This morning, we were treated to an extensive preview of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Game Freak's latest venture into the futuristic world of Pokémon, set in the iconic Lumiose City from Pokémon X/Y. The trailer showcased exciting features like rooftop running, revamped battling mechanics, and the return of Mega Evolution. However, it left us with numerous questions about the game's timeline relative to other Pokémon titles and the potential return of beloved characters to Lumiose City.

That's where the community steps in.

For context, while most Pokémon games are standalone, the first Pokémon Legends game introduced time travel and featured familiar locations from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl set centuries in the past, along with characters who were ancestors of those in other games. Given this precedent, fans are eager to understand the setting of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, any potential time travel elements, 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 wealth of intriguing links. The most direct connection is the presence of AZ, a character who was granted immortality 3000 years before the events of Pokémon X and Y. In Z-A, AZ appears to be running a hotel in Lumiose City and seems much happier, having been reunited with his beloved Floette.

az taller than a mf giraffe

byu/sam_90_ inpokemon

But the connections go deeper. One of the most exciting discoveries is the potential presence of the Looker Bureau in Z-A. Looker, a fan-favorite detective who first appeared in Pokémon Black and White, has made appearances in several other games. Fans have noticed that an office in the trailer closely resembles the Looker Bureau from past games, suggesting that either Looker or his protégé Emma might appear in Z-A's Lumiose City.

Looker confirmed for Legends Z-A?

byu/PrimalPokemonPlayer inpokemon

Another intriguing theory revolves around the game's protagonists, who resemble Ethan and Lyra from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. This has led to speculation that Legends: Z-A might involve a time travel scenario where Ethan and Lyra 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

Alternatively, some fans suggest the protagonists might be related to Kalos Pokémon scientist Professor Sycamore and the protagonist's mother, Grace, from Pokémon X and Y. While this theory stretches a bit, it's fascinating in light of the Legends series' focus on ancestry.

ZA protagonist relatives

byu/tismxtt inpokemon

What's fascinating is that these theories could coexist. The timeline of Pokémon Legends Z-A remains a mystery, with Pokémon games often featuring loosely sequential timelines, alternate realities, and time travel. Given AZ's immortality, the game could be set hundreds of years after Pokémon X and Y, explaining the futuristic Lumiose City. If so, the protagonists and Looker Bureau occupants might be descendants of the characters they resemble.

ITS A SEQUEL?!?

byu/Slyme-wizard inpokemon

Another character sparking fan interest is a mysterious woman in the key art, resembling a Hex Maniac from Pokémon X and Y. This trainer type is linked to an ongoing Pokémon mystery: the Ghost Girl. In Pokémon X and Y, a Hex Maniac appears in a building in Lumiose City, delivering a cryptic message before vanishing. With no explanation to date, her appearance in Legends Z-A has fans hopeful for a resolution to this eerie enigma.

New hex?

byu/Webby_webs inpokemon

In the coming days, more discoveries, easter eggs, and connections are sure to emerge from the footage, art, and news about Pokémon Legends: Z-A. With a release planned for "late 2025," we have plenty of time to delve into the new information. You can catch up on everything announced at today's Pokémon Presents, including Legends Z-A news, mobile gaming updates, and more, right here.