Pokémon Legends: Z-A Release Date Announced, Switch 2 Edition Confirmed

The Pokémon Company made a few massive announcements this week regarding their upcoming release Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The next entry in the mainline Pokémon series developed by Game Freak was first announced during a Pokémon Presents livestream in 2024, which confirmed a 2025 release window towards the end of its announcement trailer.

Recently, they announced the official release date for Pokémon Legends: Z-A alongside additional information, including pre-order details, official cover art, and merchandise. The Pokémon Company also announced the next edition of the Pokémon Presents presentation, in which fans can mark the date on their calendars and tune in to the forthcoming digital event.

The Pokémon Company confirmed the release date for their upcoming release, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which releases globally on 16th October 2025. The upcoming game will launch for the Nintendo Switch console, and The Pokémon Company has also confirmed that a Switch 2 edition will be available on the same day for those who acquire the digital or physical version of the game for the original Switch console.

The Switch 2 Upgrade Pack will be available to purchase through the Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store, according to the official press release. As such, Trainers will be able to secure their copy of Pokémon Legends: Z-A early as pre-orders will go live via the Nintendo eShop starting 5th June 2025, the same day as the global launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 console.

The official cover art for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, featuring the main protagonists and their Pokémon going head-to-head with a Mega-Evolved Pokémon, was also released to accompany the game's release date announcement. Speaking of Mega-Evolution, new themed merchandise was also announced in which Trainers can browse through its range of items available at Pokémon Centers in Canada, the US, and the UK, including Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y pins and a capsule collection of unique "apparel and accessories" featuring Mega Gengar, Mega Lucario, Mega Venusaur, and more.

Trainers who pre-order Pokémon Legends: Z-A at the Pokémon Centers in Canada, the US, and the UK starting next month will receive a randomized Pokémon Sitting Cuties plush of Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile as a purchase gift. There are still plenty more details about Pokémon Legends: Z-A to be revealed, and Trainers may expect this to happen at the next Pokémon Presents presentation, which The Pokémon Company confirmed will be livestreamed on 22nd July 2025 via the Pokémon YouTube channel.