A Long-Awaited Triumph: The ‘Pokémon X and Y’ Starters Finally Get Mega Evolutions

For over a decade, fans of the Kalos region have been asking a single question: where are the Mega Evolutions for the starter Pokémon? The concept was introduced in Pokémon X and Y, but only the Kanto starters, Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise, received the powerful temporary forms. Now, after years of waiting, the drought is finally over. The recent Nintendo Direct on September 12, 2025, dropped a bombshell of a reveal, confirming that the final evolutions of the Kalos starters—Chesnaught, Delphox, and Greninja—are all receiving new Mega Evolutions in the upcoming game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

The announcement has sent a shockwave of excitement through the community. Greninja, a fan-favorite, finally gets a new form to stand alongside its iconic “Ash-Greninja” form. Delphox, long considered a less-popular starter, has a chance to shine with a powerful new design. And Chesnaught, the often-overlooked Grass/Fighting type, looks bulkier and more formidable than ever before. This revelation is a major win for fans and a significant acknowledgment from The Pokémon Company that these beloved Pokémon deserved their moment in the spotlight. However, the excitement is tempered by a few key details about how players will acquire these new forms, which has sparked some controversy.

The Catch: A Mega Evolution Locked Behind Online Play

While the designs for Mega Chesnaught, Mega Delphox, and Mega Greninja were met with near-universal praise, the method of obtaining their respective Mega Stones has raised eyebrows. According to the official Pokémon website, the Mega Stones—Chesnaughtite, Delphoxite, and Greninjite—will not be found in the game’s world. Instead, they will be given out as rewards for competing and ranking up in the Z-A Battle Club’s online Ranked Battles. This means that to get these new Mega Evolutions, you will need to have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription and actively participate in the game’s competitive scene.

• A Seasonal Approach: The rollout of these stones will be staggered. Greninjite will be available in Season 1, which starts with the game’s release on October 16. Delphoxite will be available in Season 2, and Chesnaughtite will be in Season 3. This means that players who want all three will have to compete in three different seasons, requiring an active Nintendo Switch Online membership for an extended period.
• A Different Kind of Catch: This is a major departure from previous games where Mega Stones were found in the wild or given as a reward for in-game quests. Locking these highly anticipated forms behind a paid online service and competitive play is a significant change that has created some disappointment, particularly among players who prefer to play offline and collect everything at their own pace.
• A Double-Down on Gimmicks: The announcement of the Kalos starter Mega Evolutions came alongside the reveal of two new Mega Raichu forms (Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y), which will be part of a paid DLC pack called “Mega Dimension.” This has led to a major discussion about the increasing trend of locking content behind paid services and DLC. For fans who were already spending money on the game itself, the extra costs for new content have been a source of frustration, even as they’re excited for the new forms.

The Legacy and the Future

Despite the controversy surrounding their acquisition, the new Mega Evolutions for the Kalos starters are a monumental moment for the Pokémon franchise. They not only provide a long-awaited resolution for a fan-favorite generation, but they also give a new lease on life to three Pokémon that, while popular, were often overshadowed by the likes of Charizard and Lucario. The designs themselves are a triumph, with each one enhancing the core theme of its respective Pokémon. Mega Greninja’s ninja-like appearance, Mega Delphox’s more wizardly aesthetic, and Mega Chesnaught’s armored look are all powerful upgrades that will undoubtedly make them a force to be reckoned with in the game’s competitive scene.

The decision to tie these forms to online ranked play is a clear attempt to boost player engagement and retention in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. While some may disagree with the approach, it shows that The Pokémon Company is willing to experiment with new ways to deliver content to its community. As fans prepare for the game’s release, the debate will continue, but one thing is certain: the long-awaited Mega Evolutions for the Kalos starters are finally here, and they are a beautiful sight to behold.