This morning, we got our first extensive glimpse into Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Game Freak's innovative take on a futuristic Pokémon adventure set in the well-known Lumiose City from Pokémon X/Y. The trailer showcased exciting features like rooftop running, revamped battling mechanics, and the return of Mega Evolution. However, many questions remain, particularly about the game's timeline relative to other Pokémon titles and which beloved characters might make an appearance in this revamped Lumiose City.

The Pokémon community is buzzing with theories and speculation. For context, while most Pokémon games are standalone, the original Pokémon Legends game introduced time travel and utilized familiar settings from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, set centuries in the past. It also featured characters who were ancestors of those in other games, along with a surprising cameo from a Pokémon Black and White character, seemingly placed in the past by a higher power. Fans are eager to uncover the setting of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the potential for time travel, and the possibility of seeing familiar faces in Lumiose City.

Since the trailer's debut, fans have been meticulously analyzing it for connections to other Pokémon games, uncovering a plethora of links. The most evident connection is AZ, a character from Pokémon X and Y who was granted immortality 3000 years before those events. In Z-A, AZ appears to be running a hotel in Lumiose City and seems much happier, having reunited with his beloved Floette.

az taller than a mf giraffe

byu/sam_90_ inpokemon

More subtle connections have also been spotted. A particularly intriguing find is the potential presence of the Looker Bureau in Z-A. Looker, the fan-favorite detective from Pokémon Black and White, has appeared in numerous games. Some fans believe that an office shown in the trailer closely resembles the Looker Bureau from previous titles, suggesting that either Looker or his protégé Emma may appear in Z-A's Lumiose City.

Looker confirmed for Legends Z-A?

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Another wild theory suggests a connection between the two main protagonists of Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Ethan and Lyra, the player characters from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. This theory posits a time-travel scenario where Ethan and Lyra are transported from Johto to the futuristic Lumiose City.

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

byu/God-Kotsu inpokemon

An alternative theory proposes that the protagonists resemble Kalos' Professor Sycamore and Grace, the mother of the protagonist from Pokémon X and Y. While this theory stretches further, it aligns with the Legends series' history of exploring ancestry.

ZA protagonist relatives

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These theories are fascinating because they could coexist within the game's narrative. The timeline of Pokémon Legends Z-A remains a mystery, with Pokémon games traditionally featuring a loosely connected timeline that sometimes includes alternate realities and time travel. Given AZ's immortality and the futuristic look of Lumiose City, it's possible the game is set hundreds of years after Pokémon X and Y. This would mean the protagonists and other characters in Lumiose City could be distant descendants of those they resemble.

ITS A SEQUEL?!?

byu/Slyme-wizard inpokemon

Another character sparking fan interest is a mysterious woman featured in the key art, resembling a Hex Maniac from Pokémon X and Y. This trainer type has been part of an ongoing mystery involving a "Ghost Girl" who appears in a spooky scene in Lumiose City. Her presence in Legends Z-A has fans hopeful that this mystery might finally be resolved, especially if she's a ghost who could have haunted the city for centuries.

New hex?

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As we await the game's release in "late 2025," more discoveries, Easter eggs, and connections are likely to emerge from the footage, art, and news released today about Pokémon Legends: Z-A. In the meantime, fans have plenty to discuss and theorize about. You can catch up on all the announcements from today's Pokémon Presents, including updates on Legends Z-A, mobile gaming, and Pokémon Champions, right here.