The Pokémon Company International has officially announced that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will launch globally on Thursday, October 16, 2025, for both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The announcement also confirms that preorders will open on Thursday, June 5 via the Nintendo eShop. Alongside this announcement, new cover art, upgrade pack options, and themed merchandise celebrating Mega Evolution have been unveiled. A new Pokémon Presents presentation is also scheduled for July 22, promising more updates from the franchise.
Players who purchase the standard version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A—either physical or digital—on Nintendo Switch will be eligible to upgrade to the enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 Edition through a paid upgrade pack. This upgrade will be available through both the Nintendo eShop and the My Nintendo Store. The game’s newly revealed cover art features its protagonists alongside their partner Pokémon in a dramatic nighttime battle against a Mega-Evolved opponent in Lumiose City, setting the tone for the game’s thematic focus.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A continues the series’ evolution by placing the story in a single, urban environment—Lumiose City—where real-time action combat and traditional RPG mechanics merge. This direction suggests a significant shift in narrative and gameplay, moving the franchise further into new territory with a blend of strategic battles, dynamic movement, and a story centered on the coexistence of people and Pokémon in a city undergoing transformation.
Complementing the game’s themes, Pokémon Center has launched a new line of Mega Evolution–themed merchandise. Beginning today, fans can find collectible items such as giant pins featuring Mega Charizard X and Y, as well as apparel and accessories with Mega Venusaur, Mega Gengar, Mega Lucario, and others. These limited products mark the beginning of a broader rollout of Mega Evolution celebrations throughout 2025.
In addition, customers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom who preorder the game from Pokémon Center will receive a special Sitting Cuties plush of Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile—randomly selected—while supplies last.
Looking ahead, fans are encouraged to tune into the upcoming Pokémon Presents broadcast scheduled for Tuesday, July 22. The presentation will air on the official Pokémon YouTube channel and is expected to offer new trailers, gameplay updates, and more announcements tied to Pokémon Legends: Z-A and other franchise developments.
