Just as excitement is reaching a fever pitch for the upcoming launch of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, The Pokémon Company has delivered a stunning surprise: the game will be receiving a substantial post-launch story expansion. Titled Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension, this upcoming DLC adventure promises to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Kalos region, centered around the powerful Mythical Pokémon Hoopa. But the headline-grabbing reveal is the introduction of two brand-new, long-awaited Mega Evolutions for a classic fan-favorite: Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y.
Table of Contents
Pre-orders for the DLC are available now, with the content scheduled to go on sale on October 16, 2025. This guide will break down every exciting detail from the Mega Dimension announcement, from the new Pokémon and story implications to the purchase bonuses and what this means for your upcoming adventure in Lumiose City.
The Mischief Pokémon Takes Center Stage: Hoopa’s Story
The central figure of the Mega Dimension DLC is the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa. For those unfamiliar with this powerful and mischievous creature from the Kalos region, its inclusion signals a story that will likely bend the rules of time and space. Hoopa is a Psychic/Ghost-type Pokémon in its normal “Confined” form, but it has the incredible ability to transform into its “Unbound” form, a towering Psychic/Dark-type with immense power. Its most famous ability, however, is its power to warp space using the golden rings on its horns and body.
According to established Pokémon lore, Hoopa can create portals to transport items, people, and even other Pokémon across vast distances and potentially between dimensions. Its rings have been known to summon Legendary Pokémon from across the history of the franchise, an ability that was showcased in its own dedicated movie, Hoopa and the Clash of Ages. The name of the DLC, Mega Dimension, strongly suggests that this space-warping power will be the core plot device of the post-game adventure. Will players be tasked with cleaning up the mischief caused by Hoopa as it brings Pokémon and landmarks from other regions into Lumiose City? Or will we travel through its rings to explore new, never-before-seen dimensions? The narrative possibilities are thrilling and promise an endgame that expands the world of Pokémon Legends: Z-A in unpredictable ways.
A Fan-Favorite Finally Gets Its Due: Mega Raichu X & Y
Without a doubt, the most exciting gameplay reveal from the announcement is that Raichu will be receiving not one, but two new Mega Evolutions: Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y. This is a monumental moment for longtime fans of the series. As one of the original 151 Pokémon from Generation 1, Raichu has famously been overshadowed by its pre-evolution, Pikachu. Despite its popularity, it has never received a special form like a Mega Evolution or a Gigantamax form, a fact that has been a point of contention in the community for years. This reveal finally gives Raichu the spotlight it has long deserved.
The X and Y naming convention for Mega Evolutions, previously seen only on Charizard and Mewtwo, suggests two distinct forms with different appearances, stats, and possibly even typings. While no official details have been released, we can speculate on what these forms might look like based on established Pokémon design principles:
- Mega Raichu X: The “X” Mega Evolutions (like Charizard X and Mewtwo X) typically gain a more physical, aggressive design and often a new secondary typing. We can speculate that Mega Raichu X could become an Electric/Fighting-type, a powerful physical attacker. This form might have a more muscular build, with its electrical energy focused into its fists and feet, turning it into a lightning-fast brawler. This would provide a completely new way to use Raichu in battle.
- Mega Raichu Y: The “Y” forms, conversely, often lean into a sleeker, more specialized design that enhances their special attacking prowess. Mega Raichu Y could lean into the latent psychic abilities hinted at by its Alolan form, becoming an Electric/Psychic-type. This version might be designed with a more slender, ethereal appearance, perhaps levitating off the ground with its tail acting as a powerful conduit for both electrical and psychic energy, making it a formidable special attacker.
These two new forms will undoubtedly be at the center of the Mega Dimension story and will provide exciting new strategies for players to build their teams around in the post-game.
DLC Content and Purchase Bonuses
The Mega Dimension DLC is packed with content and rewards for players who choose to expand their adventure.
The Post-Game Adventure
This is a post-game story expansion, meaning access to the new narrative content will only unlock after you have completed the main story of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The story will see you continue your adventure with a group called “Team MZ.”
Instant Customization Rewards
As soon as you purchase the DLC, you will immediately receive two new apparel sets to customize your character: the Holo-X and Holo-Y outfits. This allows you to show off your excitement for the upcoming content right away.
Early Purchase Bonus
Players who purchase the Mega Dimension DLC by February 28, 2026, will also receive a special Luxurious Poké Ball Set. This will likely include a collection of rare and valuable Poké Balls, such as Apricorn Balls (like the Moon Ball or Heavy Ball) or other special types that are effective at catching certain kinds of Pokémon.
Release Date and Platform Details
- Pre-orders: Available now on the Nintendo eShop.
- DLC Sale Date: The DLC will be officially available for purchase and download on October 16, 2025.
- Story Content Release: The new post-game story content will be released in an update “soon after” the October 16th sale date.
- Cross-Generation Compatibility: In a consumer-friendly move, a single purchase of the DLC will work for both the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2 versions of the game. If you own Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the original Switch and later decide to buy the enhanced edition for the Switch 2, your DLC will carry over.
With a fan-favorite Mythical Pokémon driving a new dimensional story and the long-awaited arrival of Mega Evolutions for Raichu, the Mega Dimension DLC is shaping up to be an essential expansion for any fan of the Kalos region.
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