Over a year after the initialPokémon Legends: Z-Aannouncement, the Pokémon Company International has finally provided a release date and more fresh information about the game. The newest updates include information on pre-orders, Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade editions, and some clarity aboutPokémon Legends: Z-A’s physical editions.
In addition to this announcement, there will also be a formal Pokémon Presents taking place at the end of July to provide what will likely be the last official look atPokémon Legends: Z-Aahead of its release. Additionally, for those who need something to tide them over in the meantime, the Pokémon Center has already begun sellingPokémon Legends: Z-Amerchandise that might help fill that void between now and the official launch.
When Pokémon Legends: Z-A Releases
Players Will Be Returning To Lumiose City This October
Pokémon Legends: Z-Awill launch on October 16th, 2025. While many hoped we would seePokémon Legends: Z-A’s release a bit closer to therelease of the Nintendo Switch 2, it makes sense why it’s been spaced out a bit. WithMario Kart Worldand the console’s launch itself occupying the attention of the masses, havingPokémon Legends: Z-Afollow-up a few months later will give the hype a chance to cool down a bit, so the game can get the attention it deserves.
Not only that, but withSwitch 2 pre-orders already being a nightmarefor many hoping to get their hands on it, this will provide an easier opportunity to grab a system before the game launches. That way, more players won’t have to worry about starting with the lower-quality version on one console and then swapping to the higher-quality version midway through their playthrough or having to wait to play because they want the full experience on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Platforms
Legends: Z-A Will Be Available For Both Nintendo Switch & Nintendo Switch 2 Players At Launch
Since the Nintendo Switch 2 is launching a few months prior toLegends: Z-A’s release, and Switch 2 upgrade packs have already been discussed, you may be wondering exactly howLegends: Z-Ais launching across the platforms. The good news is thatregardless of the platform you’re using, Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2, you will have day one access toPokémon Legends: Z-A. Additionally, it goes without saying that as aPokémongame,Legends: Z-Awill be a Nintendo exclusiveand not on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC.
You will be able to play the Nintendo Switch 2 edition ofPokémon Legends: Z-Aon the Nintendo Switchas well. However, the game will play as if running the Nintendo Switch edition and will not feature the enhanced specs tied to the Nintendo Switch 2.
There will be a Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 edition of the gameavailable at launch for the respective consoles, but any players who purchase either the digital or physical Nintendo Switch edition of the game will have the option to purchase theSwitch 2 edition upgradepack when necessary. The upgrade pack will be available exclusively through the Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store. While both versions have the same gameplay features, the Switch 2 version will have a higher resolution, better FPS, and more visual enhancements.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Pre-Order Dates & Information
Legends: Z-A Will Be Available For Pre-Order Alongside The Switch 2’s Launch
While we aren’t gettingPokémon Legends: Z-Ain time for the Switch 2’s release, we will be getting access to pre-orders. OnJune 5th, 2025, the same day as theNintendo Switch 2 andMario Kart Worldlaunch, you will be able to pre-order your copy ofPokémon Legends: Z-A.At this time, there is no in-game reward listed as part of a pre-order promotion, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be one.
There’s a good chance they could announce one when pre-orders go live or during thePokémon Presents taking place on July 22nd, 2025,ahead of the release. What has been announced, however, is that those who purchase their pre-orders directly from the Pokémon Center in the U.S., U.K., or Canada will receive a sitting cutie plush of one of the three starters forLegends: Z-Aas a complimentary gift, while supplies last.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Gameplay & Story Details
Make Your Way Through Lumiose City With All New Battle Mechanics
Following in the footsteps ofPokémon Legends: Arceus,Legends: Z-Apromises players an exciting new adventure unlike anything the franchise has ever done. WhileLegends: Z-Ais a follow-up toArceusin the sense that they are part of the same spin-off series, the two games could hardly be more different.ThePokémon Legendsseries is clearly a way forPokémonto experiment with new mechanics and take risksthat the mainline games might not be willing to make.
Taking place entirely in Lumiose City, originally introduced inPokémon X & Y,Legends: Z-A’s journey starts with catching one of thethree chosen starters: Chikorita, Totodile, and Tepig. From there, you will battle your way across Lumiose City utilizing the long-forgotten Mega evolution gimmick while tackling different incidents taking place throughout the city. At night, however, Lumiose City will take on a different vibe as it becomes the setting for an all-new Battle Royale event.
Despite taking place in a small city,Legends: Z-Awill still make an effort to offer unique zones in which Pokémon can be caught freely. TheseWild Zones will be found throughout the cityand will serve as the main source for collecting Pokémon inLegends: Z-A. However, the biggest change forPokémon Legends: Z-Ais the battling itself. Featuringan entirely new real-time battle system, players will experience trainer battles like never before as turn-based combat will take a backseat and, instead, players will be forced to adjust to things like cooldowns, dodging, and more.
Regardless of how much we’ve come to learn aboutPokémon Legends: Z-Asince its initial announcement, there’s still plenty we’ve yet to uncover. WithMega Evolutions making a momentous comeback, we’ve yet to see any official announcement regarding the new Mega Evolutions to be featured in the game, or details on whether the starters will feature unique final evolutions as they did inLegends: Arceus. All this and more may finally be answered at the July 22nd, 2025 Pokémon Presents, so don’t forget to keep an eye out for that and morePokémon Legends: Z-Anews to come.
Pokemon Legends Z-A
Lumiose City is undergoing redevelopment to create a space shared by people and Pokémon. This second entry in the Pokémon Legends sub-franchise builds off the unique catching and exploration mechanics first established in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
