Key Takeaways
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A released on October 16, 2025, for Switch 1 ($59.99) and Switch 2 ($69.99).
- The game scored 7/10 from Nintendo Life and 79/100 on Metacritic, ranking second only to Legends: Arceus among Switch Pokémon titles.
- Critics praised performance consistency but criticized Lumiose City’s restrictive design and flat textures.
- A full leak occurred before launch, exposing major story spoilers.
- Reports claim Game Freak’s roadmap extends to 2030, with Pokémon Generation 10 (Project Gaia) planned for 2026.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Officially Launches on Nintendo Switch
After weeks of anticipation and a full pre-release leak, Pokémon Legends: Z-A officially launched on October 16, 2025, for both the Nintendo Switch 1 and Switch 2. The base version retails for $59.99, while the next-gen edition costs $69.99. Despite widespread spoilers circulating online ahead of release, fans were eager to experience Game Freak’s latest take on the Pokémon Legends series.
Reviews: Strong Scores but Divided Opinions
Early reviews for Pokémon Legends: Z-A have been generally positive but mixed in tone. Nintendo Life awarded the title a 7/10, while Metacritic currently lists it at 79/100 based on 55 critic reviews. That score makes it the second-highest-rated Pokémon game of the Switch era, trailing just behind Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
However, reviewers note that the game’s focus on a single condensed setting — Lumiose City — limits exploration and reduces the sense of wonder found in previous entries. Nintendo Life’s Alana Hagues described the world as “lifeless,” citing its static backdrops and lack of interactive detail.
Also read : The Pokémon Company’s Chief Operating Officer requests leaker remove Generation 10 images
Graphics and Design Draw Criticism
Much of the criticism centers on the game’s visual design. Players have pointed out instances of flat textures, particularly in Lumiose City’s architecture. Windows and flowers appear as 2D stickers rather than fully modeled assets — a noticeable downgrade compared to Scarlet and Violet.
Despite these issues, reviewers praised the game’s smooth performance and stable frame rates, especially on the upgraded Switch 2 hardware.
What’s Next for Pokémon
In the wake of Legends: Z-A’s release, leaks have reportedly outlined Game Freak’s plans through 2030, including Pokémon Generation 10, codenamed Project Gaia. Rumored versions — Pokémon Wind and Pokémon Wave — are allegedly scheduled for 2026, with DLC planned for 2027.
Conclusion
While Pokémon Legends: Z-A doesn’t fully recapture the magic of Arceus, it delivers a solid entry that balances technical improvement with creative restraint. With Generation 10 already looming, it’s clear the Pokémon franchise is gearing up for an ambitious next chapter — one that fans hope will blend innovation with the series’ timeless sense of adventure.
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