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

This morning, we were treated to an in-depth look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Game Freak's upcoming futuristic Pokémon game set in the iconic Lumiose City from Pokémon X/Y. The trailer showcased exciting features such as rooftop running, changes to battling mechanics, and the return of Mega Evolution. Despite these reveals, fans are left with many questions about the game's timeline and potential returning characters.

That's where the community steps in to help piece together the puzzle.

Since the trailer's debut, fans have been meticulously analyzing it for connections to other Pokémon games, uncovering numerous intriguing links. The most apparent connection is the character AZ, who, as mentioned in the trailer, was granted immortality 3000 years before the events of Pokémon X and Y. In Z-A, AZ appears to manage a hotel in Lumiose City and seems content after being reunited with his beloved Floette.

az taller than a mf giraffe
byu/sam_90_ inpokemon

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }More subtle connections have also been identified. A standout for many fans is the potential inclusion of the Looker Bureau in Z-A. Looker, a beloved detective character introduced in Pokémon Black and White, has appeared in several subsequent games. Fans have spotted an office in the trailer that closely resembles the Looker Bureau from previous titles, suggesting Looker or his protégé Emma might appear in Z-A.

Looker confirmed for Legends Z-A?
byu/PrimalPokemonPlayer inpokemon

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }Another intriguing theory circulating involves the protagonists of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Fans have noted that the characters bear a striking resemblance to Ethan and Lyra from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, leading to speculation that Z-A may involve a time travel plot where these characters are transported from Johto to a futuristic Lumiose City.

am i going crazy or the new mcs are literally ethan and lyra
byu/God-Kotsu inpokemon

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }Alternatively, some fans theorize that the protagonists could be related to Professor Sycamore and Grace, the mother of the protagonist in Pokémon X and Y. This theory, while a bit of a stretch, adds an interesting layer to the narrative, especially given the franchise's history with ancestry themes.

ZA protagonist relatives
byu/tismxtt inpokemon

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }These theories could coexist, as the timeline for Pokémon Legends: Z-A remains a mystery. The Pokémon series has a loosely sequential timeline that sometimes involves alternate realities and time travel. Given AZ's immortality and the futuristic setting of Lumiose City, Z-A could be set centuries after Pokémon X and Y, suggesting that the protagonists and other characters might be distant descendants of familiar faces.

ITS A SEQUEL?!?
byu/Slyme-wizard inpokemon

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }Another character sparking fan interest is a mysterious woman resembling a Hex Maniac from the key art:

New hex?
byu/Webby_webs inpokemon

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }Hex Maniacs were introduced in Pokémon X and Y, and this particular woman has drawn attention due to the unresolved mystery of the "Ghost Girl" from those games. In Pokémon X and Y, a Hex Maniac appears in a creepy scene in Lumiose City, hinting at an unsolved mystery. Her presence in Legends Z-A suggests the possibility of finally unraveling this enigma, especially if she's a ghost lingering in the city for centuries.

As we await the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, slated for late 2025, fans will continue to uncover new connections, easter eggs, and insights from the game's promotional material. You can catch up on all the announcements from today's Pokémon Presents, including updates on Legends Z-A, mobile gaming, Pokémon Champions, and more, right here.