Pokémon Legends: Z-Amay feature a ton of new Mega Evolutions, but a new leak claims that no new Pokémon will appear in the new game. Set to release later this year,Pokémon Legends: Z-Asends players back to the Kalos region for the first time in over a decade.PreviousLegends Z-Aleakshave indicated that the game will include 27 new Mega Evolutions, increasing the number of Mega Evolved forms in the franchise by over 50%. However, these new Mega Evolutions come at a cost, according to a prominent leaker.

AccordingPyoro, a well-known leaker with inside knowledge of Nintendo games,there will be no new Pokémon inPokémon Legends: Z-A.This stands in firm contrast toPokémon Legends: Arceus, which introduced seven new Pokémon species, most of which were evolutions from an existing line. Please note that “no new Pokémon” doesn’t necessarily mean that the game won’t feature any new regional forms, although this does mean the divergent evolution lines or convergent species of Pokémon are off the table.

A silhouette of Victreebel with a Mega Evolution Symbol Over It

Why No New Pokémon In Legends: Z-A Makes Sense

The Number of Mega Evolutions Equals The Number Of New Forms In Legends: Arceus

SincePokémon Sun and Moon, every Pokémon game (save for the remakesPokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl) has featured at least one new species of Pokémon. However, this most recent leak actually is in line with the previousPokémon Legends: Arceusgames. Including new forms, there were 27 different new kinds of Pokémon introduced inPokémon Legends: Arceus. Adding the 27 new Mega Evolutions would mean an equal number of new forms in the latest installment of the series.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Leak Claims Iconic Gen 1 Pokemon Will Get a Mega Evolution

A new rumor suggests that Victreebel will get a Mega Evolution in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, giving the Gen 1 Pokémon some much deserved love.

There’s also a marketing aspect to keep in mind. Any new Pokémon species would potentially overshadow the Mega Evolutions, which are set to be a major part of the new game. By keeping new Pokémon away from the latest game, players can instead focus on the Mega Evolution gimmick, which is in line with the last time Mega Evolution was heavily featured in a Kalos-themed Pokémon game. Keep in mind thatGen 6’sPokémon X and Yintroduced the smallest generation of new Pokémon largely due to the glut of Mega Evolutions.

10% Zygarde looking toward Prism Tower in Lumiose City in a trailer for Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Our Take: Mega Evolutions Better Be Huge And Plentiful

We Hope Pokémon Legends: Z-A Doesn’t Hold Back On Mega Evolutions

Opting to focus on Mega Evolutions over new Pokémon largely comes down to two things. First, Mega Evolutions can’t be a late-game gimmick inPokémon Legends: Z-A.Pokémon X and Ymade most Mega Evolutions unavailable until after the main storyline was completed.That can’t be the case with the new game.The other is that the new Mega Evolutions better wow players, or there will be complaints thatPokémon Legends: Z-Ais an underwhelming installment. Personally, I hope that the Mega Evolution gimmick is strong enough to stand on its own inPokémon Legends: Z-A, or this game will be controversial among fans.

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