Pokémon Legends Z-A Countdown- 30 Days Remaining

The time is nearly upon us folks- now that I have secured my preorder; I give you one last countdown on Pokémon Legends Z-A, with just 30 days remaining till release.

As someone who claims Legends Arceus as their favorite game of 2022, I am eager to experience this title and all its splendor. My preorder will arrive on launch day, and I have narrowed down my starter to a 50/50 choice between Tepig or Totodile. I also have no strong feelings about the expansion at this time, I'm waiting for an official release date and to clear the main quest of the base game before I opt in as usual.

I also reiterate I do not feel as strongly about the Pokémon Home limits as others; as I tend to catch and breed extras for that reason. Not even the first game where transferring is a one-way street either.

I am eagerly anticipating this game, and this will mark the last countdown I make ahead of release next month and having my molars out. I will see you after launch in October. Take care, and seek out all Pokémon.

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle sets new US Anime Opening Weekend Record!

Hey everyone- about to place my preorder for Legends Z-A; so here's another piece of anime news that's been making the rounds.

In the midst of breaking numerous records in Japan and other foreign countries; Demon Slayer- Kimetsu No Yaiba: Infinity Castle (the first of a trilogy adapting the final arc of the manga) has shattered the US anime opening weekend record long held by 1999's Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back; taking in $70.6 million in its release. Handily taking the number one spot, it is a testament to the fanbase of the franchise and the medium.

Japanese release poster for the film.

To date, the film has grossed $353.6 million worldwide on a $20 million budget. Given the strange state of affairs this year; the question is less if the movie will be the first animated work to cross $100 million at the domestic box office this year; but when. That is all for now, take care.

Pokémon Legends Z-A Nintendo Direct Details and More.

Hey everyone- yesterday’s Nintendo Direct certainly had lots to look forward to. The 40th anniversary of Super Mario has plenty, and I'm especially glad to finally have dates for Metroid Prime 4 and the Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection. Of course, of all the games shown off; two in particular are ones I am of course duty-bound to write about. So, here are my thoughts on the presentation's details on upcoming Pokémon games.

Let's start with a new title that marks an entry into a genre not previously explored by the franchise: a life sim known as Pokémon Pokopia. Set for release in 2026 (part of the 30th anniversary of the franchise), the game sees you take control of an avatar of Ditto posing as a human to help Pokémon complete tasks. Though not the spinoff I or others were expecting, I will be keeping watch on what their partners at Koei Tecmo will do (certainly is a market for games like this).

There is also a new event DLC for Scarlet and Violet available at Gamestop from September 26 to October 15, which has shiny Koraidon and Miraidon while supplies last.

Now, let's go over the bounty of details on Legends Z-A; which I am eager to experience more than ever with just over a month to release.

The worst-kept secrets of the game have finally been confirmed: Mega Evolutions for the Kalos stage 2 starters. Their new forms further compound their link to classic RPG archetypes- Mega Chesnaught is the knight, Mega Delphox is the mage and Mega Greninja is the thief.

Moreover, a post-launch expansion known as "Mega Dimensions" will debut in the near future. On top of featuring the mischievous Hoopa; it also introduces a Mega Evolution for Raichu in both X and Y variations; which recall the lost Gorochu evolution. I intend to opt in after clearing the main quest, and anyone who does so ahead of the DLC's launch (eShop currently has 2/28/26 as a placeholder date) will receive a set of two in-game cosmetics. 

As for the conditions for Pokémon Home support when that goes live in early 2026- honestly don't feel as strongly about that as others; since I usually catch and breed extra monsters for that purpose just in case.

I will be placing my preorder of the game this Tuesday, and I will see you all again later this month. Take care, and seek out all Pokémon.

Pokémon Concierge Volume 2 (2025) First Viewing Thoughts

Clearing something up before I start- this isn't a full second season as I initially thought; rather, it's the second volume of season one. That out of the way, it's another great set of four episodes. So, here are are my first viewing thoughts on the second course of Pokémon Concierge.

Picking up where the first volume in 2023 left off, the second sees Haru and her Psyduck continue their time at the Pokémon Resort. Over the course of these stories, Haru deals with having to hold things together when others are away from the island; Tyler's uncle Dan and his very energetic Sealeo and a whole host of challenges that are quite refreshing in their simplicity.

I maintain this spinoff has a far better understanding of the franchise from an adult perspective and what I want from it than Horizons does. Even Haru's ex-lover Kenta is handled in a satisfactory way- I didn't want them to get back together; but remaining friends on different career paths is just perfect.

All four episodes of the second course are well worth watching on Netflix no matter what kind of fan you are. With this, I will be writing more ahead of my belated dental work; doing best to finish bigger work ahead of that at the end of the month. That's all for now, take care.

RIP Tomo Sakurai (1971-2025)

It is with great sadness I report the death if Tomo Sakurai, who has succumbed to cancer at age 53. The news was broken on her social feeds.

Sakurai's career began in the year 1987 with the idol group Lemon Angel, who debuted an anime that same year. She starred in numerous anime throughout her life, with a big one among younger generations being the Japanese voice of Sinnoh champion Cynthia in the Pokémon franchise. She even reprised the role a number of times; after a voice acting hiatus from 2016 to 2019. Other roles included the title role of Licca-Chan, Hinowa in Gintama and Kaede in Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again. She even had a handful of video game credits to her name, including Rimururu in Samurai Showdown III and Emma Granger in Super Dimension Fortress Macross.

I wish the best for Sakurai's colleagues and those close to her at this difficult time. May she rest in peace.

Pokémon Legends Z-A Countdown: 60 Days Remaining

Hey everyone- now that I'm back from my father's in CA (getting an Incineroar Amiibo and trying the Switch 2 during my visit to Nintendo SF); I will start with something simple to get back into posting: counting down 60 days remaining to the highly anticipated Pokémon Legends Z-A.

Courtesy: The Pokémon Company

As part of this weekend's Championship in Anaheim, a playable demo was made available; which filled all its reservations in just a single day. The demo was split into two sections of 10 minutes each. One focuses on the Z-A Royale, the other has the player tracking Zygarde 10% before engaging a rogue Mega Absol.

Both do a great job of showing off the new real-time battle mechanics; building on what was done in Legends Arceus. Rather than power points, each attack now is on a small cooldown that helps avoid spamming the same move repeatedly and encourages variety. I sincerely like this idea; and it builds on combat mechanics in and out of the franchise. It's actually not exaggerating when I say it reminds me of Souls-like titles in a good way; especially with the dodge rolls and stagger windows. I can now officially say it has less to do with the battles in Xenoblade and more with ones in Persona and the Ryu Ga Gotoku games.

Though I am not certain if the demo will be made available to all players ahead of the game's release; I am certain I will be preordering the game as soon as I have the money. That is all for now, and I will see you again soon- take care.

Pokémon Presents 7-22-25 Thoughts.

Hey everyone- have had a solid idea of what to say since the stream Tuesday morning; and now I've figured out how to say it. Here are my thoughts on this month's Pokémon Presents.

After a quick refresher on the PWC in Anaheim, CA taking place August 15-17, we are given a trailer for the second season of Pokémon Concierge streaming on Netflix starting on September 4. Though I am not sure what impact the ex-lover of Haru, Ken will have on the story; I can say that I'm looking forward to it as a fan of the first season (it also understands the Pokémon world from an adult perspective way better than Horizons does).

On that subject, we got a first look at the stop-motion spinoff from Aardman (Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run, The Pirates: Band of Misfits), now entitled "Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd and Pichu." Releasing in 2027, the spinoff will also feature fan-favorite Wooloo in stop-motion.

While there is no expansion for Super Nintendo World (yet), there is a smaller scale PokéPark Kanto coming to Inagi in early 2026. The approach is actually very sweet, and I really like the arrangements of the classic music.

Now, onto the many announcements surrounding the video games. There are a number of additions to the mobile service games; with the standouts being Eternatus coming to Pokémon Go, Carmine coming to Pokémon Masters EX and Latios and Latias coming to Pokémon UNITE (With the Pawmot line joining in the near future as well).

Regarding the trading card game, Mega Evolution will be returning in a new set that will ship on September 26 of this year. There is no date for Colosseum/Gale of Darkness on Gamecube Classics (yet), but there is a new spinoff that debuted on mobile and Switch after the presentation- Pokémon Friends, which revolves around solving puzzles to get daily rewards.

We also have a reminder of the recent Switch 2 update for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (which has vastly improved the games' reputation); and some new events. We have new tracksuit cosmetics that correspond to each game, which can be claimed with the Mystery Gift codes STRACKSU1T and VTRACKSU1T. There also mass outbreaks and Tera Raids for shiny forms of the Treasures of Ruin, currently in progress. Once the titans have been defeated 1,000,000 times each; they can be captured.

Pokémon Champions will also be releasing on console and mobile next year; and I am lowkey excited for this one as a longtime fan of the Pokémon Stadium duology- it's like the third game from that I never got.

Now, it's time for the biggest reveal for myself and others have been waiting for- more details on the highly-anticipated Pokémon Legends Z-A. It seems in many respects, the leaks and rumors were true- we do indeed have a Mega Evolution for Dragonite; and I rather like the design. Character customization is back, and while I'm not entirely onboard with Mabel acting in the stead of Professor Sycamore; I am onboard with Emma returning as a detective. Allies include Team MZ, containing the fashion-conscious Naveen and aspiring dancer Lida. I am eager to see what role the Rust Syndicate and their leader, Corbeau play in the game. Suffice to say, I definitely plan to place my preorder once I have the money.

I'm actually kind of glad they didn't tip their hand with 30th anniversary plans yet; and I will bring you more information as it becomes available. That's all for now, take care and seek out all Pokémon.