Pokémon Champions is shaping up to be a competitive strategy game built for both mobile and console. Pokémon Friends launched during the show, offering a cozy puzzle experience for all ages. And Pokémon Legends: Z-A got a release date, new gameplay details, and a few surprises tied to Rogue Mega Evolution.
Pokémon Champions Brings Strategy to Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch and Mobile
One of the biggest surprises from Pokémon Presents July 2025 was the reveal of Pokémon Champions, a new competitive strategy game launching in 2026. It’s coming to Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, iOS, and Android, and it’s built from the ground up to work across devices. Regardless of where you are playing, the experience is the same.
There are three main ways to battle. Ranked Battles match you against opponents based on skill level. Casual Battles let you test strategies in a more relaxed setting. Private Battles let you challenge friends and family in the same in-game room. You can choose between single or double battle formats across all three modes.
Team building is a big part of the game. You can recruit Pokémon to your team using two methods. Trial Recruitment lets you test a Pokémon temporarily and experiment with different lineups. Permanent Recruitment requires Victory Points, which you earn through battles. You can also use Victory Points to tweak stats and teach new moves, giving you more control over your strategy.
You can even link with Pokémon HOME to bring in your old favourites or start fresh with new ones. Combined with the flexible battle system, this approach gives you more ways to play, whether you’re in it for ranked battles or just a quick match on your phone.
Pokémon Friends Delivers Cozy Puzzles
Also revealed during Pokémon Presents was Pokémon Friends, a puzzle game that’s now available on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, iOS, and Android. It focuses on short daily puzzles, collecting plush versions of Pokémon, and decorating your own cozy in-game rooms.
The puzzles are designed to be quick but rewarding, offering that satisfying “aha” moment as you solve them. Solving puzzles earns you yarn, which you can feed into the Plush-O-Matic to create plush Pokémon. These plush toys are then used to complete quests for Think Town’s residents or to decorate your personal rooms with customizable furniture and wallpaper.
There are over 1,200 puzzles and 150 plush to collect, along with a stamp calendar to track your daily progress. The game also includes five separate save files, making it easy for families to share one device while keeping progress separate.
Pokémon Friends is a more laid-back take on the franchise, built around short sessions, customization, and charm. It’s a natural fit for mobile play and works just as well on console. If you’re into short, accessible games full of collectibles, it’s worth a look.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Brings Mega Evolution to Lumiose City
Wrapping up the trio of big reveals from Pokémon Presents July 2025 was a fresh look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, along with its release date. It’s landing on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on October 16, 2025.
This new entry reimagines Lumiose City as a full-on open hub, packed with exploration, ranked battles, side quests, and a new spin on Mega Evolution.
The city runs on a day-night cycle. During the day, you’ll explore wild zones, catch Pokémon, and take on jobs from locals. Emma, a detective, might have you track down missing Pokémon. Mable from the Research Lab offers rewards for collecting data. You can also customize your trainer, snap photos, or just chill with your Pokémon.
Once night falls, things heat up. The Z-A Royale takes over with ranked battles that get tougher as you climb. One of the top challengers is Corbeau, leader of the Rust Syndicate. These fights tie into the city’s unrest, where wild Pokémon are Mega Evolving out of nowhere and wreaking havoc.
This new twist is called Rogue Mega Evolution. It plays a big role in both the story and gameplay. You’ll team up with Team MZ to battle and calm these rampaging Pokémon, earning Mega Stones in return. One newcomer is Mega Dragonite, blending Dragonair-style features with better speed and flight range.
With character-driven missions and upgraded battle systems, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is shaping up to be a big leap forward for the series.
Pokémon Presents July 2025 Wrap-Up
The Pokémon Presents July 2025 presentation showed how much the Pokémon brand is branching out. We’re seeing new takes on classic RPG formulas. We’re seeing games built for competitive strategy, casual puzzle solving, and full-scale console adventures, all in the same lineup.
Pokémon Champions puts the focus on accessible online battles, flexible team building, and cross-platform play. Pokémon Friends leans into daily routines and cozy customization with puzzles and plush collecting. And, Pokémon Legends: Z-A brings the action back to Lumiose City with a story that ties exploration, ranked battles, and Rogue Mega Evolution together in a way that feels more reactive and open than ever before.
Each game targets a different kind of experience, but they all move the series forward. Whether you’re playing on Nintendo Switch 2, mobile, or both, it’s clear Pokémon is leaning into variety. And with two of these games fully available on mobile, that direction looks like it’s here to stay.
Which of these new Pokémon games are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments.
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