Pokemon Legends Z-A officially launched today, October 16, 2025, marking the first major Pokemon game to release simultaneously on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Early reviews have been positive, with the Switch 2 version earning an 81 Metacritic score.
The Switch 2 edition offers significant technical improvements, including 60fps gameplay compared to 30fps on the original Switch. It also supports up to 2160p resolution when docked, improved textures, and reduced pop-in effects. Load times are faster, with initial boot times dropping from 9-10 seconds on Switch 1 to 6 seconds on Switch 2.
“Pokemon Legends: Z-A feels like a mega evolution for the whole series — a colossal achievement that runs splendidly on the Switch 2,” reported NPR. Nintendo is offering a bundle pairing the Switch 2 console with the game for $499.99, available at major retailers.
The game is set entirely in Lumiose City in the Kalos region, a shift from the wilderness exploration of Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Players can select from three starter Pokemon — Chikorita, Totodile, and Tepig — and compete in the nightly Z-A Royale ranking battles across the city.
New Mega Evolution forms, including Mega Chesnaught, Mega Delphox, and Mega Greninja, are featured. Battles are in real time, with trainers and Pokemon moving simultaneously. Early purchasers can receive a Ralts holding a Gardevoirite stone via Mystery Gift until February 28, 2026.
Reviews praise the game’s stability and performance improvements over recent entries. Eurogamer called it “a much more tightly focused, delightfully goofy, return to better form,” though some critics note the single-city setting can feel repetitive.
The launch tests Game Freak’s ability to deliver polished Pokemon experiences after technical issues with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
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