Summary
Pokemon Legends: Z-Awill 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 thePokemon Legends: Z-Apre-order date.
The sequel to thecritically acclaimedPokemon Legends: Arceuswas initially announced in February 2024. From the outset,Pokemon Legends: Z-Awas positioned as a 2025 release. The Pokemon Company subsequently narrowed down that launch window to late 2025.
The much-anticipated title has now been confirmed to be releasing on October 16. TheSwitch 2 edition ofPokemon Legends: Z-Awill 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
The release date announcement was accompanied by the reveal of the game’s cover art, which depicts a battle betweenMega-Evolved Pokemonunfolding on the streets of Lumiose City at night. Coinciding with today’s news, Pokemon Centerreleased 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 thePokemon Legends: Z-Astarter 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 onPokemon 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. LikeArceus,Pokemon Legends: Z-Ais set to offer an exploration-focused experience that emphasizes creature collecting over battling.
