After Pokémon Legends: Arceus shook up the Pokémon series, fans have been hoping for another game in that vein, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A is exactly that.

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Taking us back to Lumiose City, the Kalos metropolis from Pokémon X and Y, it's a far cry from the rural setting of Legends: Arceus.

First announced back in November 2024, we've had a couple of trailers drop in the meantime, revealing more of the gameplay and story bit by bit.

So, what can you expect from Game Freak's next title? Here's what you need to know about Pokémon Legends: Z-A, including release window, gameplay and more!

When is the Pokémon Legends Z-A release date? Our speculation on the next Pokémon game

A screenshot from the Pokemon Legends: Z-A trailer, confirming its 2025 release date window
Pokemon Legends: Z-A's 2025 release date window. Game Freak

Pokémon Legends: Z-A will release in late 2025.

The release window was confirmed during the Pokémon Presents presentation on 27th February 2025.

Aside from the late 2025 window, we're still waiting on an exact release date.

Can I pre-order Pokémon Legends Z-A?

Yes, you can pre-order Pokémon Legends Z-A from UK retailers like Amazon and Smyths, even though we still do not know when the game will be released.

We currently haven't found any US pre-orders available, but we'll add them to this section as soon as we find any.

Which consoles and platforms can play Pokémon Legends Z-A?

As for platforms, we know that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will at least be available on Nintendo Switch, with the console's familiar red and white logo in the official announcement trailer.

The game will also be available on the Nintendo Switch 2, which is great news for those wanting to play Pokémon Legends: Z-A on Nintendo's latest hardware.

Pokémon Legends Z-A gameplay news – Is Mega Evolution back in the next Pokémon game?

The trailer for Pokémon Legends Z-A only really confirmed one thing in terms of gameplay — by including the familiar icon above, the developers made it clear that Mega Evolution will feature in Pokémon Legends Z-A.

People who played the original X and Y games will know that Mega Evolution originated in those titles before being included in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire as well.

Through the use of special stones, Mega Evolution allows select Pokémon to transform into 'Mega' versions of themselves (with new designs, abilities and improved stats) midway through battle.

Similar gimmicks have appeared in more recent games, but some fans have been hoping for a long time to see Mega Evolution return.

In addition to Mega Evolutions, Wild Zones will feature across Lumiose City, where players can capture Pokémon using crosshairs.

Battling is also different. Players can move Pokémon during battles, making positioning a useful tool alongside which moves are used.

Following the release of a new trailer during the March Nintendo Direct, we also got a few more confirmed gameplay features.

First, we've got the return of the day/night cycle, something that featured in Legends: Arceus, but has a bit of a twist in Z-A.

The trailer seems to suggest that daytime is more focused on catching Pokémon, while night focuses more on battles as Trainers hit the streets to compete in the Z-A Royale, a new competition.

Like how you could sneak up behind Pokémon in Legends: Arceus to get an advantage in battle, you can do the same by surprising NPCs to start a battle.

Lastly, we were shown some footage of 'Wild Zones', areas where Pokémon live in peace within Lumiose City (until you barrel in to catch them, of course).

Pokémon Legends Z-A story news – Is it a prequel?

A long-haired old man, AZ, hold his palm upwards. The Pokemon Floette is floating there.
X and Y's mystery man AZ. Game Freak

Regarding the story, it's currently unclear whether Pokémon Legends Z-A is set before or after Pokémon X and Y.

The only previous mainline Pokémon game to have 'Legends' in the title was 2022's Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which travelled back in time to an ancient period way before Diamond and Pearl (all three of those games were set in the same region).

Set in Lumiose City, the area is undergoing a redevelopment with the aim of Pokémon and humans living in perfect harmony.

The redevelopment is being undertaken by Quasartico Inc, with CEO Jett and their secretary Vinny expected to play a huge part in the story.

AZ is the owner of a hotel where your character stays.

Do we know what the Pokemon Legends: Z-A starters will be?

Yes! The starters for Pokémon Legends: Z-A have been revealed.

As expected, Game Freak has followed the same formula to previous Pokémon games, with players having the ability to choose between a Water, Fire, or Grass-type Pokémon.

Below is a list of their names:

  • Chikorita - Grass
  • Tepig - Fire
  • Totodile - Water

Is there a Pokémon Legends Z-A trailer?

You can check out the Pokémon Legends Z-A reveal trailer below. It didn't give much away, to be honest, but it was enough to get us excited!

This was followed up by another trailer in the Nintendo Direct released in March 2025, which you can view at the top of this page.

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Authors

Rob Leane Gaming Editor
Rob LeaneGaming Editor

Rob Leane is the Gaming Editor at Radio Times, overseeing our coverage of the biggest games on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, PC, mobile and VR. Rob works across our website, social media accounts and video channels, as well as producing our weekly gaming newsletter. He has previously worked at Den of Geek, Stealth Optional and Dennis Publishing.

Alex Raisbeck
Alex RaisbeckGaming writer
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