Pokémon unveils brand-new evolution for Dragonite after 30 years

Pokémon Presents has just wrapped up, and it revealed a more in-depth look at the next game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, along with a new evolution for the beloved Dragonite.

Many Pokémon fans were waiting for this moment, when the adorable Dragonite would get another evolution, one teased and hinted at for years.

As part of the story for the new game, rogue Pokémon are evolving on their own into the Mega forms we’ve seen in previous games.

To battle these, you’ll need your own Mega evolved companions, and Dragonite is one that will pack a punch.

Shown during the presentation, Mega Dragonite looks very similar to their usual design, though there are hints of the Dragonair origins there.

Along with two large, sweeping wings sprouting from its head, Mega Dragonite also has a pearl on its tail.

The Pokemon Company, Nintendo

We weren’t shown much more than the visuals, but we’re sure that this new form for Dragonite will have some pretty devastating moves and abilities.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A could very well have more Mega evolutions waiting in the wings, as there are hundreds of ‘Mon who haven’t ever had the chance to evolve in this way.

And it seems like this plays a big part of the story, so some extra surprises would be heartily welcomes.

Long-time fans have been eager to see more of the Mega evolution gimmick in a new Nintendo title, and recent leaks did point to more Pokémon getting the ability to grow and ramp up their damage.

This all takes place in Lumiose City, where we got to see various Pokémon evolving into this rogue state and battling Team MZ, the faction all players will fight alongside.

Hopefully, more will be revealed soon, and we’ll get a chance to investigate the moveset this Dragonite has for our opponents.

The game will release in October 2025 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.