With a little over two weeks until the worldwide release of Pokémon X and Y, the informative leaks are showing no signs of slowing down. Game Freak recently sat down in an interview to share some of the mechanical changes that are to feature in the latest game. You can find a full run down of the changes in the translated list below courtesy of Bulbapedia. Some of the mechanics have been previously confirmed, such as Sky Battles being limited to Flying-Type Pokémon and those with levitate only, as well as your lead-party Pokémon gaining experience when another Pokémon is caught.. But other variations look to the item Exp. Share, which will be changed back to Exp. All, though with different effects.

Pokémon gain experience even when the opposing wild Pokémon is caught – subsequently a caught Pokémon gives the same experience points as a defeated one.

Sky Battles are limited to Flying-type Pokémon and those with the Levitate ability – some moves can’t be used.

There is an adjustment to the inheritance system of breeding.

Ghost-type Pokémon can freely escape from battle without being influenced by Shadow Tag.

The item Exp. Share will revert to Exp. All as in Generation I, where when one Pokémon holding this item participates in battle, all other Pokémon in the team receive experience as well. Unlike in Generation I, the experience is not split but rather received by all Pokémon. This means that the participating Pokémon receives 100% experience, while non-participating Pokémon gain 50% experience.

When distributing new moves and abilities, priority was given to new Pokémon.

The CGI style is different from Pokémon Stadium and Pokémon Battle Revolution, as those games were supposed to emulate “realism within fantasy”. Since the handheld Pokémon series is supposed to be accessible to everyone, battles were made “cuter”.

The standard selection process for Pokémon Mega Evolution is based on three points: visual looks, popularity and game balance.

The power-up of Mega-Evolved Pokémon is meant to elevate them to the class of legendary Pokémon, hence the restriction of only one Pokémon being allowed to hold a Mega Stone during battles.

The timing to Mega-Evolve is selectable.

Some moves, with focus on special ones, have had their power and accuracy revamped.