Across its lengthy existence, the Pokemon franchise has developed a predictable release pattern when it comes to the debut of new generations. During the course of the most recent few, however, there's specifically been a precedent set for multiple new entries coming during the span of a single console's lifetime. While this has regularly allowed for a greater quantity of content within just a few short years, the impending arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 could create an ideal environment for Pokemon's upcoming Gen 10 to last several years longer than its predecessors.
The technical limitations of the original Switch have been an increasingly challenging aspect of the system for developers like Game Freak to navigate, but its successor is rumored to be significantly more powerful. Although it currently seems likely that Pokemon titles have been developed under a tight timeline throughout the series' tenure on the Switch, allowing the next generation to celebrate the series and grow alongside the console could finally address this constraint.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Allegedly Skipping Switch 2 Optimization May Not Matter in the End
Pokemon Legends Z-A is apparently not going to receive a Switch 2 port, if recent rumors are to be believed, but this may not be a big deal.
Recent Pokemon Generations Have Established a Predictable Release Pattern
The Limitations of Multiple New Regions in a Single Console's Lifespan
In terms of the offerings available on both the Switch and 3DS before it, both systems received two full generations of Pokemon titles. The value of the steady stream of releases provided by this approach has sometimes been overshadowed by what can feel like a comparatively rushed product, with each of these titles garnering more initial criticism since the release of X and Y.
Every generation from 6 to 9 has come with compelling ideas of its own, but these concepts have also been left behind with each successive gen introduced. The likes of Pokemon's Z-Moves and Dynamaxing each only received about three years in the spotlight before being replaced with another gimmick, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Gen 10 leave Terastal behind in favor of its own short-lived mechanic. No matter what direction the next release takes, however, it may be a waste of the Switch 2 to move on so quickly once again.
Pokemon's Next Generation Can Take the Time to Evolve Alongside the Nintendo Switch 2
Release Date Proximity Presents the Chance to Achieve the Ubiquitous Status of Pokemon During the GBA Era
With rumors of Pokemon Legends: Z-A coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 early on, there's a decent chance for the IP to be heavily tied to the console from the beginning. This could end up resembling the prolific relationship that Pokemon had with Nintendo consoles during the 2000s, as Gen 3 lasted for the GBA's entire life while being supported by consistent spin-offs. A title like Pokemon Emerald remains a highlight in the eyes of many fans due to being the product of iteration and patience, which laid the groundwork for a larger brand. Considering that Mega Evolutions are at least anticipated to be returning in Legends: Z-A, their possible return to the next generation as a whole would make it a solid candidate for being a long-term gimmick due to the mileage it could get out of the existing Pokedex.
The Benefits of Having the Time to Prioritize Technical Optimization Over Content Frequency
The growing number of Pokemon species creates a mounting challenge for developers to overcome by recreating all of them with each set of new games, but only introducing one region during the Switch 2's life could give Game Freak more room to breathe. The series' business model having shifted toward DLC expansions would also be supported by a deeper commitment to Gen 10, ensuring it has the potential to be the flagship for Nintendo's entire next era.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 79 /100 Critics Rec: 66%
- Released
- October 16, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak, Creatures Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
WHERE TO PLAY
LIVE THE LIFE OF A POKÉMON TRAINER IN THE STREETS OF LUMIOSE CITY
Whether you’re a die-hard Pokémon fan or about to toss your first Poké Ball, the Pokémon Legends: Z-A game has plenty to offer for Trainers of all types. Experience classic gameplay with modern twists that are sure to revolutionize your Pokémon RPG experience.
CATCH, BATTLE, AND MEGA-EVOLVE—ALL IN REAL TIME!
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.
HARNESS THE POWER OF MEGA EVOLUTION
When Trainers have a strong bond with their Pokémon, a Key Stone worn by the Trainer resonates with a Mega Stone held by their Pokémon, allowing Mega Evolution to take place.
ROGUE MEGA EVOLUTION
Rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon are threatening Lumiose City. These Pokémon are extra tough to beat, but if you do manage to defeat them, you'll receive valuable Mega Stones as a reward.
RISE THROUGH THE RANKS OF THE Z-A ROYALE
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. Can you climb the ranks and reach the top?
WELCOME TO LUMIOSE CITY
Visit shops, restaurants, and more, all centered around Prism Tower. An urban redevelopment plan is underway to shape the city into a place that belongs to both people and Pokémon.
BATTLE WITH TRAINERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
With a Nintendo Switch Online membership*, you can battle up to three other Trainers at once, locally or online, in frenetic real-time battles!
- Franchise
- Pokemon
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
