Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is GAME FREAK’s paid action RPG, where Trainers explore Lumiose City, catch Pokémon, and fight in real-time battles built around movement, positioning, range, and move timing. It has been available on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 since October 16, 2025.
Latest update
Ver. 2.0.2 became available on March 18, 2026. Nintendo’s update history records several issue fixes and requires the current software version for Internet functions.
The Mega Dimension paid DLC has included its additional story since December 10, 2025. Players must complete the main story before progressing through the DLC storyline.
Release date and status
Pokémon Legends: Z-A released on October 16, 2025 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. It is a paid action RPG, and the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition adds improved resolution and frame rates.
| Global release date | October 16, 2025 |
| Original launch platforms | |
| Current status | Released |
| Pricing model | Paid |
| Availability |
Platforms and availability
The released editions cover Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Owners of the Nintendo Switch version can purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack instead of buying the full game again.
Single-player exploration supports one player, while local wireless and online features support two to four players. Online play requires a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Gameplay overview
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an action RPG centered on exploring Lumiose City, catching and training Pokémon, and entering real-time battles. Trainers and Pokémon move freely during combat, so move timing, attack range, positioning, and switching become part of each encounter.
Wild Zones provide places to encounter Pokémon, while the Z-A Royale gives Trainers a ranked nighttime battle structure within the city.
Story, setting, or main mode
Lumiose City is undergoing an urban redevelopment plan designed to create a shared home for people and Pokémon. The player explores the city’s districts and Wild Zones while becoming involved in the Z-A Royale and the events surrounding the city’s future.
Trailer, screenshots, and media
The official launch trailer and screenshots are shown below.
Developer and publisher
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is developed by GAME FREAK and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.
| Developer | GAME FREAK |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Official website | Pokémon Legends: Z-A |
Download and availability
The base game is sold physically and digitally for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. A separate upgrade pack converts an eligible Nintendo Switch copy to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, while Mega Dimension is paid additional content.
Pokémon HOME connectivity is available for supported transfers, subject to the service’s compatibility rules.
System / Device Requirements
Nintendo lists a 6.0 GB download for the Nintendo Switch edition and 11.2 GB for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Both editions support one local player and two to four players through local wireless or online play; online modes require Nintendo Switch Online.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition requires a Nintendo Switch 2 console and adds improved resolution and frame rates. Save Data Cloud is not supported.
| Platform | Required hardware | Storage and online features |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED Model, or Nintendo Switch Lite | 6.0 GB; 1 local player; local wireless and online 2–4 players; Nintendo Switch Online required for online play |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Nintendo Switch 2 | 11.2 GB; improved resolution and frame rates; 1 local player; local wireless and online 2–4 players; Nintendo Switch Online required for online play |
| Save data | Either supported edition | Save Data Cloud is not supported |