Pokémon Presents: Rogue Mega Evolutions, Stop-Motion Sirfetch'd, and a Whole Heap More!
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
The latest Pokémon Presents was a proper whirlwind, chucking everything from Aardman-animated shorts to new Pokémon Z-A details at us. It’s a right mixed bag, but there's something for everyone, I reckon.
Right, buckle up, Trainers! The Pokémon Company just dropped a Pokédex-worth of announcements during their latest Pokémon Presents showcase, and blimey, there's a lot to unpack. Forget your average Pikachu fluff; we're talking rogue Mega Evolutions, Aardman Animations getting involved, and enough spin-off updates to keep you glued to your screens until next year. So, grab a cuppa and let's dive in, shall we?
First off, a little reminder that the Pokémon World Championships are heading to Anaheim, California, from August 15th to 17th. Competitors will be battling it out across Pokémon Violet and Scarlet, the Trading Card Game, Pokémon Go, and Unite. Apparently, they all get a "celebratory" promo card. Fair enough. More details are lurking on the official Pokémon website, if you're keen.
Remember that gorgeously animated Pokémon Concierge show on Netflix? Well, get excited, because more episodes are coming on September 4th! They dropped a trailer, and honestly, it's just as heartwarming as the first batch. Perfect for when you need a dose of pure, unadulterated Pokémon zen.
Now, for something completely different... Aardman Animations – you know, the legends behind Wallace and Gromit – are making a stop-motion Pokémon TV show! It's called Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd and Pichu, and it promises a unique look at the Pokémon world from the critters' perspective. Think classic Aardman humor and charm, but with pocket monsters. It's not due until 2027, but the teaser looks absolutely delightful. Definitely one to keep an eye on.
Over in Japan, they're building a permanent outdoor Pokémon attraction called PokéPark Kanto within the Yomiuriland amusement park. Think interactive experiences and Pokémon roaming around, divided into Sedge Town and Pokémon Forest. It's slated to open in 2026, and tickets go on sale later this year. Sounds like a proper adventure, doesn't it?
Pokémon Go fans, listen up! Pokémon Go Fest 2025: Max Finale is happening from August 23rd to 24th, featuring back-to-back appearances from various Max Pokémon. You'll even get a chance to encounter Eternatus globally for the first time. Plus, there's a promo code – GOFESTMAX – that you can enter for a chance to snag a Gigantamax Pokémon. Worth a punt, I reckon.
The mobile spin-offs are getting a heap of love too. Pokémon Masters EX is getting Carmine & Sinistcha in their featured Poké Fair from July 29th to September 6th, while Lapras (in a five-star sea captain outfit, no less!) is appearing in Pokémon Café Remix from July 23rd to August 21st. Pokémon Sleep is adding Raikou, Entei, and Suicune this September, and a new area – Amber Canyon – arrives in November. And in Pokémon Unite, Latios joins on July 18th, followed by Latias on August 8th. Phew!
The Pokémon Trading Card Game is getting a Mega Evolution release on September 26th. Can't say I'm surprised, given the name, but hey, it's cards! If digital plushies are more your thing, there’s now Pokémon Friends, a mini-game puzzler featuring sliding blocks, rotating tracks, and more. Solving puzzles unlocks digital plushies to decorate your in-game room. It's out now on Switch, iOS, and Android.
Of course, there’s Pokémon Violet and Scarlet. Apparently, they've had a Switch 2 update improving framerate and resolution. A fresh Tera Raid battle event starts tomorrow, July 23rd, featuring shiny versions of Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, and Chi-Yu. You only secure the Pokémon after the community collectively beats them 1 million times, mind you. Plus, various weekly Pokémon Mass Outbreak events are running concurrently, and there's a tracksuit apparel item you can grab by entering the code STRACKSU1T or VTRACKSU1T.
Remember Pokémon Champions? The one where you battle other players using new or previous Pokémon Partners? Well, they showed it off again, highlighting battling and the new training feature. Still no release date, but it's coming to Switch, iOS, and Android next year.
And finally, the big one: Pokémon Z-A. GameFreak showed off Lumiose City, its story, Z-A Royale battles, side activities (like character customisation and customisable Furfrous), plus a photo mode. It's out October 16th, alongside a Switch 2 bundle. They are calling this the newest mainline Pokémon entry running on Switch 2 - whatever that means…
Tags: Pokemon, Nintendo, Gaming News, Mobile Games, Anime
Original article: Eurogamer