Overlay Network

An Overlay Network (オーバーレイ・ネットワーク Ōbārei Nettowāku) is a network created as part of an Xyz Summon in the Anime and Manga.

All Xyz Monsters, with special exceptions like the "Numbers", are Xyz Summoned through a red, spiralling portal. The Xyz Materials then become orbs of light which orbit the Xyz Monster. When Detached by the Player, the orbs are absorbed by the Xyz Monster in its own specific way.

When a "Number" monster is Xyz Summoned, though, a space-themed portal appears into which the Xyz Materials are drawn into as energy streaks. The portal explodes, and the sealed form of the Summoned "Number" appears, before transforming itself into its true form.