When the inevitable Pokémon Diamond and Pearl remakes arrive, they should bring the return of Mega Evolution with them. While nothing is official yet, rumors and speculation may point to the highly anticipated Pokémon remakes coming in 2021. Adding Mega Evolution to Diamond and Pearl feels like a fairly obvious decision, but it's one Game Freak has yet to indicate is even on the table.
Compared to other battle mechanics introduced in later generations, Mega Evolution was far and away the best. Pokémon Sun and Moon's addition of Z-moves was a decent idea that wasn't quite as practical, given the inherent randomness of it, and Pokémon Sword and Shield's Dynamax is just not a good mechanic. Mega Evolution was fairly competitively balanced and predictable, while also giving Game Freak a chance to revamp Pokémon that were underpowered or just needed an overhaul. It made Pokémon like Beedrill viable in competitive formats and became a popular mechanic after initially being met with skepticism.
The potential Pokémon Diamond and Pearl remakes present a natural way to reintroduce Mega Evolution to the series. Dynamax is a phenomenon seen exclusively in the Galar region, so there's no real reason for it to be present in the Sinnoh region, and Mega Evolution takes its place quite easily. There are only five Pokémon from the Sinnoh region who can already Mega Evolve, so there are more than enough options to introduce the mechanic to more of its unique creatures.
Diamond & Pearl Remake Mega Evolution Should Focus On New Pokémon
This time around, Mega Evolution should place more of an emphasis on Pokémon found in newer generations. Game Freak has catered to the Pokémon's first generation too much, so it's time for some of the later Pokémon to get some love. While the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl remakes would, naturally, introduce Mega Evolution to many of the Pokémon found in Sinnoh, Diancie is the only Pokémon from generation six or beyond to have a Mega Evolution. If Mega Evolution were to return, it would be nice to see it target Pokémon introduced after the third generation.
Mega Evolution is a great mechanic, and there's a reason why many fans continue to ask for its return. Game Freak came up with a fantastic concept in Mega Evolution, and it should continue to build onto it. Cycling in new battle gimmicks every generation isn't working, and it's likely not going to. The Pokémon Diamond and Pearl remakes present an opportunity to bring Mega Evolution back, and it would be a shame for Game Freak to ignore it.