Pokémon Legends Z-A confirms return of fan-favourite Emma from X and Y in new Lumiose adventure

Pokémon Legends Z-A has officially confirmed the return of Emma, a fan-favourite character from Pokémon X and Y, during the latest Pokémon Presents showcase.

Emma, first introduced as a young girl under the care of Looker in Lumiose City, was seen in the new Z-A trailer, confirming long-standing fan theories about her presence in this instalment.

In Pokémon X and Y, Emma inherits the Looker Bureau, and the trailer suggests she continues to run it in the futuristic Lumiose City setting of Z-A.

Her outfit also hints that she may still be operating as Essentia, maintaining her role in Lumiose’s crime-fighting efforts.

The trailer has raised questions among players regarding the exact timeline of Pokémon Legends Z-A, as Emma appears older but not so much that it would suggest a complete rebuild of Lumiose City from its original appearance in X and Y to the advanced cityscape shown in Z-A.

Fans have speculated about possible time-related elements or rapid urban development within the Kalos region, although these remain unconfirmed.

Alongside Emma, the trailer featured the return of Mable, previously a member of Team Flare, now seen as the director of the Pokémon Research Lab, prompting discussions about her potential role and character development in Z-A.

The Pokémon Presents showcase also highlighted new characters, including Naveen, Lida, and either Urbain or Taunie, and revealed the new Mega Evolution, Mega Dragonite, adding to the excitement for the upcoming release. 

Pokémon Legends Z-A is scheduled to launch on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on October 16 2025.