- Release and Platforms
- Story and World
- Gameplay Innovations
- Starter Pokémon
- Mega Evolutions and the “Megamania”
- Z-A Royale
- Pokémon in the Game
- DLC: Mega-Dimension
- Preise und Vorbesteller-Boni
- Online Features
- Special Switch 2 Edition?
On October 16, 2025, the next big adventure in the Pokémon universe begins with Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The game will be released for both the Nintendo Switch 1 and the new Nintendo Switch 2, bringing exciting new features, intense battles, and fresh takes on familiar mechanics. In this article, you’ll find everything currently known about the release, gameplay, Mega Evolutions, Z-A Royale, and more.
Release and Platforms
Official release date: October 16, 2025
Platforms: Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2
Players on Switch 2 benefit from higher resolutions (1080p handheld / 4K docked) and improved textures. The Switch 1 version is limited to 720p handheld and 1080p docked.
An upgrade pack will be available for around €9.99 to switch from the Switch 1 edition to the enhanced Switch 2 version.
Story and World
The story takes place in the Kalos region, specifically in Lumiose City, which can now be fully explored with day and night cycles and so-called Wild Sectors.
Here you can freely roam, catch Pokémon, and face wild encounters, similar to Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
The main characters are Paxton (male) and Harmony (female), who both join Team MZ at the beginning of the story.
Side quests with NPCs provide additional variety.
Gameplay Innovations
- Real-time battles: Unlike the main series, battles are no longer turn-based but happen in real time.
- Trainers in danger: Wild Pokémon can also attack the trainer directly.
- Attack cooldowns: Moves recharge after use before they can be unleashed again.
- Battle swapping: Pokémon can be switched mid-battle, though with a brief learning curve.
- Elite Pokémon: Extra-strong Pokémon with glowing red eyes, similar to Legends Arceus.
- Character customization: Clothing and color options can be adjusted in detail.
Starter Pokémon
At the start, you can choose from three classic starters:
- Chikorita (Grass)
- Tepig (Fire)
- Totodile (Water)
Mega Evolutions and the “Megamania”
One of the game’s highlights is Megamania, a phenomenon where wild Pokémon can spontaneously undergo a Mega Evolution.
By collecting Mega Essences during battles, your own Pokémon can also Mega Evolve.
Confirmed new Mega Evolutions include:
| Mega Dragonite | Mega Victreebel | Mega Hawlucha |
| Mega Malamar | Mega Raichu X | Mega Raichu Y |
| Mega Chesnaught | Mega Delphox | Mega Greninja |
Z-A Royale
Another exciting feature is the Z-A Royale, a tournament format held at night in Lumiose City.
- Ranked battles from Z to A
- Bonus cards with special objectives
- Ticket points and coins as rewards
Pokémon in the Game
So far, 169 Pokémon have been confirmed, including Zygarde in Normal, 10%, and Complete forms. Elite versions such as Elite Houndoom and Elite Pikachu provide extra challenges.
DLC: Mega-Dimension
Alongside the main game, the paid DLC Mega-Dimension will be released (€29.99). Content includes:
- Wave 1 (at launch): Holo outfits X and Y
- Wave 2 (by Feb 28, 2026): Additional story content after the main game
- Early purchase bonus: A luxury Pokéball set and a Ralts holding Gardevoirite
Preise und Vorbesteller-Boni
- Switch 1 Edition: $59.99 (*)
- Switch 2 Edition: $69,99 (*)
- Upgrade-Pack Switch 1 → Switch 2: $9.99
- DLC Mega-Dimension: $29.99
Early buyers will receive a Ralts with Gardevoirite and 100 Poké Balls via serial code until February 28, 2026.
Online Features
A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required for online battles, the Z-A Royale, and receiving Mystery Gift Pokémon.
Special Switch 2 Edition?
There will be no special Switch 2 design. Instead, Nintendo is offering a simple bundle including the regular Switch 2 and the game.
(*) Affiliate Links
