Pokémon Legends Z-A Release Date Set for October, Switch 2 Upgrade Confirmed

There are no new details on the gameplay of the newest Pokémon Legends Z-A entry. However, I have previously written on what to expect from the game, which can be found below.

“The game, as we know, will take place in Lumiose City, and seemingly only Lumiose City, with the city attempting a project that allows both humans and Pokémon to live freely together within the city. We already knew about the wild zones that would be scattered throughout the city, but we got a better look at them. It seems like, essentially, they are like city parks filled with Pokémon.

We also got introduced to the city as a whole. In Pokémon Legends Z-A, Pokémon can be caught outside of the wild zones as well. You will be able to travel through the streets, in buildings, and on top of roofs. Just like in Pokémon Legends Arceus, Pokémon may attack or run away, so you need to be sneaky to catch them. We also know that Pokémon will be able to dodge, move, and switch in and out live-action style, so timing will be especially important in this game.

Another preview we saw in the trailer was the new Pokémon Legends Z-A mechanic, Battle Zones, and the Z-A Royale. These tournaments happen at night, in specific zones around the city. Trainers will be ranked by their skill level, attempting to work their way up to A rank. The newest element to these zones, however, is the sneak element. Just like with Pokémon, you can sneak up on trainers to get an advantage or be snuck up on. Watch your back!

The addition of the day and night mechanics adds an element to the game that has not been present previously. We have had day and night before, but typically, the gameplay itself is similar, and the changes are with the available Pokemon. But in Pokémon Legends Z-A, shifting from day to night changes the entire essence of the city from calm and friendly to competition-focused fights. It will be interesting to see how it plays out within the storyline requirements.”

The full trailer can also be found here.

Pokémon Legends Z-A Switch 2 Upgrade Details

At the Switch 2 focused Nintendo Direct, fans received confirmation that Pokémon Legends Z-A would indeed be coming to the new console. We now know exactly what that upgrade is going to entail. As it turns out, the answer is not much. Given the fact that the game is launching at the same time for the original Switch, that should not be overly surprising. The company has confirmed, though, that the only change is upgraded frame rates and resolution. That is it. While underwhelming, it makes sense. There would be no reason for Game Freak to bother adding any different content, although utilizing the Switch 2 Joy-Cons would be cool.

The last bits of information learned are outlined by Game Informer.

“The Pokémon Company has revealed that the next Pokémon Presents presentation will air on Tuesday, July 22. Plus, ahead of the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Mega Evolution-themed products and experiences will hit Pokémon Centers worldwide and via online retailers.

Starting today, fans can collect giant pins featuring Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y, as well as shop from a capsule collection of apparel and accessories showing other Mega-Evolved Pokémon like Venusaur, Gengar, Lucario, and more. Finally, anyone who preorders Pokémon Legends: Z-A at a Pokémon Center in the U.S., Canada, or the U.K. will be able to receive a random Pokémon Sitting Cuties plush featuring Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile as a gift with the purchase.”

Pokémon Legends Z-A is set to be released on October 16, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Fans of Nintendo can also gear up for the Switch 2 launch, coming June 5.