Nintendo reveals the Pokémon Legends: Z-A release date + Switch 2 edition with improved visuals and frame rate

The Pokémon company and Nintendo have now officially confirmed that Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set for release on October 16. This includes Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Switch and the Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Head below for more and details on the upcoming pre-order launch. 

Pokémon Legends: Z-A release date

The upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A is one of the most anticipated Switch 2 games we already knew about. While many folks can’t wait to get hands-on with Mario Kart World and the new Donkey Kong Bananza, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A are close seconds and we now finally have a release date and more details on the latter. 

Now set for release on Thursday, October 16, 2025, Nintendo has also announced that pre-orders for the new Pokémon game will go live on June 5, 2025 – the same day Switch 2 is set to release. 

While Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set for release on both Switch and Switch 2, it is worth nothing that the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is not a Key Card release – there is a physical cartridge in the box. 

Nintendo says the Switch 2 Edition will “offer improved graphics and frame rates!”

Here’s a look at the official Pokémon Legends: Z-A box art – “The cover art has also been unveiled, featuring the game’s main characters and their partner Pokémon battling a Mega-Evolved Pokémon at night in Lumiose City.”

Another notable detail here is that “players who purchase either the physical or digital version of Pokémon Legends: Z-Afor Nintendo Switch” will indeed have the option to upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition by purchasing an upgrade pack. No pricing details were mentioned in today’s press release for the upgrade. 

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a new frontier for the Pokémon video game series, blending an RPG story unfolding in a single city with action elements and a real-time battle system unlike anything seen before in the franchise. Trainers can look forward to the beginning of a new adventure in Lumiose City—one woven by people and Pokémon together!​

Today’s release date news is also joined by the announcement of the news Pokémon Presents presentation – it will take place on Tuesday, July 22. 

#PokemonLegendsZA arrives October 16, 2025! In addition to the #NintendoSwitch title, a #NintendoSwitch2 Edition will offer improved graphics and frame rates! The digital and physical versions of #PokemonLegendsZA can be upgraded to the #NintendoSwitch2 Edition via upgrade pack

Subscribe to the 9to5Toys YouTube Channel for all of the latest videos, reviews, and more!