In a star-studded Pokémon Presents stream aired on July 22, 2025, The Pokémon Company showcased an expansive slate of new titles, TV shows, and updates across its flagship franchises. Fans tuning in were greeted with exciting announcements, including immediately available games, a slate of live‑service content enhancements, and a peek at future adaptations in both traditional and stop‑motion animation formats.
The highlight of the event was the surprise launch of Pokémon Friends, a daily puzzle game now live on iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch. Players are invited to solve charming match‑three style brain teasers to earn cute plush‑style Pokémon decorations for their in‑game rooms. The game is free on mobile platforms, with optional downloadable content, and is priced at $10 on Switch.
Turning to core-console experiences, Pokémon Legends: Z‑A will launch on October 16, 2025, for both the original Nintendo Switch and the new Switch 2. The game returns players to Lumiose City in the Kalos region, bringing back Mega Evolutions with a twist: wild “Rogue Mega Evolutions,” including the legendary Mega Dragonite, emerge as players uncover a mystery tied to the city’s redevelopment corporation, Quasartico Inc.. A companion Switch 2 console bundle—featuring the game—will retail for $499 starting on launch day.
Adding to the console and mobile arsenal, Pokémon Champions, a turn‑based strategic spin‑off from developer The Pokémon Works, has received a 2026 release window. The Pokémon Stadium–style title will support cross-platform play between Switch and mobile devices, include Mega Evolutions and Terastallization, and integrate with Pokémon Home and Scarlet/Violet compatibility.
Beyond games, the stream introduced two fresh animated series. Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu, a stop‑motion production in collaboration with Aardman Studios—the creators of Wallace & Gromit—was announced for release in 2027. With a signature style, the series promises charming storytelling and high‑quality craftsmanship. For fans of relaxation‑focused animation, Pokémon Concierge will return for its second season on Netflix, premiering September 4, 2025. The stop‑motion series continues the soothing resort adventures of Haru and her Pokémon guests, with new episodes featuring characters such as Shinx, Corphish, Arcanine—and even Haru’s ex‑boyfriend—set to delight viewers.
The showcase also offered updates to existing live‑service titles. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet will host a Shiny Treasure of Ruin Tera Raid event featuring the Shiny versions of the four Ruinous Titans—Wo‑Chien, Chien‑Pao, Ting‑Lu, and Chi‑Yu. Pokémon GO is gearing up for the Go Fest 2025: Max Finale, which includes a Dark Skies event and the debut of Eternatus. And in Pokémon Sleep players can look forward to legendary Pokémon Entei, Raikou, Suicune, and Trapinch arriving in September, along with the introduction of Amber Canyon in November.
This Pokémon Presents captured a harmonious balance between honoring nostalgic franchise elements and embracing innovative gameplay and storytelling. The sudden release of Pokémon Friends, the open-world Mega Evolution mysteries in Legends: Z‑A, and the new stop-motion series signal a rich and multifaceted year ahead for Pokémon enthusiasts.
Whether through puzzle solving, real-time action RPGs, strategic battles, or heartwarming animated narratives, the announcements offer something for every corner of the fan base. With expansion across platforms and formats, The Pokémon Company is clearly heading toward a connected, creative, and expansive future.
For full coverage of today’s announcements, including gameplay trailers and feature updates, check out this detailed recap from Polygon.
