Over a year after the initial Pokémon Legends: Z-A announcement, the Pokémon Company International has finally provided a release date and more fresh information about the game. The newest updates include information on pre-orders, Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade editions, and some clarity about Pokémon Legends: Z-A's physical editions.

In addition to this announcement, there will also be a formal Pokémon Presents taking place at the end of July to provide what will likely be the last official look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A ahead of its release. Additionally, for those who need something to tide them over in the meantime, the Pokémon Center has already begun selling Pokémon Legends: Z-A merchandise that might help fill that void between now and the official launch.

When Pokémon Legends: Z-A Releases

Players Will Be Returning To Lumiose City This October

Pokémon Legends: Z-A will launch on October 16th, 2025. While many hoped we would see Pokémon Legends: Z-A's release a bit closer to the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, it makes sense why it's been spaced out a bit. With Mario Kart World and the console's launch itself occupying the attention of the masses, having Pokémon Legends: Z-A follow-up a few months later will give the hype a chance to cool down a bit, so the game can get the attention it deserves.

Not only that, but with Switch 2 pre-orders already being a nightmare for many hoping to get their hands on it, this will provide an easier opportunity to grab a system before the game launches. That way, more players won't have to worry about starting with the lower-quality version on one console and then swapping to the higher-quality version midway through their playthrough or having to wait to play because they want the full experience on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Platforms

Legends: Z-A Will Be Available For Both Nintendo Switch & Nintendo Switch 2 Players At Launch

Since the Nintendo Switch 2 is launching a few months prior to Legends: Z-A's release, and Switch 2 upgrade packs have already been discussed, you may be wondering exactly how Legends: Z-A is launching across the platforms. The good news is that regardless of the platform you're using, Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2, you will have day one access to Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Additionally, it goes without saying that as a Pokémon game, Legends: Z-A will be a Nintendo exclusive and not on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC.

You will be able to play the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the Nintendo Switch as well. However, the game will play as if running the Nintendo Switch edition and will not feature the enhanced specs tied to the Nintendo Switch 2.

There will be a Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 edition of the game available at launch for the respective consoles, but any players who purchase either the digital or physical Nintendo Switch edition of the game will have the option to purchase the Switch 2 edition upgrade pack when necessary. The upgrade pack will be available exclusively through the Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store. While both versions have the same gameplay features, the Switch 2 version will have a higher resolution, better FPS, and more visual enhancements.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Pre-Order Dates & Information

Legends: Z-A Will Be Available For Pre-Order Alongside The Switch 2's Launch

While we aren't getting Pokémon Legends: Z-A in time for the Switch 2's release, we will be getting access to pre-orders. On June 5th, 2025, the same day as the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World launch, you will be able to pre-order your copy of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. At this time, there is no in-game reward listed as part of a pre-order promotion, but that doesn't mean there won't be one.

There's a good chance they could announce one when pre-orders go live or during the Pokémon Presents taking place on July 22nd, 2025, ahead of the release. What has been announced, however, is that those who purchase their pre-orders directly from the Pokémon Center in the U.S., U.K., or Canada will receive a sitting cutie plush of one of the three starters for Legends: Z-A as a complimentary gift, while supplies last.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Gameplay & Story Details

Make Your Way Through Lumiose City With All New Battle Mechanics

Following in the footsteps of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Legends: Z-A promises players an exciting new adventure unlike anything the franchise has ever done. While Legends: Z-A is a follow-up to Arceus in the sense that they are part of the same spin-off series, the two games could hardly be more different. The Pokémon Legends series is clearly a way for Pokémon to experiment with new mechanics and take risks that the mainline games might not be willing to make.

Taking place entirely in Lumiose City, originally introduced in Pokémon X & Y, Legends: Z-A's journey starts with catching one of the three chosen starters: Chikorita, Totodile, and Tepig. From there, you will battle your way across Lumiose City utilizing the long-forgotten Mega evolution gimmick while tackling different incidents taking place throughout the city. At night, however, Lumiose City will take on a different vibe as it becomes the setting for an all-new Battle Royale event.

Despite taking place in a small city, Legends: Z-A will still make an effort to offer unique zones in which Pokémon can be caught freely. These Wild Zones will be found throughout the city and will serve as the main source for collecting Pokémon in Legends: Z-A. However, the biggest change for Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the battling itself. Featuring an entirely new real-time battle system, players will experience trainer battles like never before as turn-based combat will take a backseat and, instead, players will be forced to adjust to things like cooldowns, dodging, and more.

Regardless of how much we've come to learn about Pokémon Legends: Z-A since its initial announcement, there's still plenty we've yet to uncover. With Mega Evolutions making a momentous comeback, we've yet to see any official announcement regarding the new Mega Evolutions to be featured in the game, or details on whether the starters will feature unique final evolutions as they did in Legends: Arceus. All this and more may finally be answered at the July 22nd, 2025 Pokémon Presents, so don't forget to keep an eye out for that and more Pokémon Legends: Z-A news to come.