Summary
- Pokemon Legends: Z-A set to release on October 16.
- Pre-orders open on June 6 for Switch and Switch 2 editions.
- New Pokemon Presents event scheduled for July 22.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A will hit the market on October 16, The Pokemon Company has announced. The release date reveal was accompanied by some additional info about the game, including the Pokemon Legends: Z-A pre-order date.
The sequel to the critically acclaimed Pokemon Legends: Arceus was initially announced in February 2024. From the outset, Pokemon Legends: Z-A was positioned as a 2025 release. The Pokemon Company subsequently narrowed down that launch window to late 2025.
How Lysandre Could Still Play a Role in Pokemon Legends: Z-A
The main antagonist of Pokemon X and Y, Lysandre, could potentially reappear in the upcoming Pokemon Legends: Z-A in several major ways
The much-anticipated title has now been confirmed to be releasing on October 16. The Switch 2 edition of Pokemon Legends: Z-A will launch on the same day, offering improved graphics and a higher frame rate, The Pokemon Company said in a prepared statement, without elaborating on the extent of these enchantments. Pre-orders are set to open on June 6. Pricing details have not yet been disclosed, but with the Switch 2 edition confirmed to be offered via a digital "upgrade pack," it's already known to cost more than the original Switch version. Based on Nintendo’s recent pricing trends, the Switch version may retail for $59.99, with the Switch 2 edition expected to be priced at either $69.99 or $79.99.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Availability Details
- Release date: October 16
- Pre-order date: June 5
- Editions: Switch, Switch 2 (both standalone and as a digital upgrade)
- Formats: Physical, digital
- Price: TBA; expected in the $59.99–$79.99 range, depending on the version
The release date announcement was accompanied by the reveal of the game's cover art, which depicts a battle between Mega-Evolved Pokemon unfolding on the streets of Lumiose City at night. Coinciding with today's news, Pokemon Center released new Mega Evolution merchandise, including a wide variety of t-shirts, hoodies, and pins. Mega Charizard adorns several of the newly launched products, much like Mega Gengar and Mega Lucario.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Cover Artwork
Fans who pre-order either edition of the upcoming game via Pokemon Center in the US, UK, or Canada will receive a random "Sitting Cuties" plush as a bonus. The possible options—Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile—correspond to the Pokemon Legends: Z-A starter Pokemon. As per usual, these early adopter incentives are officially framed as available while supplies last. Other retailers may offer their own pre-order bonuses, a common practice for major game releases on Nintendo consoles.
More Pokemon Legends: Z-A Details Likely Coming on July 22
One final detail from today’s Pokemon announcements is the scheduling of a new Pokemon Presents event for July 22, with the broadcast time yet to be confirmed. The presentation is expected to feature new information on Pokemon Legends: Z-A, alongside other franchise-related announcements. Notably, the event will serve as an obvious opportunity for The Pokemon Company to showcase the graphical and performance differences between the Switch and Switch 2 versions of the upcoming game. Like Arceus, Pokemon Legends: Z-A is set to offer an exploration-focused experience that emphasizes creature collecting over battling.
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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
