After 26 years of keeping Ash Ketchum forever 10 in the Pokémon anime, The Pokémon Company is breaking tradition in Pokémon Horizons by allowing its new leads, Liko and Roy, to grow older.

A recent CoroCoro announcement for the upcoming Mega Voltage arc in Pokémon Horizons revealed a three-year time skip, aging protagonists Liko, Roy, and Dot. Their updated designs reflect a taller, more mature appearance:

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Since Liko and Roy share the same universe as Ash Ketchum, this time skip implies that Ash and his companions—Misty, Brock, May, Dawn, Serena, and others—have also aged three years off-screen. Whether a more mature Ash will appear in this arc or a future season remains uncertain, but fans are buzzing with speculation.

The Mega Voltage arc will reintroduce Mega Evolutions, aligning with their return in the game Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Liko’s Floragato has evolved into Meowscarada, and Roy now commands a shiny Mega Lucario.

Notably absent from the reveal is Friede, leader of the Rising Volt Tacklers. His Pikachu appears wearing Friede’s goggles, which some fans notice have visible cracks, hinting at possible trouble for the captain.

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The Mega Voltage arc premieres in Japan on April 11, with the English dub delayed in the United States. Pokémon Horizons Season 2 earned a 5/10 rating for struggling to capitalize on its potential. Fans hope this time skip revitalizes the Rising Volt Tacklers’ journey.