Get ready to dive back into the world of Pokémon and unleash powerful Mega Evolutions! The highly anticipated Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set to launch on October 16th. You can grab your copy for $59.99 on Nintendo Switch, or opt for the Switch 2 version at $69.99.
Planning to upgrade to a Switch 2 later? No problem! You can purchase the Switch 1 version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A now and then get the $9.99 Switch 2 Upgrade Pack when your new console arrives.
Don’t forget the exciting paid DLC, Pokémon Legends: Z-A: Mega Dimension! This expansion introduces two brand-new Mega Evolutions for Raichu and additional story content. While most of the DLC arrives post-launch, buying it now grants instant access to exclusive costume items.
Players can already pre-load Pokémon Legends: Z-A through the Nintendo eShop, which includes the day one update. Make sure you have enough space: 4.1GB for Nintendo Switch or 7.7GB for Switch 2.
Heads up, trainers! With physical copies already out in the wild, datamining has begun, so be cautious of spoilers before the official launch. While we’ve caught wind of some exciting new Mega Pokémon, we’re keeping those secrets safe until you discover them in-game.
Returning to the Kalos region, the birthplace of Mega Evolution, Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces the first wave of new Mega Pokémon in over ten years! While new species aren’t anticipated, a thrilling collection of powerful Mega forms awaits. The Pokémon Company has teased a few, but the full roster of fresh Mega species remains a mystery. You’ll have to play to uncover them all!
Typically with Nintendo game launches, digital versions of Pokémon Legends: Z-A will become available in your local region at 12:00 AM midnight on Thursday, October 16th.
However, for players in the U.S., Nintendo often treats the entire country as one release region. This means if you’re in a timezone west of Eastern (like Central, Mountain, or Pacific), you might get to start your adventure a little earlier, late on Wednesday, October 15th!
Pokémon Legends: Z-A: Your Global Release Schedule
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 – Early Access for Some US Players!
PDT (San Francisco):
- 9 PM
CST (Mexico City):
- 11 PM
Thursday, October 16, 2025 – Worldwide Launch
EDT (New York):
- 12:00 AM Midnight
BRT (Sao Paulo):
- 12:00 AM Midnight
BST (London):
- 12:00 AM Midnight
CEST (Paris, Rome, Berlin):
- 12:00 AM Midnight
EEST (Turkey):
- 12:00 AM Midnight
UTC (New Delhi):
- 12:00 AM Midnight
ICT (Hanoi):
- 12:00 AM Midnight
HKT (Hong Kong):
- 12:00 AM Midnight
CST (Beijing):
- 12:00 AM Midnight
JST (Tokyo):
- 12:00 AM Midnight
AEST (Sydney):
- 12:00 AM Midnight
Ready to jump into the action? We’ve prepared extensive guides for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, covering everything from Characters and Starter Pokémon to the exciting Mega Dimension DLC, a complete list of New Mega Pokémon, and a full Pokédex. Get a head start and plan your ultimate team!
This article was written by Tom Phillips, IGN’s News Editor. For more updates, follow him on social media.