Pokemon Legends: Z-A reveals release date

The Pokemon Company just came through with a release date for Pokemon Legends: Z-A. On both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, the game launches on October 16, 2025. A new piece of key art was shared today, which we have above.

Those who purchase Pokemon Legends: Z-A on Nintendo Switch will be able to obtain the Switch 2 improvements with an upgrade pack. This applies to both the physical and digital versions. On Nintendo Switch 2, Pokemon Legends: Z-A features improved graphics and a better frame rate.

Below is an overview of the game:

Lumiose City—a home for people and Pokémon alike. Here, thanks to an urban redevelopment plan driven by Quasartico Inc., the lush greenery of verdant parks and natural vistas intermingles with facilities made using the latest cutting-edge technology. A lot has changed here since the days of the Pokémon X and Pokémon Y games!

Choose Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile as your first partner Pokémon, and then set off on a grand adventure! Your journey will take you to all manner of sights in the streets arrayed around Prism Tower, including shops, restaurants, and places called wild zones—where Pokémon roam free. As you catch, train, and battle Pokémon, there will be plenty of people to meet too—like AZ, the enigmatic owner of Hotel Z.

Step onto the battlefield and command your Pokémon directly—there are no turns! For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, Trainers and their Pokémon can both move around in real-time battles, and your Pokémon will unleash their moves when you tell them to. Strategically swapping out your Pokémon and accounting for each move’s timing and area of effect will greatly help you in this new style of battle.

Once you obtain a Mega Ring and a Pokémon’s Mega Stone, you can harness the power of Mega Evolution! Temporarily unleash your Pokémon’s hidden energy to transform its appearance, greatly enhance its capabilities, and perhaps even change its type. Mega Evolution might just be the key to overcoming your toughest challenges!

You’re invited to join the Z-A Royale, a competition for Pokémon Trainers to test their skills and determine who’s strongest. Each night, a battle zone for the competition will appear. Prepare yourself by spending the day in wild zones, catching and training Pokémon, then venture into the battle zone and take on other Trainers. Be strategic and complete bonus card challenges as you battle to speed up your climb from Rank Z to Rank A. Reach the top, and you might just have a wish granted!