The LEGO Group and The Pokémon Company International reveal the first-ever LEGO Pokémon sets coming out in February 2026.
For both LEGO and Pokémon enthusiasts, this a must-catch set. Today, the LEGO Group and The Pokémon Company International are unveiling the first-ever collection of highly anticipated LEGO Pokémon sets. This comes out as the brand celebrates its 30-year history, allowing fans to build and display their favorite Pokémon in LEGO brick form when they launch on February 27, 2026. Additionally, there will be prizes and rewards for a scavenger hunt starting today, January 12 to February 27.
These first three sets feature five fan favourite Pokémon: Pikachu, Eevee, Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise—recreated in LEGO brick form. From Pikachu leaping out of a Poké Ball to the original Kanto evolutions brought together in one large-scale build, these brand new sets are made for people who grew up with Pokémon and want to experience it in a new way—or for those who grew up on it and want to introduce their children to the world of Pokémon to create lasting memories.
The 2,050-piece LEGO Pokémon Pikachu and Poké Ball set ($269.99 CAD) encourages fans to recreate one of the most iconic scenes from the franchise: Pikachu jumping out of the Poké Ball ready for battle. It also includes two poses: a dynamic battle stance and a seated pose. The 587-piece LEGO Pokémon Eevee ($84.99 CAD) is made for every Eevee collector out there. Eevee’s expressive face, movable tail, head and limbs allow builders to pose the fan-favourite, either at rest or ready to jump into action.
Round off the three sets, the whopping LEGO Pokémon Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise set ($899.99 CAD) contains over 6,838 pieces. This set is stunning, capturing the three big hitters in the Kanto region with their Pokémon evolutions. For the first time, they are now in LEGO form! The set allows the Pokémon to be displayed individually or together on a shared action base, each with a base incorporating designs reflecting each Pokémon’s biome and includes hidden easter eggs to discover throughout the build.
Chief Product & Marketing Officer of the LEGO Group, Julia Goldin, stated how “This partnership opens up a whole new range of possibilities for Trainers and builders alike, and we can’t wait for fans to experience these new LEGO Pokémon sets.” Design Director on LEGO Pokémon, Siddharth Muthyala, noted that they are a “lifelong Pokémon fan” and explained that their “team approached the design of these sets with immense care and passion, ensuring every detail and pose truly celebrates what makes these characters so beloved.” I can honestly say, they look amazing—as someone who grew up watching the show and collecting the trading cards.
Chief Product and Experience Officer at The Pokémon Company International, Gaku Susai added, “By combining Pokémon’s sense of adventure with the thoughtful design and attention to detail of the LEGO Group, we’re giving fans the chance to build, play, and tell their own stories in ways they’ve never experienced before—something we’re thrilled to see come to life.” I cannot wait to grab these three sets, but they may cost an arm, a leg, and then some.
In addition to the three-set release, fans can look for hidden LEGO Pokémon clues across many digital channels. Contenders will be challenged to find clues hidden throughout LEGO digital content and Pokémon digital content, to unlock exciting rewards and the chance to win The Grand Prize: experiencing PokémonXP and the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco, including access to Championship Sunday at the Chase Center, as well as all three new LEGO Pokémon sets.
Those looking to get in on the LEGO Pokémon Scavenger Hunt can visit the official page. Preorders for the three sets are now available!
From cosy museums and tropical islands to nightmarishly difficult adventures – and revamps of favourites including Mario Kart and Pokémon – there’s something for everyone
Nintendo’s newest console has been out for a less than a year but it already boasts an impressive catalogue of excellent new games, as well as a variety of enhanced Switch greats. Here’s our selection of the 15 best titles currently on offer, ranging from family favourites to grittier, more adult challenges.
2026 marks 30 years since Pokémon first graced our screens, and The Pokémon Company is not holding back when it comes to celebrating.
This year is going to see all sorts of collaborations, crossovers and more to mark the occasion, so whether you love the game, TCG or anime, there's something for you.
Here's what you need to know about when Pokémon's 30th anniversary takes place and what's in store.
When is Pokémon's 30th anniversary?
Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary on 27th February 2026, otherwise known as Pokémon Day.
This date marks the anniversary of Pokémon Red and Green first releasing for the Game Boy back in 1996.
Since then, Pokémon has gone on to become one of, if not the biggest franchise in gaming, spawning endless spinoffs into film and TV, a card game and much more.
What to expect from Pokémon's 30th anniversary
On New Year's Day 2026, official Pokémon social media channels posted a teaser for this year's Pokémon Day, featuring Pikachu's original, chubbier design.
The caption, translated from Japanese, teases that "this year is going to be the best one yet," confirming that there's plenty in store.
The first major expectation players have, is that Generation 10 games will finally be announced, following a huge leak in October that alluded to 'Pokémon Winds and Waves'.
Aside from that, we do at least have one confirmed Pokémon game on the way, with Animal Crossing-like Pokémon Pokopia arriving in March.
Beyond that, Pokémon has already confirmed collaborations with several major companies, including clothing brands like Adidas and Uniqlo, new Pokémon LEGO sets, and limited-edition Pokémon TCG cards available in McDonald's Happy Meals.
There's sure to be plenty more where that came from, but for now, it looks like we're going to have to wait for Pokémon Day 2026 to find out the rest.
Cyberpunk TCG is going to be very big (CD Projekt)
A new year of tabletop releases is upon us, with trading card game adaptions of Cyberpunk 2077 and League Of Legends, and more mega evolutions for Pokémon TCG.
2026’s biggest gaming release won’t be GTA 6 but the new Cyberpunk trading card game, well maybe… but CD Projekt is following Riot Games in releasing a card game based on their biggest IP, thereby staking a claim in the lucrative tabletop market.
With this year marking the 30th anniversary year of Pokémon, card culture is shaping up to be the year’s defining scene for tabletop players. And it’s not just Pokémon, trading card fans can look forward to a huge slate of releases from other major properties, including Magic: The Gathering, Yu‑Gi‑Oh!, Lorcana, and more.
I also can’t wait to find out more about the Starcraft miniatures game that is finally bringing Terran, Zerg, and Protoss into physical battles that echo the iconic real-time strategy. That hasn’t been revealed yet, but the following picks are all either out now or imminent, in what is a very promising start for tabletop gaming this year.
Cyberpunk TCG
The new Cyberpunk 2077 card game distils Night City’s chrome-plated chaos into something you can sling across a kitchen table, sharp edges and moral compromises intact. CD Projekt hasn’t revealed much about how the gameplay is going to work, but it will combine elements from both the video game and the Edgerunner animated show.
As such, it’ll feature characters ‘from across the franchise’, with the likes of Panam Palmer, Jackie Welles, and Judy Alvarez already confirmed. Cards such as Kiroshi Optics, Mantis Blades, and Mandibular Upgrade suggest the trading card game is going to feature all the main elements from the video game, no doubt including backstabbing and changing allegiances.
The cards will feature all-new, original artwork and if you want to get the upper hand as an Edgerunner you can sign up now for the exclusive Lucy ‘Nova Rare’ card free, at the game’s official website. The Kickstarter campaign won’t start until later in the year but that still means it’ll be out a lot sooner than the video game sequel.
Release date and RRP: TBA
Battletome: Maggotkin Of Nurgle
The Maggotkin slither into 2026 with a fresh wave of grotesque, irresistible models that push the pestilent hordes to new extremes. The updated Battletome revamps rules, battle traits, and narrative options, giving you both tactical tools and rich-but-disgusting story content. At the forefront of the narrative is Festus the Leechlord, a former plague doctor ascended into daemonhood, mounted on the bloated slug-like horror Gathoblyt, who with tentacles protruding from its belly rains down parasitic leeches and disease across the battlefield.
Cavalry, like the corrupted Sloven Knights, Putrid Blightkings, and savage Pestigors, bring thematic menace while dominating objectives. Infantry units, from swarming Pox-Wretches to elite Rotswords, also add variety to the tabletop, while specialists such as Spoilpox Scriveners and the Regiment of Renown: The Pustules round out the plague army.
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Mechanically, the wave leans into attrition and contagion, rewarding careful positioning and strategic patience. These toxic knights drip with textured pustules, worms, and rot, making the Maggotkin a great excuse to get my new metallic paints out.
Good job getting hold of this (The Pokémon Company)
Pokémon Trading Card Game: Mega Evolution – Ascended Heroes
It’s Pokémon’s 30th birthday this year, so hold on to your hats as The Pokémon Company always likes to make a big fuss about such things. Ascended Heroes is already one of 2026’s most anticipated tabletop releases, as the expansion reframes mega evolution, not as a gimmick, but as a moment of transformation that can tilt an entire match.
The new cards revolve around Ascended Heroes pokémon, with mechanics that reward timing and restraint as much as raw force. Mega Evolution now feels earned rather than automatic, demanding set-up, sacrifice, and nerve. The extremely sought after Mega Dragonite ex (mega hyper rare) card, in all its golden glory, heralds an accessible but sharper-edged upgrade from earlier sets, nudging competitive play without abandoning the joy of Pokémon.
Collectors will all be hoping to pull special illustration rares (SIRs) but they will be as hard to get hold of as a ticket to the Pokémon pop-up at London’s Natural History Museum. With the 30th birthday celebrations and Pokémon European International Championship just around the corner, this is going to be one of the biggest years ever for the franchise.
Magic: The Gathering’s Universes Beyond – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The team-up between Magic: The Gathering and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is shaping up to be one of 2026’s most nostalgic and fun tabletop releases, pulling the heroes in a half-shell straight out of the sewer and into Magic’s multicoloured chaos. This isn’t a novelty crossover, it’s a full-scale Magic: The Gathering release, designed to sit comfortably alongside core sets and Commander staples.
Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael arrive as legendary creatures, each reflecting their personalities through colour identity and playstyle, while villains like Shredder and Krang bring high-threat build-arounds.
Expect mechanics that riff on teamwork, ambush tactics, and mutation, with playful twists that still respect Magic’s fundamentals. Universes Beyond has already expanded Magic’s audience and this looks set to do it again. Can we have Masters of the Universe next?
Will any of this lot be in Doomsday? (Atomic Mass Games)
Marvel: Crisis Protocol Adam Warlock, Moondragon, Quasar Character Pack
With Avengers: Doomsday set to hit cinemas this year, you can play out your own superhero battles in Marvel: Crisis Protocol, with the new Adam Warlock (as seen in the last Guardians of the Galaxy movie), Moondragon, and Quasar (Phyla-Vell from Marvel Cosmic Invasion) figures.
This character pack is less about raw damage and more about control, tempo, and the unseen forces shaping the board. Adam Warlock plays as a balancing presence, rewarding careful sequencing and punishing with his new bonded soul gem. His abilities lean into survivability and counterplay, making him feel like a living pause button in the middle of battle.
Moondragon, by contrast, is sharp and invasive. Her psychic toolkit disrupts enemy plans, bending activations and forcing opponents into awkward decisions they didn’t plan to make. Quasar rounds out the trio with kinetic energy manipulation, excelling at zone control and sudden repositioning that can flip objectives late in a round.
Together, they form a set that asks players to think laterally. Positioning matters, timing matters more, and mistakes are quietly amplified. These new miniatures reflect that tone: elegant, cosmic and restrained. This is Crisis Protocol at its most cerebral, proving the game’s future isn’t just louder battles but smarter ones.
Not all tabletop games are expensive (Zygomatic Games)
Dobble Spider-Man
The frantic, eye-straining, name-shouting joy of Dobble swings into the Marvel multiverse, as the competitive card slammer launches a new Spider-Man themed variant. This family friendly edition keeps the rules simple, while coating every card in bold, web-splashed iconography, pulled from across Spider-Man’s many lives. It’s immediate, accessible, and extremely fast-paced.
Instead of abstract symbols, players race to spot matching images of masks, gadgets, and villains, from classic Peter Parker to Miles Morales and beyond. The character chaos isn’t just cosmetic; it adds narrative throwdown, turning each split-second win into a tiny comic book beat. Games may be over in minutes, but the energy is as loud as my love for Spider-Ham.
Winterspell wraps the Disney trading card game’s luminous fantasy in frost, shadow, and slow-building tension. Preceding the opening of World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris, it leans into seasonal magic where patience, control, and perfectly timed reveals matter more than brute force. Plus, who doesn’t love Stitch on a snowboard!
The new set introduces new ice mechanics that reward stalling, delayed payoffs, and subtle manipulation, while deepening the complex narrative of the Illumineers. Characters linger on the inkwell, freeze rivals in place, or quietly gain strength over time, shifting matches into slower, more deliberate rhythms, in fitting locations such as Graveyard of Christmas Future – Lonely Resting Place.
This deepens the strategy without sacrificing accessibility, letting newcomers find their footing while experienced players explore sharper interactions, all while letting you play Scrooge McDuck straight out of a Christmas Carol.
The accompanying Illumineer’s Trove set is packed with boosters, storage, and premium accessories, as crystalline cards recast familiar Disney characters as mythic, winter-bound figures. Winterspell delivers a perfect winter atmosphere and sets up Lorcana for another big year.
Arriving late last year, following the Alien Earth TV show, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on some new alien miniatures for my tabletop. The Evolved Edition takes what was already one of the most immersive sci-fi horror systems around and refines it into a lean, intense starter experience perfect for both terrified newbies and hardened role-playing veterans (COUGH unlike the TV series).
Inside the box you get streamlined Evolved Edition rules, an expanded Hope’s Last Day scenario, five ready-made characters, and maps that evoke claustrophobic corridors and alien wilderness – as well as custom dice, initiative and gear cards, tokens, and even a little alien miniature to stalk your crew around the table.
It’s designed to drop you straight into the tension, dread, and drama without needing an encyclopaedia of rulebooks or adult children to take care of. Equal parts cinematic dread and tactical play, it’s the kind of game that actually does justice to the series.
Riftbound: League Of Legends – Spiritforged Champion Deck
One of the best new trading card games of 2025 gets its first expansion (which is already out in China), with a promise of high stakes adventure and deep strategic tension. Spiritforged pushes players to master timing, positioning, and resource management, with a new Gear card subtype that you can attach to your units.
Mechanically, the set introduces a new Dauntless Vanguard card that can be played onto an occupied enemy battlefield, forcing players to adapt rather than rely on static strategies. Spiritforged enemies have layered abilities that punish overextension and reward teamwork, while new hero archetypes allow for experimentation with hybrid classes and combination tactics.
Heeding calls for more original art, this second set of Spiritforged dazzles with great looking cards of luminous, fractured landscapes and characters like Irelia, Blade Dancer. For fans of League Of Legends, as well as anyone who likes card games with tactical depth and immersive storytelling, this expansion transforms Riftbound into something sharper, darker, and beautifully unforgiving.
Konami’s new rarity collection arrives with the kind of quiet confidence that suggests it already knows it will sell out immediately. And these cards deserve to, they are stunning! Designed as much for collectors as competitive duellists, the new designs lean into spectacle, wrapping familiar power cards in wall-to-wall foil and presenting every booster as a small event. The headline addition is the debut of extended art cards, with 10 iconic picks given edge-to-edge illustrations that spill beyond traditional frames and invite a second look.
Cards like Wake Up Your Elemental HERO, Shooting Quasar Dragon, Kurikara Divincarnate, and Dominus Purge feel less like reprints and more like gallery pieces, reframing nostalgia through modern design. There’s a sense here, of Yu-Gi-Oh! acknowledging its own history while reframing it for a new era.
For long-time fans and newcomers alike, Rarity Collection 5 doesn’t reinvent the game. Instead, it polishes and upgrades the look of it, reminding you that opening a booster can still feel like magic… and I’m under its spell.
For when Warhammer isn’t grimdark enough for you (Factory Fortress)
I love a bit of grimdark but if miniature wargaming has been feeling a bit… samey lately, Trench Crusade feels like a breath of unholy air blasted down the frontlines. This skirmish scale game plunges you into an alternate history where the First Crusade unleashed the forces of Hell and a grotesque, unending war still rages in the trenches of 1914. The world is blasphemous and brutal, where faith, heresy, and steel collide amidst mud, barbed wire and unearthly horrors.
Players field small warbands in gritty, tense battles where every decision feels heavy with consequence – a far cry from glossy, polished sci-fi battlefields. The art and aesthetic are evocative and immersive, and the flexibility to use your own miniatures or bespoke models only deepens the DIY spirit many gaming groups now crave.
For anyone tired of the familiar and hungry for something that feels like an alternative history horror epic, Trench Crusade could be 2026’s most talked about tabletop wargame. Technically this makes for a list of 11 now but
Just in time for the end of the amazing (relatively) 2025, Pokémon Go players are being treated to their Shinies disappearing inexplicably. These super-rare variations of Pokémon are the crown jewels of some players' collections, and many now report that they've just vanished into thin air.
The most common reports come from players claiming their Shiny Cetitans (evolved Cetoddles) disappeared from their collections for no particular reason. They logged on and bam, no rare Cetitan to be found. And it seems this isn't the only Pokémon that's been going MIA these past few days, as other players claimed their Shiny Shundo and other Pokémon disappeared, too.
However, these rare Pokémon variants came back for some players after a few days of vacationing in the void of the internet, pretending as if nothing had even happened. This could just be a minor issue with the back end, which one player indicated could have to do with the favorite marker, as Pokémon marked with the star could end up suddenly disappearing.
There are good odds that players would mark their rare Shinies as favorites, leading to this age-old bug triggering and kidnapping their prize Pokémon. Whether this is truly what caused the issue is as of yet unknown, but it's quite a parting gift for the end of 2025.
Hell, maybe the Pokémon just wanted to chillax and make good use of the holidays and spend some time on a nice warm beach in the southern hemisphere. Or it's just regular mobile game shenanigans. Probably the latter.
In other news, Pokémon Go is currently going through its new Precious Paths season, which kicked off on Dec. 2. Two new Pokémon, Clobbopus and Grapploct, have been added to the game, alongside costumed Pokémon like Charjabug and Dedenne and a whole lot more new and exciting content.
Overview
BattleMon is an epic creature battle game featuring stunning photo-realistic SVG graphics and cinematic attack effects. Created by HappyStoner5420 Prod...
The Pokemon franchise shows no sign of declining popularity in The Land of the Rising Sun as it has emerged that the most recent entry Pokemon Legends: Z-A on Nintendo Switch 2 has shifted over one million physical copies in Japan. This means that Pokemon Legends: Z-A is the second Nintendo Switch 2 game to… Read More »Japan: Physical sales of Pokemon Legends: Z-A on Nintendo Switch 2 surpass 1 million copies
Pokemon Go’s not perfect, and there’s always something to complain about, but the winter Precious Paths season is certainly looking strong in some ways. Yes, there are some very wrong turns ahead, but there’s enough good to light a fire even in this player’s cold heart. Today’s Massively on the Go is here not just to warn […]
Publisher The Pokemon Company and developer Game Freak have revealed a new trailer for Pokemon Legends: Z-A. The trailer reveals the Mega-Evolved Pokemon Mega Lucario Z who will be included in the upcoming Mega Dimension DLC for Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Pokemon Legends: Z-A DLC Mega Dimension will launch on December 10. It will cost $29.99. The DLC will include the new Hyperspace Luminose, Mega Chimecho and Mega Baxcalibur, an extra side mission, and more.
The Pokemon’s details:
Mega Lucario Z
Category: Aura Pokemon
Type: Fighting/Steel
Height: 4’3″ (1.3 m)
Weight: 108.9 lbs. (49.4 kg)
A newly discovered form of Lucario, Mega Lucario Z was determined to be a Mega Evolution based on how its form changes through exposure to a Mega Stone and its increase in power far outshining that of an average Lucario.
The long fur around Mega Lucario Z’s head and waist, as well as its fan-shaped tail, make it difficult to get a full view of Mega Lucario Z’s powerful movements. In close combat, this can work to visually disorient opponents. Areas of its body, such as the backs of its hands and its shins, have been hardened with steel energy—allowing it to deliver powerful blows by concentrating its strength precisely into these hardened parts.
Z Mega Evolutions, such as Mega Lucario Z, need less time to fire off moves but burn through Mega Power very quickly, making them less suited for long battles but a good option when trying to settle matches as fast as possible.
While Mega Lucario, the Mega Evolution of Lucario, appears in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, the newly discovered Mega Lucario Z will appear in the downloadable content “Mega Dimension.”
Extra Side Mission Now Available
Starting today, Trainers can receive a Mewtwonite X stone and a Mewtwonite Y stone through the Mystery Gift feature in Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Pokemon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Once the player receives the Mewtwonite X and Mewtwonite Y stones, Mewtwo’s extra side mission will become available. It appears heading to Lysandre Cafe and venturing into the deepest areas of Lysandre Labs may cause some systems to reactivate in response to the Mega Stones, and beating this side mission will allow you to add the Legendary Pokemon Mewtwo to your team.
Today, The Pokémon Company group revealed that Mega Lucario Z is making its debut in the Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC when it launches on December 10, 2025, for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. Watch the reveal video on the official Pokémon YouTube channel and find additional details on the official Pokémon Legends: Z-A website for more information… Read More »Mega Lucario Z joins Pokemon Legends: Z-A Mega Dimension DLC
With the year winding down to a close, you might naturally want to slip into hibernation mode, but we’re afraid to say that it’s all systems Go, as there is going to be plenty to keep you busy as part of Pokémon Go Winter Holiday Events for 2025.
We’ve got all the confirmed dates of all the events and what to expect so that you don’t miss a beat of Pokémon Go holiday goodness.
It might just then be enough to tide us over until Pokémon Pokopia, if you have a Switch 2, that is, as playing Pokopia on a Switch 1 is a bit complicated…
For those who love Pokémon and Animal Crossing, Pokopia seems like a dream come true. Alas, for those still on the Switch 1, it might be something of a nightmare, as playing it isn’t exactly straightforward.
So, is Pokopia actually on Switch 1? It’s complicated. There is a weird Nintendo loophole, but beware, there are some hoops you need to jump through (more on that below).
If you do pick up a Nintendo Switch 2, then you’ll be able to play Pokopia with up to three friends in four-player co-op, as well as a host of other Switch 2 titles.
If you don't and still want to try Pokopia on Switch 1, read on and all shall be revealed!
Is Pokopia on Switch 1?
Pokopia is not on Switch 1, but you can play it via Switch 2 GameShare.
GameShare streams a version of the game to another Nintendo Switch 2, or a Switch 1. Think of it like split-screen of yore, but separated across two devices, where the main Switch 2 console will be doing all the heavy lifting, and outputting that to another device, which can use its own controls to interact with.
Something to note is that you can only use GameShare with a Switch 2 and Switch 1 via a local wireless connection, and you cannot do it online.
This means if you want to use GameShare with someone on a Switch 1, they have to be with you in person. Fellow Switch 2 owners can make use of GameChat to use GameShare online.
A new leak forPokémon Pokopia has confirmed that it takes place in a post-apocalyptic version of the Kanto region from Pokémon Red & Blue, hinting at a great calamity that wiped out the humans.
The Pokémonseries is adding a new form of Mega Evolution in the upcoming Mega Dimension DLC for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, one that will change how battles play out in the future.
Content creator Genki has given fans a look at the official Pokemon Pokopia Japanese display box. The creative game, which is a Game-Key Card title here in the west, display case is lovely and decorative. The game launches on Nintendo Switch 2 in March worldwide.
It's always a funny thing when you see a gamer say, "I wish I could live in this world.". It's usually a tribute to how much fun someone is having existing in a video game, but most of the time, that comment isn't being given a lot of thought.
Though it feels like Pokémon Legends Z-A just launched – because it kind of has – that doesn't mean we have to wait very long for the Pokémon Legends Z-A Mega Dimension DLC release date, as it has just been confirmed!
The announcement came with a new trailer that dives into more details of what to expect in the upcoming DLC. Be sure to check it out below.
You can already access part of the DLC, as it comes in two parts: cosmetics and story content, with the former being available right now when you pre-order the Mega Dimension DLC.
And for those who have already ticked off their Legends Z-A Pokédex or got every Mega Evolution, then you'd better dust off that Master Ball, as the DLC is going to bring some new 'Mons to catch!
But as for the Pokémon Legends: Z-A Mega Dimension DLC release date, read on!
When is the Pokémon Legends Z-A DLC release date?
The Pokémon Legends Z-A DLC release date is 10th December 2025.
This is something of a break from previous games, which typically saw their DLC receive a Spring launch, but hey, we're not complaining!
We’ve already seen a glitzy trailer starring two Mega Evolution versions of Raichu, and as the name suggests, this DLC will be focused on Mega Evolutions, but the second trailer linked above goes into more detail.
A "Mysterious Girl", Ansha, and their mysterious Hoopa Pokémon can transport players into an alternate dimension of Lumiose City called Hyperspace.
The trailer description tells us, "Just when Team MZ’s efforts seem to have restored peace to Lumiose City, something strange begins to happen—mysterious distortions start forming all around town. You’ll also meet a mysterious young girl named Ansha, who is accompanied by the Mischief Pokémon, Hoopa."
The trailer shows your trainer entering through these rifts, into different "pockets of Hyperspace". You can explore more as you help Ansha create more special doughnuts for Hoopa to eat.
The Pokémon inhabiting Hyperspace are very strong too, with a level 164 Marohawk chasing the player at one point.
There's also a new Trainer who will help you on your journey, Korrina, who is something of a Mega Evolution guru.
On that, there are new Mega Evolutions to battle and for your Pokémon to evolve into, such as Mega Chimeco and Mega Baxcalibur.
Raichu X and Raichu Y aside, dataminers have spotted references to new Mega evolutions for classic creatures like Wigglytuff, Golbat, Persian, and many, many more.
Given how impressive some of the Pokémon mainline DLC updates have been in recent years, we’ve got high hopes for this one.
At the time of writing, Pokémon Legends Z-A is sitting at a 77 rating on Metacritic.
The DLC’s all about alternate dimensions and doughnuts (The Pokémon Company)
The first trailer for Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s DLC shows a new version of Lumiose City to explore and two new mega evolutions.
It’s not even been a month since the launch of Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have shared the first real details for the game’s DLC expansion.
Dubbed Mega Dimension, the DLC was teased during a Nintendo Direct this past September, though all it hinted at were an appearance by the mythical pokémon Hoopa and two mega evolutions for Raichu.
Earlier today, after some initial teasing on the Pokémon social media accounts, a proper trailer debuted, confirming a new storyline for the game, a new area to explore, and a couple more mega evolutions.
The DLC will allow you to travel to an alternate version of Lumiose City – Hyperspace Lumiose – which is home to new pokémon that aren’t available in the base game, including ones from Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.
Hyperspace Lumiose looks to be very dangerous, and something explicitly reserved for the post-game since the pokémon you encounter there are all at extremely high levels.
In a first for the series, they can go beyond level 100, which is the usual limit for how strong pokémon can get. There’s so far no mention of whether you can train any pokémon you caught in the base game to go above level 100.
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You’ll be assisted by Hoopa as well as a new character called Ansha, a mysterious girl who makes doughnuts you feed to Hoopa so it can open portals to Hyperspace Lumiose.
Judging by the brief glimpses seen in the trailer, it doesn’t look like you can freely roam Hyperspace Lumiose. Instead, you can only visit it for a limited amount of time and whatever doughnut you feed Hoopa determines how long you can be there and what sort of pokémon you’ll encounter.
One of the gym leaders from Pokémon X & Y, Korrina, will also make an appearance, sporting a new design that sees her adorned with multiple mega stones.
Speaking of mega stones, while neither of the Mega Raichu forms appear in the trailer, two entirely new mega evolutions have been shown off: Mega Chimecho and Mega Baxcalibur.
The mega stone needed for Mega Baxcalibur will be distributed as a reward in season four of the online multiplayer, but you’ll still need to purchase the DLC if you want to catch your own Baxcalibur.
When will the new Pokémon Legends: Z-A DLC be released?
Pre-orders are already available for the DLC, which costs £24.99, and it’s slated to launch in just a month’s time on December 10.
A new side quest has also been added to the base game for everyone, which will reward you with a free Diancie, another mythical pokémon, alongside its mega stone so it can mega evolve.
Expect a few more mega evolutions to available in the DLC (The Pokémon Company)
