This morning, we got our first in-depth look at *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, Game Freak's futuristic new Pokémon game set in the familiar locale of Lumiose City from *Pokémon X/Y*. While we saw exciting features like running on rooftops, changes to battling, and the return of Mega Evolution, many questions linger about the game's timeline and potential returning characters. This is where the vibrant Pokémon community steps in, eager to uncover more about *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*.

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—or even direct insertions from *Pokémon Black and White*. With this precedent, fans are keen to understand when *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* is set, whether time travel will play a role, and which familiar faces might appear in Lumiose City.

Since the trailer's debut, fans have been meticulously analyzing it for connections to other Pokémon games, uncovering a wealth of insights. The most evident link is the character AZ, directly mentioned in the trailer. Known for being granted immortality 3000 years before *Pokémon X and Y*, AZ's presence in *Z-A* as a hotel owner in Lumiose City, happily reunited with his Floette, suggests that the game occurs sometime after *X and Y*.

az taller than a mf giraffe from pokemon

More subtle connections have also been spotted. Fans have noted a potential appearance of the Looker Bureau, hinting at the return of the beloved detective character Looker or his protégé Emma. This is inferred from an office in the trailer resembling the Looker Bureau from previous games.

Looker confirmed for Legends Z-A? from pokemon

Another intriguing theory involves the game's protagonists, whose designs resemble Ethan and Lyra from *Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver*. This has led to speculation that *Legends: Z-A* might involve a time-travel scenario bringing these characters to a futuristic Lumiose City.

am i going crazy or the new mcs are literally ethan and lyra from pokemon

Another theory suggests the protagonists might be related to Professor Sycamore and Grace from *Pokémon X and Y*, though this is considered more speculative.

ZA protagonist relatives from pokemon

These theories could coexist, as the exact timeline of *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* remains unclear. Given AZ's immortality, the game could be set hundreds of years after *Pokémon X and Y*, especially considering the futuristic Lumiose City depicted. This could mean the protagonists and Looker Bureau characters are descendants of those they resemble.

ITS A SEQUEL?!? from pokemon

Another character drawing attention is a mysterious woman resembling a Hex Maniac from *Pokémon X and Y*. This character's appearance reignites interest in the unresolved "Ghost Girl" mystery from *X and Y*, where a Hex Maniac appears briefly without explanation. Fans are hopeful that *Legends: Z-A* might finally resolve this long-standing enigma.

New hex? from pokemon

In the coming days, more discoveries and connections are expected to surface from the footage and art revealed today. With *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* slated for a "late 2025" release, fans have plenty to ponder in the meantime. Stay updated with all the latest news from today's Pokémon Presents, including details on *Legends: Z-A*, mobile gaming, Pokémon Champions, and more, right here.