in February, Pokémon Champions received a fresh gameplay overview at the latest showcase. This segment provided insights into how players can recruit Pokémon for their teams and participate in Ranked mode battles against trainers worldwide.
In addition, players can engage in private battles with friends, and the game will offer features to enhance Pokémon abilities and teach new moves. Although a release date has yet to be announced, Pokémon Champions is expected to launch on Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch in 2026.
Introduction and Release of Pokémon Friends
During the showcase, the Pokémon Company announced the immediate availability of a new puzzle game, titled Pokémon Friends, which is playable on Android, iOS, and Switch. This free-to-play title is aimed at younger audiences and includes a series of puzzles that allow players to earn in-game Pokémon plush toys.
These plush toys can be used to personalize in-game plush rooms as players expand their collections.
Announcements for Pokémon TV Series
Pokémon Concierge will be returning to Netflix, with new episodes slated to premiere on September 4, according to the Pokémon Presents showcase. In addition, a new stop-motion animated series created in collaboration with Aardman Animation Studios will debut, titled Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu, set to be released in 2027.
“We’ll be putting some very special Pokémon front and centre as the heroes of our show. And it will be set in a region very close to our hearts,” stated Peter Lord, co-founder and creative director at Aardman, during the presentation.
Additional Pokémon Updates
A fresh update for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet was announced, introducing new Tera Raid battles starting Wednesday, July 23. The Pokémon Company also provided information about an upgrade for the Switch 2 version of the game, featuring improved resolution and framerate.
The showcase also included updates regarding mobile titles such as Pokémon GO, Pokémon Sleep, Pokémon Unite, and Pokémon Masters EX, and announced the launch date for an upcoming expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
