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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Find Inkay in the south or northwest parts of Lumiose Sewers. To evolve it into Malamar, put Inkay in your party at level 30 or higher, then select it from the party menu while holding your Switch or Switch 2 upside down in handheld mode with Joy-Con attached. Choose the evolution option even if the usual evolution arrow is missing.
Where to find Inkay
Inkay is listed in the south and northwest parts of Lumiose Sewers. The available location information does not identify a specific room, spawn point, time, or weather condition, so search those areas rather than relying on a more precise encounter route. Nintendo Life’s Pokédex guide also lists Malamar in Wild Zone 20, giving you another listed way to obtain the evolved Pokémon.
How to evolve Inkay into Malamar
- Reach level 30. Inkay must be level 30 or higher.
- Put Inkay in your party. The evolution is triggered from the party menu.
- Use handheld mode with Joy-Con attached. Turn the Switch or Switch 2 upside down as you open the party menu and select Inkay.
- Choose the evolution option. The familiar glowing arrow may not appear, but the option can still be available when you select Inkay.
You do not need to gain a level while the console is inverted. Current game-specific guides describe selecting an eligible Inkay from the menu, rather than requiring it to level up upside down. GamesRadar+ gives the handheld procedure and notes the missing arrow; Siliconera also reports that the arrow may be absent.
Why the menu method works
Pokémon Legends: Z-A allows Pokémon to evolve from the menu. Nintendo’s general tips describe evolving Pokémon alongside other menu actions, but do not specify Inkay’s upside-down-console requirement. That game-specific instruction is reported by the guides above, rather than documented on the official tips page. Nintendo’s tips for Pokémon Legends: Z-A cover the broader menu mechanic.
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- 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
Can you get Malamar without evolving Inkay?
Yes. Nintendo Life lists wild Malamar in Wild Zone 20. The listed information does not establish its encounter conditions, so it is not possible to say whether this route is faster or easier than evolving Inkay.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 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
- [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
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- 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.
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