Pokémon Legends Z-A Set for October Release on Switch and Switch 2

Nintendo has officially announced that Pokémon Legends Z-A will launch on October 16 for both the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2.

Setting and Story

The new game is set in Lumiose City, located in the Kalos region, familiar to fans from the Nintendo 3DS titles Pokémon X and Y. The city is undergoing a major urban development initiative, striving for "a vision of beautiful coexistence between people and Pokémon."

Wild Zones: These areas let wild Pokémon roam freely throughout Lumiose City.
Urban Development: New storylines center around city expansion and Pokémon integration.

Gameplay Highlights

Catching Mechanics: Players will capture Pokémon similarly to Pokémon Legends: Arceus—by throwing Poké Balls directly in the field.
Real-Time Battles: Unlike previous Legends entries, battles now happen in real time. Pokémon can dodge attacks, reposition themselves, and employ moves with varying range and area effects.
Mega Evolutions Return: The powerful Mega Evolution mechanic from Pokémon X/Y is back, allowing Pokémon to undergo temporary transformations during battle.

Starters and Characters

Starter Pokémon:

Chikorita (Pokémon Gold/Silver)
Tepig (Pokémon Black/White)
Totodile (Pokémon Gold/Silver)

Characters to watch for:

Urbain/Taunie: Your new ally
AZ: Hotel manager, a returning figure from X/Y
Jett: CEO of Quasartico Inc., leading the urban development
Vinnie: Jett’s secretary

New Legendary Focus

The "Z-A" colors in the logo celebrate Zygarde, a legendary Pokémon from Generation VI. The game's trailers have featured Zygarde's 10% canine form.

Returning to Kalos

While Pokémon Legends: Arceus explored the Sinnoh region's past, Pokémon Legends Z-A will spotlight the Kalos region, expanding on the lore established in X/Y.

Series Background

Pokémon Legends: Arceus launched globally on Switch in January 2022, taking fans to the historic Hisui region (ancient Sinnoh).
Pokémon X/Y shipped for the Nintendo 3DS in October 2013. Notably, these games never received a third version or direct sequel, making Z-A a unique revisit.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet arrived for Switch worldwide in November 2022.

Source: Pokémon Times' X/Twitter account via Hachima Kikō