Unexpectedly, the Pokemon community was greeted with a significant announcement during the recent Pokemon Day presentation - the reveal of Pokemon Legends: Z-A. This unveiling came as a surprise to many fans who had been anticipating a new Unova or Johto game, making it a delightful turn of events for multiple reasons. Among the exciting aspects of this new title are a revisit to the Kalos Region and the promise of resolving lingering mysteries from Pokemon X and Y. Additionally, completionists will rejoice as a previously unavailable critter on the Switch will finally be accessible in Gen 9 through Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
Fan feedback on recent Pokemon releases has highlighted the absence of a complete National Dex, with the controversy surrounding 'Dexit' notably shadowing the pre-launch discussions of Pokemon Sword and Shield. Although Pokemon Scarlet and Violet also fell short of a comprehensive National Dex, they partially compensated by introducing some missing Pokemon through downloadable content. Nevertheless, even with three generations of games on the Switch, there remain several Pokemon absent from the console. The inclusion of Furfrou in Pokemon Legends: Z-A is set to address this issue.
A Look at Furfrou's Debut on the Switch in Pokemon Legends: Z-A
While details about the plot and gameplay of Pokemon Legends: Z-A are scarce in the trailer, glimpses of various critters hint at their presence in the game. Notably, the trailer features a scene with Furfrou and a pair of Flabebe outside what appears to be a cafe in Lumiose City. Given the setting in Lumiose City in the Kalos Region, it is expected that most, if not all, of the Gen 6 Pokedex will be included. The long-awaited arrival of Furfrou on the Switch in Pokemon Legends: Z-A is a promising development.
Furfrou's introduction in Pokemon X and Y came with a unique feature allowing players to alter its fur pattern by visiting an in-game salon. Following its debut in Pokemon X and Y, Furfrou's availability was limited in subsequent generations, only appearing in Gen 7's Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. From Gen 8 onwards, Furfrou was entirely absent until the announcement of its return in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
Pokemon Yet to Make an Appearance on the Switch Post Legends: Z-A
- Patrat
- Watchog
- Pansage
- Simisage
- Pansear
- Simisear
- Panpour
- Simipour
Despite Furfrou's inclusion in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, there are still some Pokemon that will remain absent following the game's release. Notable absences include several Gen 5 Pokemon like Patrat, Watchog, Pansage, Pansear, Panpour, and their evolutions. While many anticipated a Pokemon Legends game for Unova or Gen 5 remakes to address these gaps in the Gen 9 Pokedex, Pokemon Legends: Z-A introduces a twist with Furfrou's arrival on the Switch.
Although these missing Pokemon could potentially feature in Pokemon Legends: Z-A for the Switch, their absence from the Kalos Region initially complicates their return. However, considering that Pokemon Legends: Arceus included Pokemon not originally part of the Gen 4 games, there remains hope for a similar inclusion in Pokemon Legends: Z-A for the remaining absent Pokemon. With the anticipated release of the Switch's successor in 2025, time is running out for these missing Pokemon to find their way back to the platform if not integrated into Pokemon Legends: Z-A.