After something of a drought in 2024, Pokemon fans could be in for a huge 2025 if a new rumor is true. While Pokemon Legends: Z-A is already slated for a 2025 release, an alleged leak from notable leaker Riddler Khu suggests that a second mainline Pokemon game could be released in the same year. While there is good reason to be skeptical of this claim, there is some solid evidence that could back it up.
Game Freak and The Pokemon Company have confirmed that Pokemon Legends: Z-A is a mainline entry.
It may seem odd for the Pokemon series to get two major releases in one year, but this occurrence might be more likely than some fans think. The franchise skipped a mainline release in 2024, and with Nintendo's Switch successor launching in 2025, it would make sense for Pokemon to want to go all-out in the new year. Additionally, there have been mainline games releasing close to each other in recent memory, with the ILCA-developed Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl games releasing just a few months before Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Has The Perfect Tie-In With One Evolution Line
Between its cyberspace trailer, its urban redevelopment story, and even its own name, Pokemon Legends: Z-A should include one particular Pokemon line.
Pokemon Fans Could See More Than Just Legends: Z-A Release in 2025
A recent post on X/Twitter from CentroLeaks notes that Riddler Khu has been teasing a new mainline Pokemon game for 2025 in addition to the already-announced Legends: Z-A. Allegedly, this game was not included in the Teraleak that occurred back in October 2024 and is also not part of the upcoming Gen 10 games. While this information sounds enticing, it's important to remain skeptical of Riddler Khu as a source.
While Riddler Khu has leaked real information in the past, their recent track record is spotty at best. Prior to the announcement of Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Khu had been teasing that the next mainline games would be remakes of Pokemon Black and White, which ultimately proved to be false following Legends: Z-A's announcement. However, if this new mainline game rumor turns out to be true, it could end up redeeming the leaker's initial tease depending on what the new game actually is.
Predicting What Pokemon's Rumored Second 2025 Mainline Game Could Be
There are several options for new Pokemon games coming in the future based on the Teraleak, such as the leaked Pokemon multiplayer game, codenamed "Synapse." However, with this rumored mainline game supposedly absent from the Teraleak, the door is open for a much wider range of possibilities. One option could be a new Pokemon Let's Go game set in Johto, although that seems somewhat unlikely given the original Let's Go games heavily relied on the novelty of Pokemon GO at the time.
The more likely option is that Riddler Khu is referring to the Black and White remakes they teased as early as late 2023. The Pokemon franchise is already set to see a focus on Gen 5 in 2025, with Pokemon GO introducing its Pokemon GO Tour: Unova event, and the Pokemon TCG scheduled to release two new Gen 5-themed sets titled Black Bolt and White Flare, respectively. The timing of these releases could be a coincidence, but they could also lend support to this rumored unannounced mainline game being the highly-requested Gen 5 remakes.
It's not unreasonable to think that two separate mainline Pokemon titles could be released within a short time frame after Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and Pokemon Legends: Arceus proved it was possible. If Game Freak is focusing development on Pokemon Legends: Z-A, it's possible that ILCA or another studio could be developing Black and White remakes concurrently. With Pokemon Day coming at the end of February, fans may not have to wait long to see if there's any truth to this rumor.
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 79 /100 Critics Rec: 66%
- Released
- October 16, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak, Creatures Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
WHERE TO PLAY
LIVE THE LIFE OF A POKÉMON TRAINER IN THE STREETS OF LUMIOSE CITY
Whether you’re a die-hard Pokémon fan or about to toss your first Poké Ball, the Pokémon Legends: Z-A game has plenty to offer for Trainers of all types. Experience classic gameplay with modern twists that are sure to revolutionize your Pokémon RPG experience.
CATCH, BATTLE, AND MEGA-EVOLVE—ALL IN REAL TIME!
Step onto the battlefield and command your Pokémon directly—there are no turns! For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, Trainers and their Pokémon can both move around in real-time battles, and your Pokémon will unleash their moves when you tell them to. Strategically swapping out your Pokémon and accounting for each move’s timing and area of effect will greatly help you in this new style of battle.
HARNESS THE POWER OF MEGA EVOLUTION
When Trainers have a strong bond with their Pokémon, a Key Stone worn by the Trainer resonates with a Mega Stone held by their Pokémon, allowing Mega Evolution to take place.
ROGUE MEGA EVOLUTION
Rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon are threatening Lumiose City. These Pokémon are extra tough to beat, but if you do manage to defeat them, you'll receive valuable Mega Stones as a reward.
RISE THROUGH THE RANKS OF THE Z-A ROYALE
You’re invited to join the Z-A Royale, a competition for Pokémon Trainers to test their skills and determine who’s strongest.
Each night, a battle zone for the competition will appear. Prepare yourself by spending the day in wild zones, catching and training Pokémon, then venture into the battle zone and take on other Trainers.
Be strategic and complete bonus card challenges as you battle to speed up your climb from Rank Z to Rank A. Can you climb the ranks and reach the top?
WELCOME TO LUMIOSE CITY
Visit shops, restaurants, and more, all centered around Prism Tower. An urban redevelopment plan is underway to shape the city into a place that belongs to both people and Pokémon.
BATTLE WITH TRAINERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
With a Nintendo Switch Online membership*, you can battle up to three other Trainers at once, locally or online, in frenetic real-time battles!
- Franchise
- Pokemon
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
