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

This morning, fans were treated to an extended glimpse of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Game Freak's upcoming futuristic title set in the iconic Lumiose City from Pokémon X/Y. The trailer showcased exciting features like rooftop running, updated battle mechanics, and the return of Mega Evolution. Yet, many questions linger about the game's timeline and potential character crossovers.

With the Pokémon community buzzing with excitement, fans are diving deep into the trailer to uncover connections to the broader Pokémon universe. The first Pokémon Legends game introduced time travel and ancestral links to characters from other games, setting the stage for similar mysteries in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

For context, while most Pokémon games are standalone, the first Pokémon Legends game delved into time travel and featured locations from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl set centuries in the past. It also included ancestors of characters from other games and even a character from Pokémon Black and White transported by a Pokémon deity. Fans are eager to understand the timeline of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, potential time travel elements, and which familiar faces might appear in Lumiose City.

In the hours following the trailer's release, fans have meticulously analyzed it for links to other Pokémon games. The most evident connection is AZ, a character who gained immortality 3000 years before the events of Pokémon X and Y. In Z-A, he appears to manage a hotel in Lumiose City and seems content after reuniting with his beloved Floette.

az taller than a mf giraffe by u/sam_90_ in pokemon

Subtler connections include the possible presence of the Looker Bureau in Z-A. Looker, a beloved detective character from Pokémon Black and White, has appeared in several games. Fans have spotted an office in the trailer that resembles the Looker Bureau, hinting at the presence of either Looker or his protégé, Emma, in Lumiose City.

Looker confirmed for Legends Z-A? by u/PrimalPokemonPlayer in pokemon

A wild theory suggests that the two main protagonists of Pokémon Legends: Z-A resemble Ethan and Lyra from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. This has sparked speculation about a time-travel scenario 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 by u/God-Kotsu in pokemon

Another intriguing theory suggests the protagonists might be related to Professor Sycamore and Grace from Pokémon X and Y. While this theory stretches a bit, it aligns with the ancestral themes seen in previous Legends games.

ZA protagonist relatives by u/tismxtt in pokemon

These theories could coexist, given the unclear timeline of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Pokémon games often have a loosely sequential timeline with occasional alternate realities and time travel. If AZ is running a hotel, the game likely takes place after Pokémon X and Y, possibly centuries later, considering his immortality and the futuristic design of Lumiose City. This would suggest that the protagonists and Looker Bureau staff are descendants of characters they resemble.

ITS A SEQUEL?!? by u/Slyme-wizard in pokemon

Another character drawing significant attention is a mysterious woman resembling a Hex Maniac from Pokémon X and Y. This character type has been linked to an unsolved mystery in the original games, where a Hex Maniac appears in a building in Lumiose City, utters a cryptic message, and vanishes. Fans hope Pokémon Legends: Z-A might finally unravel this mystery, as a ghost could continue haunting the city for centuries.

New hex? by u/Webby_webs in pokemon

In the coming days, more discoveries and connections will likely emerge from the footage and art released today. While Pokémon Legends: Z-A is slated for a late 2025 release, fans have plenty to discuss and theorize about in the meantime. For a comprehensive overview of today's Pokémon Presents, including news on Legends Z-A, mobile gaming, and Pokémon Champions, you can find all the details here.