Pokemon Legends Z-A is officially coming this year, with The Pokemon Company at last confirming an October release date for the RPG. This news comes after we got a hearty helping of gameplay footage earlier this year, with showcases revealing we'll be venturing back to the single-city setting of Lumiose, which previously appeared in Pokemon X and Y.
From open-zone areas to real-time dodges and commands, and the return of Mega Evolutions for the first time in seven years, the April Nintendo Switch 2 Direct also confirmed the new adventure will be landing on the new-gen console as one of the many upcoming Switch 2 games. And excitingly, it looks like we'll get to see more of Pokemon Legends Z-A very soon, too, thanks to announcement of a Pokemon Presents showcase on July 22, which promises to give us more news on all things Pokemon.
With plenty of details already out in the wild about what's in store, it's shaping up to be one of the most anticipated new games for 2025 - not to mention one of the biggest upcoming Switch games on the horizon. While we wait it out to learn more, read on below as we take you through an overview of everything we know so far about Pokemon Legends Z-A.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A release date confirmed
The Pokemon Company has confirmed that Pokemon Z-A Legends release date will be October 16, 2025.
The official release date came in a press release from Nintendo, which at least gives us a concrete time frame following the "late 2025" window that was revealed previously.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A platforms
Pokemon Legends: Z-A will launch on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025, with the Switch 2 version being an Enhanced Edition according to the March 2025 Nintendo Direct.
It's worth noting that The Pokemon Company has used slightly confusing language across its social channels, stating that Z-A is coming to "Nintendo Switch systems." Following the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, a recent Nintendo Direct showcase confirmed that the upcoming Pokemon game will indeed be launching on past and current generations of its flagship console. Great news for anyone not looking to upgrade just yet!
Pokemon Legends: Z-A trailer
We got our first proper trailer for Pokemon Legends: Z-A during the 2025 Pokemon Day showcase on February 27. In the clip, we see scenes of Pokemon having fun throughout Lumiose City - which is currently undergoing redevelopment to be a home for both trainers and Pokemon alike.
We also see the designated "Wild Zones" that exist in the metropolis, marked by green gates. Of course, we also see some battles, critter catching, and world exploration. It's classic Pokemon here, and we are excited to see more trailers drop in the future!
You can watch the Pokemon Legends: Z-A trailer above.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A gameplay
Thanks to the Pokemon Legends: Z-A trailer, we've now gotten our first real look at the expected gameplay for the upcoming title. This includes its setting, which will be entirely within Lumiose City. This means that you're likely going to be unable to explore the wider Kalos Region. That's no doubt going to be a bit of a letdown for some of you Pokemon X and Y fans out there, but it does make sense, given the smaller scope of the Pokemon Legends series of titles.
However, don't worry, there's still plenty to do. While in Lumiose City, your player character will be staying at a hotel named Hotel Z, which will be your base of operations as you tackle all sorts of incidents that will occur in the city. The city will also have lush "wild zones" where you can catch some new party members and battle wild Pokemon. This is typical Pokemon mechanics, but big changes are coming to battling systems with other trainers.
According to the Pokemon website, in Pokemon Legends: Z‑A, "Trainers and their Pokemon will move around in real-time during battles." There are also new features to consider when battling, such as the precise timing for swapping out your Pokemon, the different lengths of time moves will take, and how big an area the moves will impact." This will be the first battle system of its kind in a Pokemon game and will make combat a lot more of a strategic affair.
For years, longtime Pokemon fans have pointed out how easy battles can be in previous entries, especially when you are in the late game with a powerful party. So, it's great to see innovation taking place in Pokemon Legends: Z-A for sure. We'll keep you posted as soon as we know more.
In another trailer for Pokemon Legends Z-A during the Nintendo Direct March 2025 showcase, we got a closer look at the wild zones in Lumiose city, which are "special environments where wild Pokemon can live comfortably". You can catch critters here not unlike the open zones of Legends Arceus. We also got a glimpse at the day and night cycle, along with "the Z-A royale", which are battle zones where you can take on other trainers - you can even attack first if you're stealthy.
Nintendo also revealed that the title of the game actually references the new ranking system that's linked to the competitive battle zones. As trainers, we'll start out at rank Z and rise up to rank A, hence Z-A.
Pokemon Legends Z-A starters
The three Pokemon Legends Z-A starters are Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile.
Chikorita is the grass-type starter that was first introduced in Generation II. It is also one of the first three starters in Pokemon of Johto seen during Pokemon Gold and Silver. This grass type is described as having a gentle personality who loves sunbathing. So, if you love cozy, cute things, it'll be the perfect starter for you. Chikorita also evolves into Bayleef starting at level 16, which then evolves into Meganium (aka the most adorable and dinosaur-coded Pokémon around) at level 32.
Totodile is the water-type starter, which was also introduced in Generation II and, like Chikorita, was a starter during Pokemon Gold and Silver. This Pokemon has a rough personality and a tendency to bite, so be on the lookout for your fingers if you choose this critter as your first partner. Totodile evolves into Croconaw at level 18, which then evolves into Feraligatr starting at level 30.
Finally, we have Tepig, the fire-type starter. Tepig was introduced during Generation V and was one of the starters available during Pokemon Black and White. Tepig loves finding food but has a habit of excitedly burning things when it's to worked up. Tepig evolves into Pignite at level 17, and then into Emboar starting at level 36.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A The Legendary Pokemon
Legendary Pokemon will also be among the Pokemon Legends: Z-A Pokedex for all of us to meet when the game releases later this year. The one we know for sure is heading our way is Zygarde.
Zygarde was first introduced during the sixth generation as a dual-type Dragon/Ground Legendary Pokémon and was a major player in the animated Pokemon the Series: XY.
According to the Pokemon website, "Zygarde is made up of a multitude of cell-like components, and it changes form depending on how many of these components have gathered together. Its brain is made up of the few existing Zygarde Cores, while the rest of its body is comprised of Zygarde Cells, which are far more plentiful. It seems to have taken a special interest in you... What could its connection to this story be?"
Expect Zygarde to be a massive part of the story of Pokemon Legends: Z-A. We may also see some possible connections to this legendary and the large corporation called Quasartico Inc. (that is re-developing Lumiose City). Stay tuned for updates!
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Mega Evolution explained
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Mega Evolution brings back a beloved feature first introduced in Pokemon X and Y that will boost your Pokemon's power and change their appearance. In Lumiose City, some Pokemon can go beyond normal evolution when they raise their levels in battle. Only a few Pokemon can Mega Evolve, and when they do, it temporarily unleashes the energy hidden within the Pokemon.
When a trainer has a high bond with their partner, a Key Stone (worn by the Trainer) will resonate with the Pokemon's "Mega Stone" - that is what allows the evolution to take place. Below is a list of some of the confirmed Pokemon who can use Mega Evolution in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
- Mega Charizard X
- Mega Charizard Y
- Mega Kangaskhan
- Mega Ampharos
- Mega Gardevoir
- Mega Sableye
- Mega Altaria
- Mega Absol
- Mega Lucario
The list above is expected to grow. And, in fact, according to leakers, 27 new Mega Evolutions could be added in the upcoming game. So far, in the series' history, we've had 48 Mega Evolutions. An additional 27 would bring the new total up to an impressive 75.
However, before you get too excited about this news, keep in mind that nothing has been officially confirmed just yet. We'll keep you posted as more news heads our way!
Can you pre-order Pokemon Legends: Z-A?
Pokemon Legends Z-A Pre-orders are set to go live on June 5, 2025. You can also currently wishlist the game on the Nintendo e-Shop now.
Nintendo additionally confirmed that those who purchase a digital or physical version for the Switch will be able to upgrade to a Nintendo Switch 2 version by purchasing an upgrade pack, but don't yet know the pricing.
The official Pokmon Center site has the option to sign-up to find out when the pre-orders are live at the Pokemon Center store, with a special bonus of a random sitting plushie of either Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile for those that pre-order from there.
While you wait for the game to arrive, check out our list of the best games like Pokemon to play today.
If you're looking for something else to tuck into while you wait, be sure to check out our pick of the best Switch games.
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