First announced way back on February 27, 2024, the highly anticipated new entry in the "Pokémon LEGENDS" series, "Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A," has finally dropped a more detailed trailer today, celebrating Pokémon's 29th anniversary! The game is officially set to launch on Nintendo Switch in Fall 2025.
As previously revealed, "Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A" takes trainers to Lumiose City, the bustling heart of the Kalos region. The game focuses on a "Urban Redevelopment Plan" aiming to create a city where people and Pokémon can truly coexist. This means Lumiose City in "Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A" will be a vibrant, high-tech metropolis, boasting even more lush greenery and advanced infrastructure compared to its appearance in 2013's "Pokémon X and Y."
Players will step into the shoes of a visitor to Lumiose City, making Hotel Z their base of operations. Here, you'll meet local companions like Tani and Gai, along with various Pokémon, as the story unfolds around the powerful Kosei Company.
And for fans of "Pokémon X and Y," AZ and his Floette (Eternal Flower) are making a grand return in this new installment!
The starter Pokémon for "Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A" have also been confirmed: the Grass-type Chikorita, the Fire-type Tepig, and the Water-type Totodile. For all you trainers wondering "Where's Cyndaquil?", you'll have to head over to "Pokémon LEGENDS Arceus" for that one!
The Kosei Company
From the trailer, we learn that the story revolves around the Kosei Company, a tech giant that's not only a major force behind the "Urban Redevelopment Plan" but also responsible for creating "Wild Zones" where wild Pokémon can thrive. These zones are designed to achieve the "people and Pokémon coexistence" goal, allowing trainers to battle and catch Pokémon within them.
The catching system carries over a key feature from its predecessor, "Pokémon LEGENDS Arceus": players can sneak up on Pokémon from behind or hide in the shadows. But be warned, if they sense your presence, they'll bolt!
Dynamic New Battles on the Move!
One of the biggest highlights of "Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A" is its brand-new battle system, a significant departure from previous "Pokémon" titles. The trailer shows Pokémon moving freely alongside their trainers, executing moves simultaneously to take down opponents.
This new battle system also introduces elements like "timely Pokémon switching" and "move selection," along with considerations for move range and speed, making Pokémon battles richer and more strategic than ever before.
Mega Evolution Makes a Comeback!
Returning to Lumiose City, the heart of the Kalos region, can only mean one thing: Mega Evolution is back! By using the Mega Ring worn by the protagonist, trainers can Mega Evolve their Pokémon in battle. The official announcement has already revealed some of the Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution:
．Mega Charizard X
．Mega Charizard Y
．Mega Kangaskhan
．Mega Ampharos
．Mega Gardevoir
．Mega Sableye
．Mega Altaria
．Mega Absol
．Mega Lucario
"Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A" is slated for a Fall 2025 release. As previously stated, this new title will launch on the original Nintendo Switch console. Whether it will eventually make its way to a next-generation console like the Nintendo Switch 2 remains unannounced.