Pokémon Legends Z-A is out now on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. It's a very different kind of mainline Pokémon game than we're used to, set entirely in the vibrant Lumiose City. You'll make your way through a graded battle ranking system, while making use of brand new Mega evolutions.
While Pokémon Legends Z-A focuses on the Mega evolution mechanic first introduced in Generation 4, there are a lot of new bells and whistles that put it in line with more recent games. We've now played the game, and you can check out our full Pokémon Legends Z-A review for a final verdict. We loved it, and it'll certainly rank highly on our best Nintendo Switch 2 games list.
Here's our live coverage of the launch of Pokémon Legends Z-A, including the key details you'll want to know before playing. Now that the game is out, the TechRadar Gaming team will be providing moment-to-moment impressions of the early hours of play, alongside info on the best Starter and available Mystery Gift codes.
Pokémon Legends Z-A Type Chart
There's a Pokémon Legends Z-A Type Chart that can be viewed in the Trainer Tips menu. Just press X to open the main menu, and then L to get to Trainer Tips. You can see the Type Chart in the image above. The red circle symbols indicate super effective moves. The triangle indicates moves that aren't very effective. Finally, the X symbol shows move types that will have no effect.
Pokémon Legends Z-A Mystery Gift codes
There's two Mystery Gifts available for Pokémon Legends Z-A, for those that are picking the game up now that it's launched:
- If you purchase the digital version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A or Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition by February 28, 2026, you’ll receive a serial code for a gift of 100 Poké Balls.
- Via Internet (Mystery Gift function): Players that pick up Pokémon Legends Z-A before February 28, 2026 can use the Mystery Gift function to get a Ralts holding a Gardevoirite Stone.
Our Pokémon Legends Z-A review
We've played through Pokémon Legends Z-A, and delivered a final verdict. Hamish Hector is a Senior Staff Writer at TechRadar, and he handled the review, giving the game a 4.5/5 stars. You can read the full Pokémon Legends Z-A review for more info.
Hamish praised the game's new Mega Evolutions, as well as the engaging narrative. The soundtrack is a real highlight of his, managing to standout throughout the story's runtime. In terms of things that could have been done better, he cites Lumiose City as feeling a little bit repetitive after a while, and some buginess with the new battle systems.
Pokémon Legends Z-A release date and time for your timezone
Pokémon Legends Z-A released on October 16, 2025* at the times below:
- East Coast (US): October 16 at 12AM EDT
- West Coast (US): October 15* at 9PM PDT
- United Kingdom: October 16 at 12AM BST
- Central Europe: October 16 at 12AM CEST
- Australia (Sydney): October 16 at 12AM AEST
- Japan (Tokyo): October 16 at 12AM JST
*The West Coast of North America received the game on October 15, 2025, due to timezone differences.
Pokémon Legends Z-A best Starter Pokémon
The three Pokémon Legends Z-A starter Pokémon are Tepig, Totodile, and Chikorita. Here's a bit of info on each:
- Tepig: This Generation 5 Pokémon was a starter in Pokémon Black, Pokémon White, and the immediate sequels Black 2 and White 2. It's a fire type that evolves into Pignite and then Emboar. Once Tepig evolves, it gains a Fighting type in addition to Fire.
- Totodile: A Generation 2 starter introduced in Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver. Totodile is Water type, evolving into Croconaw and then Feraligatr. These Pokémon stick to Water type throughout the evolutionary line.
- Chikorita: This Generation 2 starter Pokémon was introduced alongside Totodile and Cyndaquil in Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver. It's a Grass type that evolves into Bayleef and then Meganium, retaining its Grass type throughout.
In terms of the best Starter Pokémon to choose, I recommend Tepig. This Pokémon learns a variety of moves early on, ranging from Fighting type to Rock type, in addition to the main Fire type.
Pokémon Legends Z-A doesn't have the same Gym structure you might be used to, so you won't really have to worry about Type matching a Gym Leader early-on. As such, it's better to have a strong Pokémon with a wide range of moves, allowing you to swap out attacks and gain an advantage over the Trainers you battle. Tepig ticks these boxes.
More-so than in other Pokémon games, Pokémon Legends Z-A is much more lenient in its early hours. You can get away with choosing any of the three Starters, as you'll quickly fill out your Pokédex by visiting Wild Areas. Pick your favorite, or go with Tepig as a more versatile option. Tepig is the only Starter that gains a new Type upon evolving.
Pokémon Legends Z-A Mega Evolutions
Here are the new Mega Evolutions that've been revealed for Pokémon Legends Z-A so far. We're staying away from leaks completely, so the list below only contains officially announced Pokémon:
- Mega Chesnaught (New)
- Mega Delphox (New)
- Mega Greninja (New)
- Mega Hawlucha (New)
- Mega Dragonite (New)
- Mega Victreebell (New)
- Mega Malamar (New)
- Mega Raichu X (New, DLC)
- Mega Raichu Y (New, DLC)
Note that Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y are exclusive to the Mega Dimension DLC for Pokémon Legends Z-A. This will add new story content, as well as new Pokémon, when it launches sometime post-launch. We don't have a release date yet.
Live coverage as it happens
Welcome in, trainers
It’s now less than a day until the release of Pokémon Legends Z-A. I’ll be covering the build up to launch, providing live info that you’ll need to know before playing. Once the game is out, you’ll get my early impressions, including which starter I picked.
Pokémon Legends Z-A release times revealed
The Pokémon Company has now revealed the release times for Pokémon Legends Z-A. It’ll launch October 16 (or October 15 in certain regions) at the times below:
- East Coast (US): October 16 at 12AM EDT
- West Coast (US): October 15* at 9PM PDT
- United Kingdom: October 16 at 12AM BST
- Central Europe: October 16 at 12AM CEST
- Australia (Sydney): October 16 at 12AM AEST
- Japan (Tokyo): October 16 at 12AM JST
You can preload Pokémon Legends Z-A now
Pokémon Legends Z-A is now available to preload on the Nintendo eShop. You’ll just need to preorder the game. The file size is 4.1GB.
Pokémon Legends Z-A starter Pokémon are a mix of Gen 2 and Gen 5
There’s three starter Pokémon in Pokémon Legends Z-A. These are Tepig (Gen 5), Totodile (Gen 2), and Chikorita (Gen 2). Of these, Tepig is the odd one out, likely replacing Cyndaquil, who was included in Pokémon Legends Arceus.
Is Pokémon Legends Z-A a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive?
No, Pokémon Legends Z-A is not a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. It’s also available on Switch, though the Switch 2 version does offer better visuals and a higher framerate.
Our Pokémon Legends Z-A review
We've now played Pokémon Legends Z-A, and it's earned a high score of 4.5/5 stars. The review was handled by Hamish Hector, Senior Staff Writer here at TechRadar. Hamish called the game "a mega evolution for the franchise." Very high praise indeed. Visit our Pokémon Legends Z-A review for the full verdict.
New Mega Evolutions
There are seven new Mega Evolutions revealed for Pokémon Legends Z-A so far. These are brand new to the franchise, though there's plenty of returning Mega Pokémon as well. Here are the new ones:
- Mega Chesnaught (New)
- Mega Delphox (New)
- Mega Greninja (New)
- Mega Hawlucha (New)
- Mega Dragonite (New)
- Mega Victreebell (New)
- Mega Malamar (New)
A return to Lumiose City
Pokémon Legends Z-A is set entirely within Lumiose City. This was the setting for Pokémon X and Pokémon Y back in 2013, though it certainly looks different in the new game. Prism Tower stands at its center, and there's more greenery to be seen throughout the city as you explore. You'll head there on a sightseeing trip, staying at Hotel Z which eventually becomes your base of operations.
Are there new Pokémon in Pokémon Legends Z-A?
Given that Pokémon Legends Z-A isn't part of a new Generation (it's Gen 9, alongside Pokémon Scarlet and Violet), there aren't any new Pokémon this time around. There are, however, new Mega Evolutions for Pokémon like Dragonite and Victreebel, so expect to see some new designs throughout your adventures.
That's all for today!
I'm heading off now, but will be back online tomorrow morning UK time to cover the launch of Pokémon Legends Z-A. I'll be playing through the first few hours of the game, giving some early gameplay impressions as I explore Lumiose City.
Happy release day!
Pokémon Legends Z-A is now out all over the world. You can download it from the eShop, or track down a physical copy from your store of choice. Visit our guide on where to buy Pokémon Legends Z-A for info on the best deals.
First Pokémon Legends Z-A Mystery Gift code revealed
Players that pick up Pokémon Legends Z-A before February 28, 2026 can use the Mystery Gift function to get a Ralts holding a Gardevoirite Stone. You can receive this Ralts in both the physical and digital versions of Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition by choosing Get via Internet in the Mystery Gift feature in your game. This feature unlocks around an hour into the story.
Get a code for 100 free Poké Balls
If you purchase the digital version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A or Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition by February 28, 2026, you’ll receive a serial code for a gift of 100 Poké Balls.
Where to buy Nintendo Switch 2 Pokémon Legends Z-A bundles
Many people have likely been holding out for Pokémon Legends Z-A before buying a Nintendo Switch 2, and it's a great game to showcase the upgrades that the new hardware can offer over the base version. We've gathered together all of the best deals, stock availability info, and more in our Where to buy Nintendo Switch 2 Pokémon Legends Z-A bundles guide.
Pokémon HOME functionality arrives next year
Pokémon Legends Z-A will be added to Pokémon HOME functionality in 2026. Note that Pokémon cannot be transferred from Pokémon Legends Z-A backwards to previous titles. Also, if you transfer a Pokémon from a previous title to Pokémon Legends: Z-A, you will no longer be able to transfer it to previous video games in the Pokémon series.
Let's choose a starter Pokémon
I've now played the first mission of Pokémon Legends Z-A. So far, I'm impressed, especially with how fresh the new battle system feels. As for a starter Pokémon, I went with Tepig, as I'd like to try out the Fighting type that's added after Tepig evolves.
Pokémon Legends Z-A Switch 2 vs Switch
I've managed to run Pokémon Legends Z-A on Switch 2, and then on Switch, playing the same intro section to compare. Overall, the Switch version is pretty poor, with tons of pop in from NPCs, animation slowdown at a distance, and a noticeably lower framerate.
By comparison the Switch 2 is crisp, stable, and features smoother animations. There's a wide gap between these versions visually, but you can at least play the new Pokémon game on older hardware. I'll continue to compare the two versions, before putting my thoughts into a full versus article some time next week.
No cloud saving for Pokémon Legends Z-A
Given that I'm playing Pokémon Legends Z-A on both Switch 2 and Switch, I've learned that the game does not support cloud saving. You have to move your save manually, and doing so removes it from the original console. You can transfer Switch data to the Switch 2, and it'll work on the upgraded version, at least.
My first impressions of Pokémon Legends Z-A
I've now played a couple of hours of Pokémon Legends Z-A. So far, I'm liking the setting of Lumiose City, and how character-focused the story is. I do think that the lack of voice acting is particularly disappointing in this game, given how much better the character animations and the story are so far. All in all though, I like how the game is structured, and the Wild Areas have been a fun way to break up the more linear battle-heavy missions.
You'll need to meet Mable to redeem Mystery Gifts
You'll meet Mable around one hour into Pokémon Legends Z-A. After that, you can access Mystery Gifts via the 'Link Play' tab in the main menu. Use this to get a Ralts for free. There will likely be new Mystery Gifts in the future as well.
You can sneak up on Trainers
Battle Zones open up at night in Pokémon Legends Z-A, allowing you to battle other Trainers. You can actually sneak up on opponents (left stick click), and attack their Pokémon to trigger a battle. This gives you an advantage, in that there's a short window where the other Pokémon won't be able to attack.
Here's the Totodile evolution line
If you pick Totodile as your starter, you'll be able to evolve them into Croconaw, and then Feraligatr. These Pokémon are Water type only, so only have two weaknesses: Electric and Grass. There's a Mega form for Feraligatr, new to Pokémon Legends Z-A, but we won't spoil things here.
Side Quests are dotted all around Lumiose City
I'm enjoying Pokémon Legends Z-A quite a bit, especially the side quests that task you with heading into Wild Areas and after specific Pokémon. They're a nice change of pace, and usually take you into areas where you can catch new Pokémon.
TMs can be earned by completing Research Tasks
After meeting Mable, you can check the Research menu to see tasks that can be completed. These generally involve catching new Pokémon, and Pokémon of a certain type. Complete enough to level up and receive powerful TMs that teach new moves to your party members.
That's all for now
I'm heading off now to play more Pokémon Legends Z-A. You can still check out our coverage of launch day as it happened, right here on this page. We've got DLC for the game arriving some time in 2026, so hopefully we'll hear more on that sooner rather than later.
Pokémon Legends Z-A impressions on day two
I've now played five hours or so of Pokémon Legends Z-A. It definitely takes a few hours to open up, as you're lead through a lengthy tutorial to begin with. Once you're let loose into Lumiose City, the game really starts to click. I'm really enjoying the side quests and the Wild Areas, and I'm excited to see whether or not the battling becomes a bit more challenging as I rise through the ranks.
Prioritize Bonus Cards in Battle Zones
Each night, you'll have a limited time to earn enough points for a Promotion Match. Picking up blue Bonus Cards allows you to get more points per battle. These are pretty easy objectives, like using super effective moves, or surprising your opponent by sneaking up on them. Make sure to pick up every one you find, and swap them out for types that you know you will naturally make use of in your battles.
Make sure you're completing side quests
During the day in Pokémon Legends Z-A, you'll have time to explore the city. You can either head into Wild Areas and catch new Pokémon, or go after side quests. I recommend doing as many side quests as you can, as many of them reward you with new Pokémon. I actually received a Bulbasaur from one of them, and a Froakie from another. These two Pokémon have Mega Forms after evolving, so they're well worth trying out in your team.
Where to get Mega Stones
To get Mega Stones in Pokémon Legends Z-A, you'll need to head to the Quasartico Lab and interact with the vendors there. You'll visit this area once you reach Rank V, and will actually have a Promotion match to U Rank just outside the building. Mega Stones can be purchased with Mega Shards. In some cases, you'll also get Mega Stones for defeating Rogue Mega Pokémon, like the Mega Absol you fight early on in the story.
How to use Plus Moves
Plus Moves are unlocked after getting past main mission 9 in the story. Once you've done so, certain moves will be upgraded to Plus moves for certain Pokémon. Press the + button while in battle to toggle Plus moves for attacks. This will use some of your Mega Energy. If you Mega evolve a Pokémon, they will automatically use the Plus version of their moves.
Auto Heal to save time
If you press X to get to the main menu, you can actually Auto Heal your team members by pressing the right stick. This will use healing items to do a blanket heal to the selected Pokémon. Much faster than healing with individual items!
New Wild Zones will unlock over time
As you progress through the ranks of Pokémon Legends Z-A, new Wild Area zones will spawn. So far, I've managed to get new areas 7 through to 9, with each corresponding to a higher level of wild Pokémon contained within.
I'm off to play more Pokémon Legends Z-A
That concludes my coverage of the launch of Pokémon Legends Z-A. I'll be playing more over the weekend, so you'll likely see more on the game from me and other TechRadar Gaming team members next week.
