Pokemon Legends: Z-A Guide
Updated November 13, 2026 in Pokemon
On this page
Pokemon Legends: Z-A released on October 16, 2025 for Nintendo Switch, with a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition that runs better. It is set entirely in Lumiose City, you pick Chikorita, Tepig or Totodile as your starter, and Mega Evolution returns. A paid DLC, Mega Dimension, adds new story content after the main game.
Quick facts
| Detail | Pokemon Legends: Z-A |
|---|---|
| Announced | February 27, 2024, as the closing teaser of that year's Pokemon Day Pokemon Presents |
| Release date | October 16, 2025 |
| Platforms | Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 as a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition |
| Setting | Lumiose City, Kalos region |
| Starters | Chikorita, Tepig or Totodile |
| Switch 2 Edition price | 69.99 US dollars (digital) |
| DLC | Mega Dimension, 29.99 US dollars |
Lumiose City
The whole game takes place in Lumiose City, the central city of the Kalos region. The city is going through a redevelopment plan to make it a place for both people and Pokemon, and Hotel Z is your base.
Starters and battles
You choose Chikorita, Tepig or Totodile at the start. Battles happen in real time with no turns, and both the Trainer and the Pokemon move around during a fight.
Mega Evolution
Mega Evolution returns. A Key Stone reacts with a Mega Stone held by a Pokemon to trigger it. Rogue Mega-evolved Pokemon roam the city and drop Mega Stones when you beat them.
Switch 2 Edition
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition costs 69.99 US dollars digitally. If you already own the Switch version, you can upgrade for 9.99 US dollars or 7.99 pounds.
Nintendo promises better performance, higher resolution and smoother frame rates. Nintendo Life measured 60fps in both modes, upscaled 4K when docked and 1080p in handheld, and found no exclusive content. Our Switch 2 platform page has more on the console.
A bundle of the Switch 2 Edition with Mega Dimension is listed for October 29, 2026.
Mega Dimension DLC
Mega Dimension costs 29.99 US dollars for either the Switch game or the Switch 2 Edition. Its story content released on December 10, 2025 and unlocks after you finish the main story. It sends you to Hyperspace Lumiose and adds new Mega Evolutions. Our Mega Dimension guide has the full breakdown.
Mega Garchomp Z
A Mystery Gift available from February 27, 2026 unlocks a distortion with Mega Garchomp Z and a Garchompite Z stone. The fight requires Mega Dimension.
Where it fits in the series
Legends: Z-A is part of the Legends line of Pokemon games. See how it lines up with the others in our list of Pokemon Legends games in order, or find it in our games database under Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
In this section
- Pokemon Legends: Z-A Mega Dimension DLC
- WalkthroughComing soon
- Best StarterComing soon
- Mega Evolution GuideComing soon
- Side QuestsComing soon
- Shiny HuntingComing soon
FAQ
When did Pokemon Legends: Z-A come out?
Pokemon Legends: Z-A released on October 16, 2025 for Nintendo Switch, with a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
What are the starters in Pokemon Legends: Z-A?
You choose Chikorita, Tepig or Totodile.
Is the Switch 2 Edition of Legends: Z-A worth it?
Nintendo promises better performance, higher resolution and smoother frame rates. Nintendo Life measured 60fps in both modes with no exclusive content, and Switch owners can upgrade for 9.99 US dollars or 7.99 pounds.
Where is Pokemon Legends: Z-A set?
It is set in Lumiose City, the central city of the Kalos region, during a redevelopment plan. Hotel Z is the player's base.
Sources
- Pokemon Legends: Z-A announced, coming to Switch in 2025, Nintendo Life
- Video Games product schedule, The Pokemon Company International (press site)
- Pokemon Legends: Z-A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition product page, Nintendo of America
- Pokemon Legends: Z-A official site, The Pokemon Company
- Pokemon Legends: Z-A: Switch 1 vs. Switch 2, which version should you buy?, Nintendo Life
- Pokemon Legends: Z-A Mega Dimension DLC product page, Nintendo of America
- Pokemon Legends: Z-A Mega Dimension DLC, Nintendo UK
- Pokemon Continues 30th Celebrations with the Unveiling of Pokemon Winds and Pokemon Waves, the Newest Entries in the Pokemon Video Game Series, The Pokemon Company International (press site)
