The highly anticipated Pokemon Legends: Z-A is launching on Thursday, October 16th, and fans are eager to know precisely when they can dive into the new adventure. The global release schedule for this exciting Switch exclusive has finally been revealed.
Mark your calendars! The game officially goes live at midnight Eastern Time on October 16th. For those on the West Coast, that means you can start playing as early as 9 PM PT on Wednesday, October 15th, while Central Standard Time players can jump in at 11 PM CST the same day. Here are the detailed release times:
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Official Release Schedule:
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
- 9 PM PT (Pacific Time)
- 11 PM CST (Central Standard Time)
Thursday, October 16, 2025
- 12 AM ET (Eastern Time) – This applies to all other regions worldwide.
Preloading and Preorder Information
Good news for trainers! Preloading for Pokemon Legends: Z-A is now live for those who purchased a digital copy from the Nintendo eShop. Players should note that the game requires 4GB of storage on the original Switch and 7.7GB on the newer Switch 2 console. Many digital extras are available for those who preorder; make sure to check out guides for all the exciting perks and to help you choose the best version for your collection.
Various retailers are offering preorders for Pokemon Legends: Z-A for both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, including console bundles, with prices starting from $60. Make sure to compare options for any exclusive bonuses.
What Awaits in Pokemon Legends: Z-A?
As previously announced, Pokemon Legends: Z-A serves as a direct follow-up to the popular Pokemon Legends: Arceus. This new adventure transports players to the vibrant Kalos region, first explored in the Gen 6 titles Pokemon X and Y. Instead of vast wilderness, the bustling metropolis of Lumiose City will be your primary playground, offering a fresh urban environment distinct from Arceus’s open landscapes. Your journey will begin by choosing one of three beloved partner Pokemon: Chikorita, Totodile, or Tepig. Fans will also be pleased to know that the intuitive, streamlined catching system introduced in Arceus makes a welcome return, allowing you to capture wild Pokemon without engaging in a full battle every time.
One of the most significant changes in Z-A is a bold overhaul of the battle system. Moving away from the traditional turn-based combat seen in both Arceus and the core series, this title introduces a strategic real-time combat system. Players will have the freedom to move their partner Pokemon during encounters within a designated battle area. Success will hinge on smart positioning, precise timing, and well-executed dodges to both land attacks and defend against incoming ones.
Dive deeper into everything known about Pokemon Legends: Z-A by watching the comprehensive overview video.
Beyond the fresh mechanics, a beloved feature is making a grand comeback: Mega Evolutions! This powerful transformation, last seen in 2018’s Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu and Eevee, allows your partner Pokemon to temporarily unleash an incredibly potent form with altered appearances. It’s important to remember that not all Pokemon species can Mega Evolve; only specific ones, when equipped with a Mega Ring and their unique Mega Stone, can achieve this temporary boost.
Looking ahead, the first major expansion for the game, titled “Mega Dimension,” is scheduled to launch in February 2026.
For a visual preview, an image gallery showcases every confirmed Pokemon for Pokemon Legends: Z-A revealed so far, including fan favorites like Pikachu, Pyroar, Litleo, Furfrou, Flabebe, and Klefki.