The Pokémon Company has announced the release date for the highly anticipated Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: October 16, 2025. Preorders begin on June 5.
There’s a new Pokémon Presents presentation set for July 22 “for the latest news and updates from the world of Pokémon.” The Pokémon Company also announced the release of brand-new Mega Evolution merchandise, available now on the Pokémon Center.
Players who buy either the physical or digital version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch get the option to upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition by buying a $10 upgrade pack from the Nintendo eShop or My Nintendo Store. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition offers improved graphics and framerates.
The cover art has also been unveiled. It features the game’s main characters and their partner Pokémon battling a Mega-Evolved Pokémon at night in Lumiose City.
Here’s the official blurb:
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a new frontier for the Pokémon video game series, blending an RPG story unfolding in a single city with action elements and a real-time battle system unlike anything seen before in the franchise. Trainers can look forward to the beginning of a new adventure in Lumiose City — one woven by people and Pokémon together!
Fans can look forward to Mega Evolution–themed products and experiences as part of a larger celebration highlighting fan-favorite Mega-Evolved Pokémon. As part of this, Pokémon Center will release new apparel, accessories, plush and more featuring Mega-Evolved Pokémon throughout the year.
Starting today, fans can collect giant pins featuring Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y, as well as shop from a capsule collection of apparel and accessories showcasing Mega Venusaur, Mega Gengar, Mega Lucario and more Mega-Evolved Pokémon.
Beginning next month, fans who preorder Pokémon Legends: Z-A at Pokémon Center in the U.S., Canada or the U.K. can receive a random Pokémon Sitting Cuties plush featuring Chikorita, Tepig or Totodile as a gift with a purchase.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A was first announced at last year’s Pokemon Presents, with a cinematic trailer showing off a futuristic Lumiose City. At the time, we were given very few details: just that it would be coming to Nintendo Switch this year, and some light Pokémon teases. We have since gotten a longer look at the game in a Pokemon Direct earlier this year, including seeing many of the Pokémon that will be available, a number of new characters, and the protagonist running all over the rooftops.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
