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To evolve Inkay into Malamar in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, get it to level 30 or higher, then use the party menu while playing in handheld mode with Joy-Con attached. Turn the Switch or Switch 2 upside down, select Inkay, and choose Evolve. You do not need to level it up while the console is inverted.
Steps to evolve Inkay
- Reach level 30. Inkay must be level 30 or higher and in your party. GamesRadar’s guide and Dexerto’s guide both give level 30 as the minimum.
- Switch to handheld mode with Joy-Con attached. The method is described for a Switch or Switch 2 held in your hands; it does not trigger while the game is docked, according to Dexerto.
- Turn the console upside down. Keep it inverted while opening the party menu and selecting Inkay.
- Choose Evolve. Select Inkay’s manual evolution option to evolve it into Malamar. The inverted orientation matters when you choose the option; you do not need to gain a level in that position, according to GamesRadar.
If the Evolve option or arrow is missing
Do not rely on the usual glowing ready-to-evolve arrow. GamesRadar says it may not appear for Inkay; while the console is upside down, select Inkay in the party menu and inspect its options for Evolve. If you are playing docked, change to handheld mode before trying again.
Where to find Inkay and Malamar
Nintendo Life’s Pokédex guide lists Inkay in the south and northwest areas of Lumiose Sewers, and Malamar in Wild Zone 20. Its table gives Inkay’s evolution level as 30 but does not cover the upside-down menu input, so use the steps above for the full evolution method.
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Rank #4
Pokémon™ Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch
- Live the life of a Pokémon Trainer in the streets of Lumiose City!
- For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, command your Pokémon in real-time battles
- Use the power of Mega Evolution in battle and take on rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon
- Compete in the Z-A Royale each night to test your skills and try to become the strongest Pokémon Trainer
- Visit shops, restaurants, and places called wild zones—where Pokémon roam free—all centered around Prism Tower
Rank #3
Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- [4K ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE] Protect the peace in Lumiose City in this enhanced edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, featuring native 4K resolution and a stable 60FPS frame rate. Experience the urban re-development plan with high-fidelity textures and advanced lighting effects centered around the iconic Prism Tower.
- [REAL-TIME BATTLE ENGINE] For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, command your Pokémon in seamless real-time battles. Engage over 100+ unique species with zero loading transitions, utilizing an upgraded combat AI that leverages the increased processing power of the Switch 2 hardware.
- [MEGA EVOLUTION MECHANICS] Master the power of Mega Evolution to suppress rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon appearing across the Kalos region. This edition introduces 15+ newly discovered Mega-Evolved forms, each rendered with dynamic particle effects and exclusive Z-A signature moves for tactical depth.
- [MULTIPLAYER Z-A ROYALE] Compete in the Z-A Royale each night to test your skills against global Trainers. Supported by Nintendo Switch 2's improved low-latency wireless architecture, these competitive events allow you to climb leaderboards and unlock rare evolution stones in 20-player lobbies.
- [EXPANSIVE WILD ZONES] Explore vibrant Wild Zones where Pokémon roam free in their natural habitats, from bustling city shops to hidden restaurants. This Hong Kong physical edition is region-free and supports English, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese, featuring the enigmatic AZ and the peacekeeping Team MZ.
Rank #2
![Pokémon Legends: Z-A Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41IOdpg0EfL._SL160_.jpg)
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]
- Your journey will take you to all manner of sights in the streets arrayed around Prism Tower, including shops, restaurants, and places called wild zones—where Pokémon roam free.
- As you catch, train, and battle Pokémon, there will be plenty of people to meet too—like AZ, the enigmatic owner of Hotel Z.
#1 Best Overall
![Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51r8yUj+syL._SL160_.jpg)
Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]
- Venture into Hyperspace Lumiose in this additional story content that can be accessed after completing the main game
- Work with the mysterious baker, Ansha, to make donuts that awaken the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa’s power and grant you and your Pokémon a variety of useful effects
- Join Team MZ and the Mega Evolution Successor, Korrina, to investigate Hyperspace Lumiose, the otherworldly home to rare and hyper-strong Pokémon
- Discover new Mega Evolutions such as Mega Raichu X, Mega Raichu Y, Mega Chimecho and Mega Baxcalibur
- Claim Holo-X and Holo-Y in-game apparel items, which you can wear as soon as you are able to customize your character’s look and outfit in the main game
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