The Pokemon Presents events have typically not had major game reveals, unlike other video game showcases, but the one from last year was particularly notable due to the surprise announcement of Pokemon Legends: Z-A. This upcoming title, which is currently being developed by Game Freak, was revealed with a short CGI trailer that showed no gameplay of any kind. It just displayed a Tron-esque, neon-tinged setting with dozens of Pokemon running around. One of the only notable tidbits of information that was revealed in the trailer for Pokemon Legends: Z-A was that the game would take place in Lumiose City, Pokemon X and Y's primary setting.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A is currently slated to launch sometime in 2025, just three years after the release of its predecessor, Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Despite already being announced as a Nintendo Switch exclusive, there has been a lot of discussion about what platforms the game will be available on. The Switch 2, as many may already know, is going to be released in the near future, so some fans have speculated that Pokemon Legends: Z-A will be ported to the console, perhaps even as a launch title. Recent rumors suggest, however, that this will not be the case.
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Pokemon Legends: Z-A Is Seemingly Not Getting a Switch 2 Port
During a new episode of "The Last of the Nintendogs" podcast, the ever-reliable insider Jeff Grubb alleged that every game that makes an appearance at the next Pokemon Presents event will be positioned by Nintendo as "Switch 1 games." He added that, although these titles will work on the Switch's successor via backwards compatibility, there won't be anything "that is obviously made for Switch 2." Grubb never called Pokemon Legends: Z-A out by name in this report, but considering the game is supposed to be released within the next 12 months, it's safe to assume that it will show up at the event in some form.
A recent leak suggests that a new Pokemon Presents event is going to be held on February 27, the same day as Pokemon Day.
If Pokemon Legends: Z-A doesn't get a native Switch 2 port, then it won't be able to take advantage of the unreleased console's raw graphical power. More powerful hardware seems like a necessity for the Pokemon series in this day and age, especially when recent entries in the franchise, like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and Pokemon Legends: Arceus, have repeatedly been criticized for their poor technical performance on the current Switch. Although some will argue that the recent Pokemon games need improved optimization more so than new hardware, it's hard to refute the idea that these titles would run better if they weren't being developed exclusively with an 8-year-old console in mind.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Will Likely Be a Success, With or Without a Switch 2 Port
Although the lack of an optimized version of Pokemon Legends: Z-A for the Switch 2 will frustrate many, maybe it doesn't really matter in the long run. The Pokemon franchise is a juggernaut, and no matter how many criticisms its flagship games often get, they almost always sell like gangbusters. Scarlet and Violet, with all their technical flaws, still became some of the best-selling mainline Pokemon installments of all time and were well-received by some. Even Legends: Arceus got very positive reviews, despite having borderline unacceptable visuals and framerate on the Switch.
To put it bluntly, as much as fans may want a dedicated version of Pokemon Legends: Z-A for the Switch 2, it's likely that Nintendo isn't in much of a rush to make it happen. Besides, the company has previously released new, mainline Pokemon games for last-generation hardware on multiple occasions (namely in the cases of Pokemon Black 2 and While 2, and Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon), so a Switch-only release for Pokemon Legends: Z-A wouldn't be that out of the ordinary.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 79 /100 Critics Rec: 66%
- Released
- October 16, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak, Creatures Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
WHERE TO PLAY
LIVE THE LIFE OF A POKÉMON TRAINER IN THE STREETS OF LUMIOSE CITY
Whether you’re a die-hard Pokémon fan or about to toss your first Poké Ball, the Pokémon Legends: Z-A game has plenty to offer for Trainers of all types. Experience classic gameplay with modern twists that are sure to revolutionize your Pokémon RPG experience.
CATCH, BATTLE, AND MEGA-EVOLVE—ALL IN REAL TIME!
Step onto the battlefield and command your Pokémon directly—there are no turns! For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, Trainers and their Pokémon can both move around in real-time battles, and your Pokémon will unleash their moves when you tell them to. Strategically swapping out your Pokémon and accounting for each move’s timing and area of effect will greatly help you in this new style of battle.
HARNESS THE POWER OF MEGA EVOLUTION
When Trainers have a strong bond with their Pokémon, a Key Stone worn by the Trainer resonates with a Mega Stone held by their Pokémon, allowing Mega Evolution to take place.
ROGUE MEGA EVOLUTION
Rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon are threatening Lumiose City. These Pokémon are extra tough to beat, but if you do manage to defeat them, you'll receive valuable Mega Stones as a reward.
RISE THROUGH THE RANKS OF THE Z-A ROYALE
You’re invited to join the Z-A Royale, a competition for Pokémon Trainers to test their skills and determine who’s strongest.
Each night, a battle zone for the competition will appear. Prepare yourself by spending the day in wild zones, catching and training Pokémon, then venture into the battle zone and take on other Trainers.
Be strategic and complete bonus card challenges as you battle to speed up your climb from Rank Z to Rank A. Can you climb the ranks and reach the top?
WELCOME TO LUMIOSE CITY
Visit shops, restaurants, and more, all centered around Prism Tower. An urban redevelopment plan is underway to shape the city into a place that belongs to both people and Pokémon.
BATTLE WITH TRAINERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
With a Nintendo Switch Online membership*, you can battle up to three other Trainers at once, locally or online, in frenetic real-time battles!
- Franchise
- Pokemon
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
