The next evolution of Pokémon has a date. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have officially announced that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will launch worldwide on October 16, 2025, coming to both the Nintendo Switch and the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. After months of speculation, fan theories, and cryptic trailers, we now have concrete details—and it looks like Z-A might be the most ambitious Pokémon game yet.
A Dual Launch on Two Systems
Pokémon Legends: Z-A will support both the original Switch hardware and Nintendo’s next-gen platform, the Switch 2. According to Nintendo, players who purchase the game on the current Switch will be able to upgrade to the enhanced version on Switch 2 via a paid upgrade pack. That version promises enhanced visuals, better frame rates, and improved performance—a move that’s likely to encourage adoption of the new hardware.
Digital pre-orders go live June 5, 2025, alongside the Switch 2’s release. Physical pre-orders begin July 23.
Mega Evolution Returns
In a move that’s already generating massive hype, Pokémon Legends: Z-A marks the official return of Mega Evolutions—a fan-favorite mechanic that has been largely absent from recent mainline titles. Confirmed Mega Evolutions include:
- Mega Charizard X and Y
- Mega Lucario
- Mega Gengar
- Mega Gardevoir
More are expected to be revealed during the upcoming Pokémon Presents livestream, which is scheduled for July 22, 2025.
Lumiose City Like You’ve Never Seen It
Set entirely in a reimagined Lumiose City, Z-A focuses on urban redevelopment and modernization, blending the lore of the Kalos region with new mechanics inspired by Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
While details remain scarce, early footage suggests a massive open world environment, complete with vertical exploration, NPC-driven storylines, and dynamic weather systems. Insider sources suggest this Lumiose is “a living city with daily life cycles, random events, and evolving districts,” hinting at a level of environmental depth unseen in previous Pokémon games.
Real-Time Battles Are Here
Departing from the traditional turn-based system, Z-A introduces a hybrid real-time combat system. Players will be able to move during battles, actively dodge incoming attacks, and use timing-based mechanics to chain moves for greater effectiveness. Think Legends: Arceus on steroids.
This evolution aims to make trainer battles feel more fluid, cinematic, and skill-based, while retaining the core mechanics that longtime fans know and love.
What’s Next?
Expect a deep dive into all things Pokémon Legends: Z-A during the July 22 Pokémon Presents, where we’re likely to see:
- New regional forms (possibly for Kalos classics)
- Further gameplay footage of the new battle system
- Details on customization, crafting, and traversal
- Additional insight into how Mega Evolutions integrate into the core loop
Final Thoughts
Pokémon Legends: Z-A looks like a calculated step forward—one that builds on the bold ideas introduced in Legends: Arceus while acknowledging what fans have been missing for years. If it sticks the landing, Z-A could be the most important Pokémon release since Red and Blue.
We’ll have more on Z-A as news drops
Stay tuned to 1- Up Games for all your Pokémon coverage.
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