The official Pokemon YouTube channel shared a teaser video that suggests we could end up seeing Mega Malamar debut in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. A number of new Mega Evolutions are showing up in the spin-off game, following the reveal of Mega Dragonite. The “Malamar.mp4” video involves “real world” footage of people suddenly obsessing over the Dark and Psychic type character that first debuted in Pokemon X and Y.
All of the “Malamar.mp4” footage involves people in the real world going crazy over the character, though the trailer began with a notice saying “not actual gameplay footage” and the Pokemon Legends: Z-A ESRB Everyone 10+ notice. First, there’s a woman painting a mural of Malamar, calling it “sweet and adorable.” Then, there’s a celebrity being interviewed, with plush of the character everywhere. There are also viral segments, with everyone calling the character, “My friend Malamar.” Given the character’s dual typing, it perhaps suggests a Mega Evolution of Malamar in Pokemon Legends: Z-A could extend the creature’s influence and range.
Here’s the full “Malamar.mp4” trailer:
In the last few weeks ahead of the Pokemon Legends: Z-A release, we’ve seen a few instances where Mega Evolutions, like a potential one for Malamar, came up via videos and social media. With Mega Victreebel, there was a hint at a “found footage” release that eventually showed in-game designs of the new character. Though when Mega Hawlucha came up, it was with a more traditional gameplay trailer.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A will come to the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on October 16, 2025.