When Mega Evolutions first debuted in Generation VI, Pokémon fans lost their heads. It wasn't only an inspired and even logical progression for these creatures, but also added an extra layer of complexity and competitiveness to an otherwise unbearably easy generation of games.
Pokémon with Mega Evolutions go through changes in their physicality and ability. And while some designs are truly incredible, improving every part of the original design, others come off as lazy and uninspired. In the most extreme cases, the changes are so minimal they're barely noticeable. Indeed, the best Megas are the ones that only enhance the Pokémon's power, but also their appearance.
Worst: Mega Slowbro
In recent years, Game Freak's shown a lot of love towards Slowbro. The otherwise forgettable Generation I Pokémon just received a much cooler Galarian form, which succeeded in something its Mega Evolution couldn't do: make it far more interesting.
As Mega Slowbro, it becomes completely engulfed by the Shellder. Only its head, arms, and tail are visible. With no legs to move, it instead bounces on its tail, using it as a spring. Mega Slowbro's design is plain lazy, and also confusing. If they went through the trouble of giving it a Mega, why settle for such an easy way out?
Best: Mega Audino
Audino isn't the most interesting Pokémon in its original form. Basically Unovan Chansey, Audino is extremely cute but mostly ineffective in battle. It was mostly used to train the player's team, considering the high Experience Points it provided in the Generation V games.
Mega Audino doesn't improve much upon normal Audino, at least stat-wise. However, when it comes to design, it's a complete 180 for the better. Mega Audino is larger, cream-colored, and absolutely enchanting. Its ears grow and its eyes become a reddish pink, making it resemble an actual fairy. It even grows somewhat of a lab coat, reinforcing its status as a healer within the Pokémon world.
Worst: Mega Ampharos
One of the strongest and most popular Pokémon from Generation II, Ampharos's Mega Evolution was a no-brainer. A staple of nearly every team in any Johto playthrough, Ampharos's pure Electric-type suggested exciting things for its Mega. The result was incredible when it came to stats, but confusing in terms of design.
Upon Megan Evolving, Ampharos becomes a dual-type Electric/Dragon. It re-grows wool in the back of its head and over its tail, which also gets small red orbs attached to it. Many memes have appeared over the years, mocking Ampharos's look and comparing it to shampoo ads. The wool element is certainly an interesting choice, even if it isn't entirely successful.
Best: Mega Pinsir
Another Kantonian Pokémon who received a much-deserved boost in Generation VI, Pinsir saw a dramatic increase in its popularity thanks to its Mega. It was certainly one of the best Bug-types in Generation I, but Generation VI truly made it a force to be reckoned with.
Mega Pinsir becomes larger and much more terrifying. It not only gets a pair of yellow, menacing wings equipped with two sharp blades, but the pincers on its head grow even longer and spikier. Its eyes are the most intimidating part of the new design, though. Wild and brightly yellow, they're the perfect representation of just how dangerous Mega Pinsir really is.
Worst: Mega Venusaur
Overall, the Kanto Starters got the short end of the stick when it comes to Mega Evolutions (well, two of them did). And while Mega Blastoise's change is at least noticeable at first sight, many people could look at Mega Venusaur and ask themselves what exactly changed about its design.
Upon Mega Evolving, the flower on Venusaur's back becomes larger, several leaves supported by vines grow around it, and two smaller flowers bloom, one on its forehead and one on its rear. The changes are hardly significant, especially compared to those of Charizard. At least its Gigantamax form is far more memorable.
Best: Mega Charizard X
And speaking of Charizard, Kanto's second most overrated Pokémon got not one but two Mega Evolutions. The best one, Mega Charizard X, stands out because of how utterly cool it is. Its wings change, resembling those of another fearsome Dragon Pokémon, Hydreigon.
Its skin turns black, its shoulders grow spikes, and its eyes become red. However, the best change is that of its flames, which become electric blue. Two strings of blue flames come out of the sides of its mouth, resembling a fiery mustache, the cherry on top of the Mega cake. The best part is that Mega Evolution allows Charizard to become a Dragon-type, at long last.
Worst: Mega Charizard Y
And going from the best to the worst, the second of Charizard's Megas not only pales in comparison to the X version but it stands as one of the simplest and most unimpressive of all. Mega Charizard Y is basically just Charizard but with torn wings, a larger spike atop its head, and a pair of wyvern-like arms.
Worst of all, Mega Charizard Y remains Fire/Flying, meaning it doesn't even give Charizard the Dragon-type it so desperately wants. The point of Mega Evolution is to push a Pokémon far past its limit, thus helping it evolve even further. And while Mega Charizard is certainly more powerful, it doesn't look very evolved.
Best: Mega Tyranitar
Already a cool Pokémon, Tyranitar becomes the epitome of awesome upon Mega Evolving. Very obviously inspired by several Kaiju monsters, among them Godzilla, Tyranitar is sufficiently impressive and terrifying in its normal form. Mega Tyranitar, however, sets a new standard to just how boss a Pokémon can be.
It not only has an absurdly high Physical Attack, but also becomes even more destructive, to the point where it might disobey its trainer. Nearly every feature in Tyranitar's armor-like hide grows and expands, making it look like it's wearing sturdy and spiky protective gear.
Worst: Mega Kangaskhan
Mega Kangakhan quickly became one of the most popular Mega Evolutions in Generation VI. Thanks to its incredible ability, Parental Bond, Mega Kangaskhan can hit its opponent twice. The second strike has half the power of the first one, but it's still an effective way to KO more than one foe.
The reason behind this ability is that, upon Mega Evolving, Mega Kangaskhan's offspring is now powerful enough to live outside its mother's pouch and attack on its own. It's a very interesting and logical concept that unfortunately comes at the expense of Mega Kangaskhan's design. Indeed, it's just a normal Kangaskhan standing next to a mini Kangaskhan. And while this Pokémon is amazing competitively, it's very disappointing design-wise.
Best: Mega Mewtwo Y
One of the most recognizable and powerful Legendary Pokémon in the entire franchise, Mewtwo remains a fan-favorite, twenty-five years after first debuting. A prime candidate to receive a Mega-Evolution, Mewtwo got two. Mega Mewtwo X is not particularly noteworthy; indeed, it is basically just normal Mewtwo with shoulder pads. Mega Mewtwo Y, however, is a true upgrade of its classic form.
Its head becomes longer and more alien-like, it loses its tail and becomes smaller and lighter than its normal state. Mega Mewtwo Y represents everything Mega Evolution can and should be, a different, more powerful version that still respects the original essence of the Pokémon.