Copies of Pokemon Legends: Z-A are already out in the wild, as reports on social media claim that the highly anticipated Nintendo title has somehow reached the hands of a few users. Ergo, Pokemon Legends: Z-A has had its October 16 release date broken by two weeks, though it is unclear how these alleged copies were obtained.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A will take players back to Lumiose City, which was initially explored in Pokemon X and Y. Pokemon Legends: Z-A is an evolution of the franchise, as it will utilize a real-time battle style similar to games like Xenoblade Chronicles. Pokemon Legends: Z-A also marks the return of Mega Evolution as a core battle mechanic, with new Mega-Evolved forms of past Pokemon like Dragonite having been revealed so far. Pokemon Legends: Z-A will also have a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition that offers increased performance and quality.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Reveal Two New Paradox Tera Raids
Following a hiatus, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet reveal the first new set of Seven-Star Tera Raid battles for trainers to face in early October.
PSA: Pokemon Legends Z-A Is Already Out In The Wild
While Pokemon Legends: Z-A is already breaking ground with its gameplay changes, the upcoming title has also broken its street release date. As reported by GoNintendo and Kotaku, Twitter user Pory_Leeks stated that copies of Pokemon Legends: Z-A are already in some users' hands. Pory_Leeks shared a picture from a 4chan post that has since been archived. The photo in question showed an apparent glimpse of the trainer character creation menu, with four skin tones each available for male and female avatars to use. No further details about Pokemon Legends: Z-A were posted by Pory_Leeks, other than the fact that Pokemon Legends: Z-A has been obtained by users two weeks ahead of its October 16 launch date.
In response, a Pokemon fan stated that the UI elements in the leaked picture looked similar to ones in official screenshots, lending credence to the original post. Of course, all leaks and rumors must be taken with a pinch of salt until Pokemon Legends: Z-A is officially released. Trainers looking to legitimately pick up a copy of Pokemon Legends: Z-A will have options on launch day. GameStop confirmed that it will host a midnight launch for Pokemon Legends: Z-A, as participating stores will open their doors at 12:00 AM Eastern on October 16 (or 9:00 PM Pacific on October 15).
Fans can pick up their GameStop pre-orders of Pokemon Legends: Z-A and claim an exclusive tote bag while supplies last. As trainers make their battle preparations for Pokemon Legends: Z-A, it remains to be seen how much of the game will be spoiled before October 16.
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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
