Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Key Updates & Announcements

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set to launch on October 16, 2025, for both Nintendo Switch and the new Switch 2.

A Switch 2 Edition / upgrade is confirmed: owners of the standard Switch version can purchase an upgrade pack on eShop to get the enhanced version. A special Switch 2 + Z-A bundle is available for pre-order.

Patch / Day-One Update

The game ships with a version 1.0.1 update. That patch primarily “adds data … required to play online features.” This suggests that online battling, trading, and linked multiplayer functions require the update to activate fully.

Gameplay & Feature Highlights

Real-Time Battles & Z-A Battle Club

Z-A introduces real-time combat, a significant shift from Pokémon’s traditional turn-based system.

The Z-A Battle Club is a four-player real-time battle mode where players try to KO opponent Pokémon for points within a time limit.

During these battles, you can collect Mega Power orbs and stat-boosting items mid-match.

Mega Evolution & DLC “Mega Dimension”

Mega Evolution returns. Starter Pokémon from the X/Y era - Chesnaught, Delphox, Greninja - will have Mega forms in Z-A.

Nintendo has already announced a DLC expansion called Mega Dimension, which teases Mega Raichu X & Y and spatial distortions in Lumiose City.

Fan leaks also suggest new Mega Evolutions including Mega Dragonite, sparking debate among fans. There are rumors that Mega Malamar is also confirmed.

Technical & Design Notes

Lumiose City is built as a single 3D model with ~355,000 vertices (not segmented). This design choice draws attention because it affects performance and loading.

On Switch 2 vs Switch, the differences are modest: the Switch 2 version runs at 60 FPS and higher resolution, while the Switch 1 version is capped lower (around 1080p, dropping to ~800p in handheld mode).

Pre-Order Bonuses & Free Gifts

Pre-orders come with special cosmetic items like a Trench Coat outfit set, which, in many regions, will also be obtainable later through gameplay.

A Slowpoke in a Cherish Ball will be distributed through Pokémon Centers in Japan starting October 24 - part of a promotional gift for Z-A’s release.

Security & Data Leak

In a major security breach named “Freakleak”, over 70 GB of data from Nintendo/Game Freak was reportedly leaked, including internal development files and Pokedex data, days before Z-A’s release.

The scale of the leak suggests access to unreleased content and may impact future leak management.