Pokémon Legends Z-A, the much-anticipated sequel to 2022’s Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and the first new full-scale Pokémon game since late 2022’s Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, finally has an official release date. It’s due to be with us on October 16, with pre-orders starting as early as June 5.
Coming to both the original Switch and the Switch 2, the new game from Game Freak will offer an upgraded version for the newer Nintendo console, which will boast a higher resolution and improved framerates. However, this will come at the cost of an upgrade fee—likely $10 based on the Japanese announcement of 1,000 yen.
Z-A, set exclusively in Lumiose City within the Kalos region, is essentially a follow-up to 2013’s Pokémon X and Y, while also the second in the Legends franchise. Which is to say, while sharing aspects in common, it will play differently from the mainline series, especially when it comes to combat. Z-A will use real-time combat between your Pokémon, rather than the traditional turn-based battles, and will include Mega Evolution as a core mechanic.
This is a breaking story and will continue to be updated.