Pokémon Legends: Z-A Mega Dimension Guide: How to Start the DLC Story
Pokémon Legends: Z-A — Mega Dimension adds additional story content to both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 editions, but owning the DLC is not enough to trigger the new story immediately. Nintendo's support guidance requires the main story to be completed, the game to be updated, and the DLC license to be available on the console. A useful installation check is the “Downloadable content ready” indicator on the title screen. Once the requirements are met, the game directs the player to the Hotel Z rooftop to begin a new side mission. This guide covers story progression, Version 2.0.2, eShop ownership, Virtual Game Card checks, and the exact troubleshooting order when the DLC does not appear.
What you need first
You need the full Pokémon Legends: Z-A game, the Mega Dimension DLC license available on the console, and a completed main story. The additional story is compatible with both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 editions, so the platform edition is not the progression gate.
The main-story requirement is the first check for a newly purchased DLC. If the campaign is unfinished, installation troubleshooting will not make the rooftop start prompt appear yet.
Verify the DLC is installed
Update the game to the current version. Nintendo's March 2026 support history lists Version 2.0.2 as the latest update at this check. On the title screen, look for the “Downloadable content ready” indicator; it is a direct sign that the game recognizes the DLC content.
If the indicator is missing, open Nintendo eShop with the purchasing user and confirm the DLC shows as Purchased. On systems using Virtual Game Cards, verify the DLC card is loaded to the console. Also make sure the base game is available on the same system, because DLC cannot run without it.
Start the additional story
After the main story is complete and the DLC is recognized, follow the in-game prompt to head to the Hotel Z rooftop and start the new side mission. The rooftop prompt is the transition into the additional story; owning the DLC does not bypass the story-clear requirement.
Use the same completed save that meets the requirement. If several users share the console, do not assume one user's completed campaign or one user's purchase automatically means every other save is ready; verify the active user, save progress, and DLC access together.
If the DLC does not appear
Check in this order: main story complete; game updated; eShop shows Purchased for the buying user; Virtual Game Card loaded where applicable; title screen shows Downloadable content ready; then load the completed save and check the Hotel Z rooftop prompt.
This order separates license problems from progression problems. Reinstalling before checking “Purchased” or the Virtual Game Card can waste time, while replaying story content cannot fix a DLC license the console does not currently recognize.