Pokémon Legends: Z-A: Fans Speculate Connections to Other Games

This morning, we were treated to our first detailed glimpse of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Game Freak's futuristic new installment set in the familiar locale of Lumiose City from Pokémon X/Y. While the trailer showcased exciting features like rooftop running, battle mechanics changes, and the return of Mega Evolution, it left us with numerous questions about its timeline and potential character returns.

That's where the passionate Pokémon community steps in, eager to unravel the mysteries surrounding Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

For context, although most Pokémon games are standalone, the first Pokémon Legends game delved into time travel, revisiting settings from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl set centuries in the past, with characters linked to those in other games, including a character from Pokémon Black and White transported by a divine force. This backdrop has fans curious about Pokémon Legends: Z-A's setting, potential time-travel elements, and the presence of familiar faces in Lumiose City.

Since the trailer's debut, fans have been meticulously analyzing it for connections to other Pokémon games, uncovering several intriguing links. The most prominent is AZ, directly mentioned in the trailer. Known for his immortality granted 3000 years before Pokémon X and Y, AZ appears in Z-A running a hotel in Lumiose City, seemingly content after reuniting with his Floette.

az taller than a mf giraffe from pokemon

More subtle connections include the potential return of the Looker Bureau in Z-A. Looker, the beloved detective from Pokémon Black and White, and subsequent games, might be present or represented by his protégé Emma, as fans noticed an office resembling the Looker Bureau in the trailer.

Looker confirmed for Legends Z-A? from pokemon

An intriguing theory suggests that the protagonists of Pokémon Legends: Z-A resemble Ethan and Lyra from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, sparking speculation about a time-travel scenario that brings these characters from Johto to a futuristic Lumiose City.

am i going crazy or the new mcs are literally ethan and lyra from pokemon

Another theory proposes that the protagonists might be related to Professor Sycamore and Grace from Pokémon X and Y, hinting at an ancestral link, a theme explored in the Legends series.

ZA protagonist relatives from pokemon

The timeline of Pokémon Legends Z-A remains a mystery, with theories suggesting it could be set hundreds of years after Pokémon X and Y, given AZ's immortality and the futuristic development of Lumiose City. This could mean the protagonists and other characters are descendants of those seen in earlier games.

ITS A SEQUEL?!? from pokemon

Another character sparking interest is a creepy woman resembling a Hex Maniac from the key art. This connects to an unresolved mystery from Pokémon X and Y involving a ghostly Hex Maniac, raising hopes that Legends Z-A might finally provide answers to this eerie enigma.

New hex? from pokemon

As the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A is slated for "late 2025," fans will continue to dissect every piece of footage and art, uncovering more connections and easter eggs. In the meantime, you can catch up on all the announcements from today's Pokémon Presents, including news on Legends Z-A, mobile gaming, Pokémon Champions, and more, right here.