Mega Evolutions were well-received when they were introduced in Generation Six, as they opened the door for new Pokemon designs and made some neglected Pokemon competitively viable. However, leaks and rumors suggest that Mega Evolutions will not be making a return in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. This is not a cause for concern, however, as there may be another awesome gimmick replacing it.

RELATED: Digimon Survive’s Choice System Would Be Great For Pokemon Games

Pokemon X and Y Introduces Mega Evolutions

Each generation of Pokemon keeps the core gameplay formula but introduces new mechanics and gimmicks to keep things fresh. With Pokemon X and Y, Game Freak included a host of new features in addition to introducing the Fairy-Type to balance out the incredible power of Dragon-Type Pokemon. The gimmick for the generation was Mega Evolutions, which were introduced through an enthralling plot. As players explore the Kalos region, they learn about Mega Evolutions, which is a unique form that Pokemon can take which grants them greater power. It is said that Pokemon can only achieve Mega Evolution if they have a strong bond with their Trainer.

To utilize Mega Evolutions, players must have a Key Stone, and the Pokemon must be holding the correct Mega Stone. Things happen a bit differently for Rayquaza, who does not need a Mega Stone to achieve Mega Evolution, and instead only needs to learn the move Dragon Ascent. During battles, players can Mega Evolve one Pokemon once, and when used correctly, it can turn a battle around quickly. A Mega Evolved Pokemon has higher stats, and it sometimes gains a new Type.

When Mega Evolutions were introduced, they were celebrated by fans, especially because they gave renewed attention to some past favorites which gained cool new designs. This includes Charizard who turns black upon Mega Evolving, Ampharos who becomes an Electric/Dragon Type, and MewTwo who becomes incredibly viable in the competitive scene. Mega Evolutions were not a one-time gimmick, and they reappeared in subsequent generations, though it seems that The Pokemon Company is ready to retire the feature.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet May Not Feature Mega Evolutions

The next Pokemon generation is still a few months away, but it seems that gamers already know a lot about it thanks to the leaks that have been springing up. The bulk of the leaks has come from @CentroLeaks, a Twitter account with a successful track recording of leaking information about previous Pokemon titles including Pokemon Sword and Shield as well as Pokemon Legends: Arceus. According to the account’s sources, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will not feature Mega Evolutions.

Fans of Mega Evolutions may be disappointed by this, but it does make sense regarding Pokemon’s long-term goals. With each new generation, the games tend to introduce a new gimmick. However, having too many gimmicks stacked on top of each other would ruin the competitive side of things. Instead of Mega Evolutions, leaks suggest that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will be introducing a new gimmick called Crystallization.

Crystallization involves players transforming a Pokemon into some kind of crystal form using a ball item that they receive from a character named Nemona. NPCs will also be able to use this ability on their Pokemon. Though the leaker does not know all the details surrounding Crystallization yet, @CentroLeaks claims it offers a Type boost. Like Mega Evolutions, Pokemon that have Crystallized will look different. The leak information has yet to be confirmed by The Pokemon Company or Game Freak, so it should be taken with a grain of salt.

Mega Evolutions were a nice addition to Pokemon that changed the dynamics of battles and gave rise to interesting new Pokemon designs. However, it does not seem like they will be a permanent fixture in the series, and they will eventually have to give way to other gimmicks. Hopefully, the replacement is just as engaging.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are scheduled to launch on 18 November 2022 on Nintendo Switch.

MORE: The Best Features in Pokemon Legends: Arceus That Should Return in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet