Pokémon Legends: Z-A - new mega designs, why some hit and some miss

When the new Mega art came out, people started talking right away. Some cheered, some joked, some frowned. Here is what changed, why players split on the looks, and how to try each form without stress.

Meet the new megas

These are the new ones confirmed today:

Mega Chesnaught
Mega Delphox
Mega Greninja
Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y, part of the Mega Dimension DLC

Dates to know: the Raichu forms belong to the Mega Dimension DLC. You can buy the DLC now. Story content is planned for February 28, 2026. Raichu stones are not tied to ranked seasons. The three Kalos starter stones are base game rewards.

How to get the Mega Stones

Ranked Battles live inside the Z‑A Battle Club. You need Nintendo Switch Online for any online play. The starter stones rotate through seasons.

Season 1, Greninjite for reaching Rank K. Ends November 5, 2025 at 1:59 p.m. PHT, which is Nov 5, 05:59 UTC. Some sites list Nov 6, 04:59 UTC. Follow your in game timer for your region.
Season 2, Delphoxite. Starts after Season 1 ends.
Season 3, Chesnaughtite. Announced to follow Season 2.

Ranks move from Z up to A. You keep your rank once you earn it.

Faster path to Rank K:

Open Link Play, choose Ranked Battles in the Z‑A Battle Club.
Build a small team with clear jobs, one move that hits more than one target, one safe switch, one fast closer.
Play for knockouts and avoid last place. Points still add up if you get KOs.
Save your burst for the last minute when the lobby gathers in a big crowd.

If you miss a season, stones return later. Watch the season screen for dates in your time zone.

Why players like the new looks

Mega Greninja lands for a lot of people because the ninja idea stays tight. The scarf sits like a headband, the pose shows intent, and the color blocks stay clean. It feels like base Greninja turned up, not dressed up.

Mega Chesnaught comes across as a big upgrade. Thicker armor, a shield arm that swings with weight, and a frame that looks ready to take a hit. Many posts call it a fix for an under loved starter.

Mega Raichu X leans into a fighter style. The twin tails frame the stance and the face has bite.

Mega Raichu Y goes the other way. Slim lines, sharp ears, and a quick arc when it dashes.

What some players dislike and why

For Mega Greninja, some say it looks too close to Ash Greninja. The overlap in pose and feel sparks that old talk about what counts as a form and what counts as a mega.

With Mega Delphox, a few people find the first stills busy. Long lines and tiny trims can crowd the first look. Many soften on it after seeing it move.

For Mega Raichu X and Y, the split is taste. Some want the puncher. Others want the quick light one.

One more point, time limited ranked rewards can feel rough if you cannot play that week.

Battle notes that help today

Moves that hit more than one target help in four player rooms. Single target burst shines in 1v1 moments and promotion matches.
Fast forms feel better when they can close gaps and turn quickly. Greninja shows this.
Clear lines help in motion. If the cloak or hair hides the face, it is harder to track.
Using your Mega right before a big crowd forms can flip a match.

Key stats

Mega Greninja. HP 72, Atk 125, Def 77, SpA 133, SpD 81, Spe 142. Very fast. Can pick off foes and finish late.
Mega Delphox. HP 75, Atk 69, Def 72, SpA 159, SpD 125, Spe 134. Fast special attacker.
Mega Chesnaught. HP 88, Atk 137, Def 172, SpA 74, SpD 115, Spe 44. Huge defense. Holds ground well.

Matchups to know

Mega	Best use	Watch out for
Greninja	quick picks, late clean up	strong Electric and Fairy hits
Delphox	ranged special hits	Water, Dark, Ghost moves
Chesnaught	soaks physical hits, holds a point	Flying moves and strong Fire specials

Types and move sets can shift with patches. Check your in game move list.

The design test, what makes a mega work

Here are cues that help a design land.

Outline. Can you spot it from far away?
Typing story. Do colors and parts hint at type and role?
Role clarity. Can you tell what it does in a match, like fast hits, walling, or support?
Face and focus. Eyes and mouth sell mood. Muddy faces lose charm.
Motion. Does it move in a way that fits the idea?

By this yardstick, Greninja scores well on outline and motion. Chesnaught sells its role and face. Delphox will rise or dip based on how the cloak moves in play. Raichu X and Y trade role clarity for flavor, one brawler, one speedster.

Art stills versus in game motion

A poster gives one angle. Real play adds cuts, sparks, and tells. Some designs look loud in a single image, then click when you see runs, jumps, and hit freeze. Watch a short clip before you judge. The flow can change how you feel.

What could be next

Wild camera moves fit the DLC tone. The team has already shown both Raichu forms. More reveals will likely sit inside DLC teasers and season notes. Treat unverified lists with care. Look for official posts or in game notices before you set plans.

Try them early without pressure

If you want Mega Greninja now, play a few ranked nights before Season 1 ends. Aim for Rank K. You do not need a perfect record. Knockouts add up.

Tips for calm progress:

Queue at peak hours so lobbies fill fast.
Bring one move for crowds, one quick finisher, one safe switch.
Set a match goal, not a time goal. Two or three matches, then stop.
If you miss a season, wait for the return. Stones rotate back in later.

What to remember

New megas land when the idea is clear and the motion fits. Greninja and Chesnaught show this well. Delphox and the two Raichu forms will win or lose fans based on how they feel in your hands. Try them in real play. Trust what you feel after a few matches, not just the first image.