Pokemon Legends: Z-A has arrived, and with it, an array of new Mega Evolutions. These battle-exclusive forms were introduced in the sixth generation of games (X & Y and Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire) and immediately became a fan-favourite gimmick.
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However, as it is with all Pokemon gimmicks, they were limited to certain games. Now they’re back in Z-A, with new designs to boot. But which ones look the coolest? We don’t care about stats here - just how incredible these new Megas look.
Mega Starmie
Star Of The Show
Mega Starmie’s design is definitely going to be hit or miss with some people, but I actually think it’s interesting. Staryu and Starmie are both, well, let’s face it, basic-looking Pokemon. But Mega Starmie’s bizarre, humanoid design gives it a little oomph.
The two bottom points of the star have become elongated, imitating human legs. Its Pokedex entry even says its movements have become “more humanlike”. There’s a creepy, uncanny valley-ness to Mega Starmie that just appeals.
Mega Clefable
Fairy Good
Mega Clefable really embodies both the Fairy type and the new Flying type it gains upon Mega evolving. It already had wings in its base design, but now it has large, pink and yellow fairy-type wings that suit it perfectly.
The base design’s pointy ears have been swapped for flattened ears that make it look a bit puppy-like, which is very adorable. Its head has also been changed; it now looks like a built-in hat or a pot lid. The head leaves a little to be desired, I admit, but the wings are so ethereal, it’s easily one of the best new designs.
Mega Dragalge
Sea, I Knew Dragalge Could Be Great
Dragalge was easily one of the most overlooked Pokemon from the X & Y era, overshadowed by the other Dragon Pokemon of the generation, Goodra. Perhaps Dragalge’s new Mega Evolution will finally give it the spotlight it deserves.
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The Mega Evolution accentuates Dragalge’s base design, elongating the protrusions on its head to make it look like it has two flowing capes on either side. It also has two teardrop-shaped bulbs on its head, sat upon what look like antlers. It’s a very mythical-esque design that makes it the fantastical sea dragon it always had the capability to be.
Mega Emboar
No Longer Emboar-assing
I’ve never been a huge fan of Emboar’s base design. Tepig is an extremely cute piglet, and Emboar is just… a bit meh. Mega Emboar redeems that now. Holding a flaming spear, it looks just like an ancient warrior thanks to the headpiece and eyebrows.
It just looks strong and dependable, doesn’t it? I can easily imagine Mega Emboar being the lead of a Pokemon troupe in the wild. Perhaps even in a Mystery Dungeon game… hint, hint, nudge, nudge, Pokemon!
Mega Scolipede
Maybe I Like This Bug Now
Scolipede is a bit of a forgettable Pokemon. It’s not that great in battles, and its design doesn’t really stand out all too much. However, its Mega Evolution gives it a completely new lease of life.
The bright teal and hot pink accents are a great contrast to its pale purple-grey armour and red body. The armour itself is a fantastic addition, as it makes Scolipede resemble a medieval horse, all decked out for a jousting tournament. I can definitely see Scolipede’s popularity skyrocketing thanks to this Mega Evolution design.
Mega Skarmory
Flying High
Skarmory has always been a popular Pokemon, thanks to its sleek design. Its new Mega Evolution takes the bird Pokemon to a completely new level. Where Skarmory’s base design is silver with red accents, its Mega Evolution is now a golden yellow with purple and blue accents.
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The rest of its design is still fairly understated — there are no huge additions like other designs, and that works entirely in Mega Skarmory’s favour. It’s eye-catching, but also sophisticated, and retains the sleek appeal that Skarmory has always had.
Mega Froslass
Ice Cold
Froslass already has a picture-perfect design, so how can its Mega Evolution compare? Somehow, Mega Froslass manages to be just as good as the original design and so much more.
Embodying Froslass’ lore of being the soul of a woman who died in the mountains, Mega Froslass looks like it’s wearing a flowing gown, adorned with snowflake details and billowing sleeves. The ice crystals on its head are now two horns, making it look like a traditional Japanese hannya mask. You definitely wouldn’t want to cross Mega Froslass on a dark, winter’s night.
Mega Chandelure
Fire In More Than Typing
Mega Chandelure is one of those Mega Evolutions that laughs in the face of the phrase, ‘less is more’. It takes Chandelure’s base design and ups the ante completely. It has more arms and the flame on its head is even taller.
When you think about it, it’s a very simple design change, but it works purely because Chandelure already had such an iconic design. If you look a little closer, you’ll also see that it has one yellow eye and one purple eye, rather than the two yellow eyes in its base form.
Mega Greninja
Who Else Would It Be?
Who would have thought that Greninja could get any cooler? Greninja has always been the fan-favourite starter from X & Y, and a very popular Pokemon in general, so its Mega Evolution had a big legacy to live up to.
Thankfully, it absolutely does. In its Mega Evolved form, Greninja stands completely upside down, using a shuriken to keep it steady. Its blue body has also been made darker, which fits its colour palette perfectly.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 79/100 Critics Rec: 64%
- Released
- October 16, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak, Creatures Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo, The Pokemon Company







- Engine
- Proprietary
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Pokemon
- Number of Players
- 1-4 players (online)
- Nintendo Switch Release Date
- October 16, 2025
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- October 16, 2025
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Adventure
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong