Pokémon Legends Z-A Release Date, Preorder Details and More

Get ready for the next big leap in the Pokémon franchise with Pokémon Legends: Z-A, launching October 16, 2025, exclusively on Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch 2. With exciting new gameplay innovations, a more developed urban landscape, and an almost overwhelming emphasis on Mega Evolution, this release might just be the turning point the revered series has been waiting for.

Dual Platform and Upgrade Path

In a first for the series, Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be released in two versions, one for the existing Nintendo Switch and another built specifically for the next-generation Nintendo Switch 2. Players who buy the standard edition digitally or physically will be able to pay for an upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition, a decision that represents Nintendo’s effort to seamlessly transition fans to its new hardware.

Preorders for the digital version begin June 5 on the Nintendo eShop, with physical preorders starting on July 23.

Nintendo’s staggered approach is likely no accident, with the hope of building momentum heading into this summer’s most gigantic Pokémon experience.

New Vision for Lumiose City

Taking place almost exclusively in Lumiose City, the game takes this bustling capital of Kalos and remakes it into something far beyond a mere backdrop. This time, the city is a character in its own right, vibrant and alive, changing based on players’ actions and their interactions with Pokémon.

The game features a dynamic real-time battle system blended with RPG narrative in a way that finally leaves the series’ turn-based roots behind. Fans can hope to explore an all-new immersive, living and pulsating world of city life as they face new urban challenges and witness the influences of Pokémon-human existence unfold in a gigantic, ever-evolving international metropolis.

Pokémon Presents Scheduled for July 22

The Pokémon Company International further made anticipation last week by announcing a new Pokémon Presents livestream, set for July 22.

As per sources,the livestream will be focused on Legends: Z-A, potentially showcasing fresh Pokémon, gameplay mechanics, and narrative threads. With just five months left until its scheduled launch, this announcement is bound to become a major touchstone in the game’s pre-release marketing blitz.

Mega Evolution Merchandise Drops Early

To get ready for Z-A, Pokémon Center locations across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. have already rolled out a special new line of Mega Evolution-themed merchandise.

Beginning May 28, fans can pick up giant, collector pins of Mega Charizard X and Y, along with a good capsule collection that includes Mega Venusaur, Gengar, Lucario and more. Watch for more merchandise drops all summer long, likely timed with preorder bonuses or seasonal/featured areas of the store.Armed with a city-centric narrative, thrilling new open-world gameplay, and cross-generational support for both the Nintendo Switch and series spinoff hardware Pokémon Switch-N-Match, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is easily one of the most ambitious titles in franchise history. Whether you’re in it for the Mega Evolution swag, or the evolving story of Lumiose, October 16 can’t come soon enough.