Pokémon Legends Z-A is shaking up the series once again, and this time it is bringing back Mega Evolutions in a big way. During the September 2025 Nintendo Direct, the company revealed that Chesnaught, Delphox, and Greninja will all get their own new Mega forms. These are the evolved forms of the three starters players can choose at the start of their journey: Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie.
This marks the first time these three Pokémon have ever received Mega Evolutions, a feature fans have been asking to see return for years. The announcement instantly sent waves of excitement across the Pokémon community. Nintendo confirmed that players will not receive the Mega Stones for these Pokémon automatically. Instead, they will need to earn them by participating in Ranked Battles, which requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
The approach adds a competitive layer from the very start, pushing players to test their skills online before unlocking these powerful evolutions. It also ties the single-player and multiplayer scenes together, encouraging more engagement than past titles.
Mega Raichu Forms Join Mega Dimension DLC
Alongside the starter Mega forms, Nintendo also showed off two new Mega Evolutions for Raichu, which will debut as part of the upcoming Mega Dimension DLC. The new forms give Raichu striking visual redesigns and enhanced abilities that have not been fully detailed yet, but they are already drawing major attention from fans.
This DLC will be a paid expansion that launches on the same day as the base game. It will also include exclusive items called Holo-X and Holo-Y cosmetics, as well as extra story content centered around the lore of Mega Evolution. Players who want these extras will be able to purchase the DLC when the game releases.
The addition of Mega Raichu marks the first major new form for the Pokémon since Alolan Raichu appeared back in 2016. Many fans see this as a sign that more classic Pokémon could get new Mega forms through future updates.
Ranked Battles Become Essential For Mega Stones
Nintendo confirmed that players must compete in Ranked Battles to earn the Mega Stones for Chesnaught, Delphox, and Greninja. This requirement has stirred debate among longtime players. Some welcome the competitive focus, while others feel it could make the experience harder for those who prefer solo play.
Ranked Battles will be accessible to anyone with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Winning matches will gradually unlock the required Mega Stones for each starter.
The feature will be live on day one of release.
By connecting Mega Evolutions to online play, Nintendo is clearly aiming to keep the game active for months after launch. It could also revive the competitive scene, which has slowed in recent years.
New Cosmetics and Story Content Arrive at Launch
In addition to new Mega forms, the Mega Dimension DLC will feature new story missions tied to the origins of Mega Evolution itself. Players will uncover lost technology from the ancient Kalos region and learn how it ties to modern battles. The story missions can be played solo, making them accessible to anyone who purchases the expansion.
The Holo-X and Holo-Y cosmetics will be available from the start for players who install the DLC. These are futuristic outfits that match the game’s sci-fi theme and can be worn by player avatars. They are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay, but they give early adopters something unique to show off online.
The extra story content is expected to take several hours to complete, giving the DLC more weight than simple bonus battles or cosmetic packs.
Launch Plans For Switch and Switch 2
Pokémon Legends Z-A will release worldwide on October 16, 2025. It will be available on both the current Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2 console. Nintendo has confirmed that progress will carry over between the two systems using cloud saves, so players can start on one system and finish on another.
The base game and Mega Dimension DLC will launch on the same day. Pricing for the DLC has not yet been revealed, but preorders are expected to open in the coming weeks. This simultaneous release means that players who want the full experience can dive into all of the new content from day one.
With both the main game and DLC set to drop together, it is clear Nintendo is betting big on Pokémon Legends Z-A to dominate this holiday season. The return of Mega Evolutions could help spark a new wave of excitement for the series as it heads into its next generation.
Pokémon Legends Z-A is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious titles the series has seen in years, blending classic elements like Mega Evolutions with new mechanics and story arcs. The addition of brand-new Mega forms for Chesnaught, Delphox, Greninja, and Raichu shows Nintendo is listening to fans’ long-standing requests while also trying bold new ideas. If this is just the beginning, the future of Pokémon looks thrilling. Which starter will you pick when the game launches? Share your choice and tell your friends who might be torn between Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie.
