Z-A Free Download Available Now For Series’ 30th Anniversary

This year celebrates the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, and it is hard to believe that we have had three decades with this iconic franchise. From humble beginnings in 1996, the Pokémon series has gone on to become a household name, with multiple mainline entries, generations, spin-offs, television shows, trading card games, and more.

With 30th anniversary celebrations in full swing and following the recent announcement of Pokémon Winds and Waves, Pokémon fans have something else to look forward to.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Players Can Claim A New Freebie

A terrified Trainer runs away from a Crobat and two Golbats in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Released back in 2025 as part of the ninth generation of Pokémon games, Pokémon Legends: Z-A served as the second entry in the Pokémon Legends subseries, and took place in a Paris-inspired Lumiose City. Launched on the Nintendo Switch, and later ported to the Nintendo Switch 2, Pokémon Legends: Z-A received praise for its upgraded battle system, but lost points for its visually constricting map.

However, it seems as though the upcoming Pokémon Winds and Waves will change this, according to a recent leak. In the meantime, revealed during the recent Pokémon Presents livestream, fans of Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be able to get their hands on a new Mega Stone for Garchomp as part of its new Mega Garchomp Z Mega Evolution. Unfortunately, doing so will need you to have access to Hyperspace Lumiose, meaning that only players with the Mega Dimension DLC will be able to grab the upgrade.

Grabbing the Mystery Gift will create a portal for you, and once through it, you will have to defeat Mega Garchomp Z in order to earn the Mega Stone. Once collected, simply give it to your Garchomp, and it will be able to Mega Evolve into their new form during battle.

Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary Has Been A Big One

Pokemon 30 anniversary logos for multiple pokemon

Despite it being only March, Pokémon’s 30th-anniversary celebrations have already got off to a great start. With Gen 10 expected to begin next year with the launch of Pokémon Winds and Waves, there is plenty more to look forward to in the meantime. This includes leaks of a potential Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire return, a fan game inspired by The Legend of Zelda, and even anniversary merch that comes in at a whopping $13,000.

Despite it being three decades’ worth of content, the Pokémonfranchise is still going strong, and with the next generation expected to be its most ambitious yet, we cannot wait to see what the future holds for our favorite critters.