The upcoming release ofPokemon Legends: Z-Ais one of the most anticipated entries of the franchise in recent years, and recent leaks seem to have finally brought some context to the still-enigmatic title. With no official information available about the game since its initial reveal, one of the only confirmed facts aboutPokemon Legends: Z-Ais that it’s going to be associated with the return of Mega Evolution. Leaks may have provided hints as to which Pokemon will be granted new Megas, but a newly discovered concept that was cut fromX and Yalso indicates that one, in particular, is unlikely to appear.
What has been dubbed the “Teraleak” recently revealed certainnew Mega Evolutions inPokemon Legends: Z-A, potentially explaining the game’s title and relating to its themes. This leak also came with the reveal of stats and alleged concept art for Mega Jynx, who was planned to appear in Generation 6, but ended up as the only known cut Mega from the original line-up. This might create hope for the scrapped idea being reused if it were practically any other Pokemon species, but the reputation surrounding Jynx may not only explain its lack of attention from Game Freak up until now, but in the foreseeable future as well.
Why Mega Jynx Was Likely Shelved in Pokemon X and Y
The History of Jynx’s Controversy
Following its debut as one of theoriginal 151 inPokemon Red and Blue, Jynx’s appearance sparked backlash due to what has been interpreted as a racially insensitive design. This led to its coloration being altered, with a purple complexion instead of the darker tone that was used at first. It still retained much of its look, however, and has hardly had any appearances in the anime, or otherPokemonmedia in general since.
Already Left Behind in Favor of Magmar and Electabuzz
Back in Generation 1, Jynx formed a trio with Magmar and Electabuzz as single-stage Pokemon who all learned different elemental punch moves with similar properties. Their associations continued into the next generation, when they all received pre-evolutions in Smoochum, Magby, and Elekid, respectively. When Generation 4 brought along Magmortar and Electivire, however, Jynx was basically forgotten and has only fallen into further obscurity since. Now that it seems this trend continued inX and Ywith the cutting of Mega Jynx, it’s likely that Game Freak has intentionally moved away from one of themost controversial Pokemon of all timeand intends to remain on that path.
The Chances of a Jynx Mega Evolution Appearing in Pokemon Legends: Z-A Are Slim at Best
Jynx’s Risky Legacy is Still Difficult to Escape
After being relegated to sparse appearances and mere cameos across mostPokemonmedia for years, the controversy surrounding Jynx seems to follow it to this day. TheleakedPokemon X and YMega Evolution of Jynxwould have iterated on its concept by toning down some of its more polarizing elements in favor of a striking blue dress and flowing hair, but this continuation of its humanoid design motif could easily still have generated mixed reactions. Coupled with the base form’s low-tier stats and poor defensive typing, even the improvements of a Mega probably wouldn’t make it competitively viable against recent power creep. Unless Mega Jynx gets revisited as an overhaul, these reasons carry over intoLegends: Z-Aand make it a tough sell moving forward.
Despite the negative aspects of its reputation, Jynx has also developed an appreciated and nostalgic status among some fans who have come to accept it more. It’s not safe to say that apotential Mega Jynx inPokemon Legends: Z-Awould be poorly received if the risk was taken on including it, as the impact of doing justice to the classic Pokemon could overshadow the backlash it has attracted. Fans like LukasThadeuART on X/Twitter have even created takes on what an official Mega Jynx might have looked like based on the leaks:
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
WHERE TO PLAY
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an ambitious new entry to the Pokémon video game series, releasing simultaneously worldwide in 2025. A new adventure awaits within Lumiose City, where an urban redevelopment plan is underway to shape the city into a place that belongs to both people and Pokémon.
