Everything Shown at Pokémon Presents | 7.22.2025
On July 22, 2025, The Pokémon Company returned with its biggest livestream in over two years — a 24-minute Pokémon Presents broadcast filled with reveals, gameplay insights, and cross-platform content updates. From the long-awaited return to Kalos to a surprise musical showcase, this presentation marked a pivotal moment for the franchise as it bridges generations and gears up for the Switch 2 era.
Here’s everything that was shown and what it means for the future of Pokémon.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Evolutions Return in a Revamped Kalos
The centerpiece of the presentation was a stunning new gameplay trailer for Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The footage confirmed the game will be set entirely in Lumiose City — reimagined as an expansive, open-world metropolis undergoing urban redevelopment. Players begin their journey by choosing between Totodile, Chikorita, or Tepig, suggesting a regional twist on the traditional starter formula.
But the biggest highlight? The triumphant return of Mega Evolutions. Originally introduced in Gen VI (X and Y), Mega Evolutions are back with both classic and brand-new forms. The trailer showed Mega Gallade slicing through enemies in a neon-lit alleyway, and teased new Megas for fan-favorite Pokémon like Luxray and Flygon.
Additional gameplay features revealed include:
- Vertical traversal via gliders and ziplines
- Dynamic NPCs reacting to city events
- A seamless blend of indoor/outdoor exploration
- Real-time Pokémon interactions in populated areas
Pokémon Legends: Z-A will launch on October 16, 2025, for both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2. Save data will transfer, and enhanced performance modes will be available for Switch 2 users.
DJ Pikachu: Music Meets Mascot
Before the main presentation, viewers were treated to a surprise: a full-length musical pre-show called “DJ Pikachu: Full Set!” The digital concert featured Pikachu spinning a high-energy EDM set, complete with virtual crowd effects and synchronized visuals of various Pokémon dancing to the beat.
While it wasn’t directly tied to any upcoming game, the showcase sparked speculation that a rhythm-based Pokémon title or interactive concert app could be in development. At the very least, it was a refreshing and whimsical celebration of Pokémon’s cultural footprint.
For those who want to view this weird little bit of Pokemon fan service, you can find the link here:
Mobile Game & Live Service Updates
The showcase included a strong focus on ongoing titles, reinforcing The Pokémon Company’s strategy of maintaining engagement across multiple platforms:
Pokémon TCG Pocket
- A new Eevee-themed Wonder Picks event is live through July 29.
- Features increased pull rates for Eeveelution cards, login bonuses, and themed daily missions.
Pokémon GO
- The Summer Concert Event (July 19–22) featured music-themed spawns, with Chatot appearing more frequently in shiny form.
- Background music for the map screen was composed by Junichi Masuda.
- Players enjoyed 1-hour Lure Modules and exclusive Field Research tasks.
Pokémon Unite
- Celebrating its 4th anniversary, Unite announced a team-based tournament mode and new holowear for fan-favorite Pokémon.
- A battle pass refresh and free anniversary gifts rolled out immediately after the stream.
Pokémon Sleep
- New sleep tracking rewards and a teaser for a potential mini-game involving dream sequences were briefly shown.
Pokémon Café ReMix
- A crossover event with Pokémon Concierge on Netflix will bring new recipes and themed café decorations later this summer.
Pokémon Concierge & Champions
While brief, the showcase did include updates on two major narrative projects:
- Pokémon Concierge returns to Netflix in September 2025, with new episodes focused on lesser-seen Pokémon like Shuckle and Whimsicott.
- Pokémon Champions, the strategic, turn-based tactics game introduced earlier this year, will get a public beta in late August.
What Wasn’t Shown – And What That Means
Despite a longer runtime, some fan expectations went unmet:
- No Generation 10 reveal – Many fans hoped for a logo or teaser, but there was no mention of the next mainline generation.
- No NSO retro games – Titles like Pokémon Colosseum, Pinball, or Gen 1–3 ports were not announced.
- No Sinnoh or Unova remakes – Speculation around a new BDSP-style remake or Let’s Go Johto proved premature.
That said, the tight focus on Z-A and the mobile/live ecosystem suggests The Pokémon Company is pacing its announcements. With Legends launching in October and the Switch 2 rumored for early 2026, Gen 10 may be closer than we think — but it’s likely being saved for its own moment.
Final Thoughts
Pokémon Presents 7.22.2025 balanced nostalgia with novelty. While not the earth-shaking blowout some hoped for, it delivered meaningful content:
- A bold new look at Legends: Z-A anchored the show with fresh gameplay and a beloved setting.
- DJ Pikachu reminded everyone that Pokémon is as much about fun and culture as it is about battles.
- Ongoing support for GO, Unite, and TCG Pocket ensures players have plenty to engage with across platforms.
With Legends: Z-A now officially dated and the franchise marching toward its 30th anniversary, the next chapter of Pokémon looks as ambitious — and as unexpected — as ever.
Stay tuned to Respawning.co.uk for gameplay breakdowns, Mega Evolution tier lists, and exclusive interviews coming later this summer.