Game Freak/The Pokemon CompanyThe next mainline game – Pokemon Legends Z-A – will take players back to Pokemon X & Y’s Kalos region, bring back Mega Evolutions, and add several new features.
After the huge success of Pokemon Legends Arceus, The Pokemon Company is betting on a new story that follows that same formula with their new entry, Pokemon Legends Z-A.
As shown in trailers and Nintendo Directs, the game will take place in the Kalos region, specifically Lumiose City. It will bring back Mega Evolutions but also add new mechanics. So, here’s everything we know about Pokemon Legends Z-A.
Pokemon Legends Z-A release date
Nintendo confirmed on May 28, 2025, that Pokemon Legends Z-A will release on October 16, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
Platforms
As mentioned above, Pokemon Legends Z-A will be available for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, with the latter being billed as a ‘Nintendo Switch 2’ edition.
While differences, if any, between the two versions haven’t been specified, it’s likely that the latter version will feature superior visuals and performance, similar to other Switch 2 ports of existing Switch titles.
New Pokemon
While no new species have been officially revealed for Pokemon Legends Z-A, new Mega Evolutions were recently announced:
Mega Raichu X  | Mega Raichu Y  | Mega Victreebel  |
The previous Pokemon Legends game – Pokemon Legends Arceus – introduced several new creatures, so the same could still happen in the new entry.
Plus, players can expect to see some returning creatures like the confirmed starters, along with Jolteon, Flareon, Vaporeon, Sandile, Fletchling, Flaaffy, and many more.
Every Mega Evolution confirmed
The extended look at Pokemon Legends Z-A confirmed that Mega Evolutions will be back in the game.
Related
THE POKEMON COMPANYThe trailers and official Pokemon Legends Z-A website feature the following Mega Pokemon, with the addition of a few new ones.
Mega Charizard X | Mega Charizard Y | Mega Beedrill | Mega Pidgeot | Mega Raichu X |
Mega Raichu Y | Mega Alakazam | Mega Victreebel | Mega Slowbro | Mega Gengar |
All new characters
The Pokemon Legends Z-A trailer revealed the main characters for this story.
As usual, depending on the player’s choice (male or female), they’ll meet a new friend, Urbain or Taunie, who will act as their counterpart.
The hotel featured as a ‘base’ will be run by a character named AZ and his Pokemon partner, Eternal Flower Floette. Meanwhile, Lumiose’s redevelopment is managed by Quasartico Inc.’s CEO, Jett, and her secretary, Vinnie.
During the adventure, you’ll join Team MZ, a group in charge of protecting Lumiose City. You’ll have Naveen (an aspiring fashion designer) and Lida (an aspiring dancer) as teammates. The big “baddy” will be Corbeau, the shadowy boss of the Rust Syndicate, a crime-tinged organization.
As for more characters, you’ll eventually meet Emma, the new head detective at Looker’s agency, and Mable, the acting Director of Lumiose City’s Pokemon Research Lab.
Mechanics
Wild Zones
While the game follows the structure of Legends Arceus, it will have wild areas, just like in Sword & Shield and Scarlet & Violet, where players can go hunting.
THE POKEMON COMPANYScattered all around Lumiose City, players will find “Wild Zones”, special environments where wild Pokemon live comfortably. Trainers can go inside and catch all the creatures they want; however, the creatures might be hostile and attack back.
Z-A Royale
When night comes, the city’s aura transforms, and the Z-A Royale tournament starts. This is a game mode that only takes place during nighttime and pits trainers against each other in battle zones.
If players walk around battle zones and are spotted, they’ll be challenged to an in-site battle. However, if they sneak on their opponents and attack first, they can launch a surprise attack.
THE POKEMON COMPANYAccording to the video, using a super-effective move at the right moment will allow trainers to dodge incoming attacks. But that’s not all, as they’ll be able to Mega Evolve their Pokemon for extra power.
Players will start at Rank Z and will have to work their way to Rank A. Those who reach the top are said to have a wish granted. Though no further details have been revealed.
Rogue Mega Evolutions
In Lumiose City, a phenomenon has been affecting wild Pokemon that don’t have a trainer, making them Mega Evolve randomly.
DEXERTOBecause they can’t contain their own strength, these Rogue Mega-Evolved creatures become dangerous, so players must fight them (following the Tera Raids mechanic from Scarlet & Violet) to defeat them.
However, only Mega Evolved Pokemon can fight the Rogue Mega-Evolved creatures terrorizing the city. Luckily, an ally from Team ZM will be by your side.
Mega Dimension DLC
During the latest Nintendo Direct, a paid DLC for Pokemon Legends Z-A was announced for February 28, 2026.
This DLC will expand the main story by adding the appearance of mysterious distortions that connect to a space known as Hyperspace Lumiose. This extension of the journey will involve the Mythical Hoopa and will include two exclusive Mega Evolutions for Raichu, Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y.
Additionally, those who pre-purchase the DLC ($29.99) will receive Holo-X and Holo-Y apparel items as rewards.
Pokemon Legends Z-A trailers
You can watch the official Pokemon Legends Z-A reveal trailer below:
Here’s the extended look at Pokemon Legends Z-A featured in the 2025 Pokemon Presents:
Here’s the video featured in the Nintendo Direct from March 27, 2025.
The video shown during the July 22, 2025, Pokemon Presents.
The latest video from the September 12, 2025, Nintendo Direct.
That’s everything we have for Pokemon Legends Z-A right now, but be sure to check out more of our great guides, including the confirmed starters, every featured Pokemon, and all about the Mega Evolutions.