Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Everything You Need to Know

by

Okay, so after waiting *three years* – the longest we’ve ever had to wait for a new Pokémon game since 1996 – we’re finally getting a new one this year! It’s called *Pokémon Legends: ZA*, and it comes out in about a month. I’m super excited because it’s going back to the Kalos region, which a lot of fans love, and it’s a sequel to *Pokémon Legends* – a game I really enjoyed. Because so many of us are planning to grab it when it launches in October, I thought I’d share a few things you should know before you spend your money.

THE GAME WILL HIT NINTENDO SWITCH AND SWITCH 2

For the first time ever, a major Pokémon game, Pokémon Legends ZA, is being released on multiple platforms simultaneously. It will launch on both the original Nintendo Switch and the new Switch 2. The Switch 2 version costs $10 more, but you can upgrade from the Switch version at any time, so you’re not locked into your initial purchase.

THE GAME SUPPORTS NINTENDO’S VOUCHERS

Here’s a smart way to save on *Pokemon Legends*: Nintendo is ending its Switch game voucher program soon, but while it lasts, you can use vouchers to get the game for $10 off. Then, you can upgrade to the newer Switch version for another $10. This means you’ll get the updated version for the same price you’d normally pay for the original!

60FPS ON SWITCH 2!

The quick release of a *Pokémon* game for the Switch 2 is exciting because it means we’ll be experiencing an enhanced game very early in the new system’s lifespan. Specifically, a Switch 2 version of *Pokémon Legends ZA* would be the first *Pokémon* game to consistently run at 60 frames per second since *Pokémon Emerald* on the Game Boy Advance – which was 20 years ago, in 2005!

BUNDLED WITH SWITCH 2

Okay, so if you’re thinking about getting a Switch 2 and you’re a Pokémon fan, you might want to wait a little longer. Nintendo just announced that Pokémon Legends ZA will be included with new Switch 2 consoles starting this October! If you were planning on getting both anyway, this is a great way to save some cash. Just a heads-up though – it’s a standard Switch 2, so don’t expect a special edition console or dock with the bundle.

REAL-TIME BATTLES 

A major highlight of *PokemonLegendsZA* is its completely revamped battle system, which goes even further than the changes introduced in the original *PokemonLegends*. Battles in *LegendsZA* are now action-based and happen in real-time, using a style system where attacks have cooldowns. This is a significant departure from the traditional turn-based battles the series has always used, and features a new stat system as well.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR CHARACTER AND POKEMON

Pokemon Legends ZA takes place in Lumiose City, located in the Kalos region. Kalos was first introduced in Pokemon X and Y, and that game was the first to let players customize their trainer’s appearance—a feature that’s become very popular in the Pokemon series. This customization is returning in Pokemon Legends ZA, and players will be able to customize both their own character and their Pokemon with options found throughout Lumiose City’s many shops and parlours.

SIDE QUESTS 

Pokémon Legends: Arceus included detailed side quests to enrich the exploration experience, and it was the most extensive quest system in the series up to that point. Pokémon Legends Z-A will expand on this even further, filling Lumiose City with a wide variety of side quests. Some of these quests will help you with your main story, while others will send you on detours to meet and get to know the game’s interesting characters.

POKEMONHOME COMPATIBILITY

Dedicated Pokémon fans love being able to transfer their Pokémon teams between games, and for the past twenty years, this has been possible thanks to services like Pokémon HOME. The newest game, Pokémon Legends ZA, will also support Pokémon HOME, but this feature won’t be available until next year. Nintendo and Game Freak warn players not to transfer Pokémon into ZA carelessly. While you *can* bring your Pokémon into ZA, the game’s updated stats mean they may no longer be compatible with other Pokémon games afterward. Essentially, transferring Pokémon into ZA could prevent you from using them in future games, so proceed with caution!

ZYGARDE

The new game, Pokemon Legends ZA, is finally addressing a long-standing disappointment for fans. After Pokemon X and Y released in 2013, many expected a follow-up game – often referred to as Pokemon Z – that would expand on the original, refine its features, and especially focus on the mythical Pokemon Zygarde. Similar to how Pokemon Emerald highlighted Rayquaza and Platinum focused on Giratina, fans anticipated a starring adventure for Zygarde. However, Pokemon Z never came to be, leaving Zygarde underdeveloped. Pokemon Legends ZA promises to change that, dedicating its entire story to exploring Zygarde’s lore. It’s great news for those who have been waiting years to see this Pokemon get the attention it deserves!

MEGA EVOLUTIONS

Okay, so as a Pokémon fan, I’m super hyped that this new game takes place in the Kalos region! That means Mega Evolution is back – and honestly, it wouldn’t be the same without it! If you remember *Pokémon X and Y*, you know how awesome it is to temporarily power up your Pokémon into these crazy strong Mega Evolutions. The best part? They’re bringing back the old ones, *and* they’ve announced some brand new ones like Mega Dragonite and Mega Victreebell. Seriously, I can’t wait to try them all out!

DLC

When *Pokémon Legends: Arceus* launched, fans were disappointed it didn’t receive any updates or extra content after release. However, *Pokémon Legends ZA* is different – it’s confirmed to get downloadable content, and the announcement came well before the game even launches! This DLC will even bring back Mega Evolutions, which should excite players who enjoyed that feature in previous games.

Read More

2025-10-08 19:42