Pokemon Legends Z-A Kalos Starters Mega Evolutions require Nintendo Online subscription

Pokémon Legends Z-A players will need an active Nintendo Online subscription to access the Mega Evolutions of the Kalos Starters, according to details published by The Pokémon Company.

The announcement has prompted discussion among fans, with many expressing concern that the feature is restricted to a paid service.

Revealed during the September Nintendo Direct, the final launch trailer for Pokémon Legends Z-A confirmed Mega Evolutions for Greninja, Delphox, and Chesnaught.

However, the Mega Stones required to unlock these forms will only be obtainable as rewards through the game’s Ranked Battle seasons, which are tied to Nintendo Online.

Greninja’s Mega Stone, Greninjite, is set to be available in Ranked Battles Season 1 beginning on October 16 2025. Delphox’s Mega Stone will be distributed in Season 2, while Chesnaught’s will arrive after Season 2 concludes.

The exact length of these seasons has not been specified, nor has the detailed process for acquiring each stone, beyond participation in competitive battles.

This requirement has led to criticism from players who prefer the single-player experience, as access to the new Mega forms now depends on paying for online services and competing in ranked play. Fans on forums and social media have debated whether this approach limits accessibility for casual players.

Alongside the Mega Evolution news, updated information about Pokémon Home integration was shared.

Pokémon transferred into Pokémon Legends Z-A cannot be moved back into previous titles. This means that once a Pokémon is sent into the new game, it will remain locked there permanently.

The policy marks a shift from the flexible transfer system that Pokémon Home had previously offered, and players have raised concerns that it reduces the appeal of moving long-trained teams across games.