Pokémon Presents on Pokémon Day 2025 brought big news for fans—Pokémon Legends: Z-A is heading to Nintendo Switch in late 2025. Set in Lumiose City, this new entry shakes up the formula with real-time battles, Wild Zones, and the return of Mega Evolution. Here’s everything we know so far about Pokémon Legends: Z-A!
Pokémon Legends: Z-A details
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Developer(s): Game Freak, Creatures Inc.
Publisher(s): Nintendo
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: Not yet rated
A new look at Lumiose City
If you’ve played Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, you might remember Lumiose City as a massive hub packed with cafés, boutiques, and battle spots. But this isn’t the same Lumiose. The city is undergoing an urban redevelopment project, led by Quasartico Inc., aiming to create a space where people and Pokémon can live in harmony.
The result? A mix of modern structures, natural parks, and busy streets, all surrounding the towering Prism Tower. Unlike past games where you just pass through as a traveler, Pokémon Legends: Z-A has you settling into the city. You’ll be staying at Hotel Z, a historic building run by AZ, a towering figure claiming to be 3,000 years old. His partner Pokémon, Eternal Flower Floette, never leaves his side.
You’ll also meet new characters, including Urbain or Taunie—your first friend in Lumiose. Who you meet depends on your chosen character appearance, adding a small personal touch to the adventure.
Pokémon catching gets a makeover
Some Pokémon will let you get close, but others won’t stick around. If they spot you, they might run off before you even have a chance to react. To improve your odds, you’ll need to be sneaky. Crouching, using cover, or approaching from behind can help you get close without being noticed.
If throwing a Poké Ball right away doesn’t work, battling is still an option. Lowering a Pokémon’s HP makes catching them easier, so choosing when to battle or stay hidden can make all the difference.
Real-Time battles shake up the formula
The biggest change this time? Battles aren’t turn-based anymore. Instead of waiting for commands, both Trainers and Pokémon move in real time. You’ll have to stay on your toes, making sure to move strategically, avoid attacks, and use your moves at the right time.
Attacks also play out differently. Some take longer to activate, while others cover a wider area, making movement and timing more important than ever. Swapping Pokémon at the right moment or knowing when to strike could be the difference between winning and losing. Game Freak hasn’t shared everything about the battle system yet, but it’s clear this shift is one of the biggest changes the series has ever seen.
Mega Evolution makes a comeback
If you missed Mega Evolution, good news—it’s back. This transformation temporarily boosts a Pokémon’s strength and can even change its type, making it a powerful tool in battle. To activate Mega Evolution, a Pokémon needs to hold a Mega Stone, while the Trainer must have a Key Stone. At some point in the game, you’ll get a Mega Ring, allowing you to unlock this ability.
Some of the confirmed Mega Evolutions include:
- Mega Charizard X & Y
- Mega Kangaskhan
- Mega Ampharos
- Mega Gardevoir
- Mega Sableye
- Mega Altaria
- Mega Absol
- Mega Lucario
With real-time battles now in play, Mega Evolution could introduce new strategies that weren’t possible before.
Your first Pokémon partner
This time, your starter Pokémon won’t come from a single generation. Instead, you’ll choose between Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile.
- Chikorita (Grass-type) – Uses the leaf on its head to sense the environment and release a calming scent.
- Tepig (Fire-type) – A quick-moving Fire-type that breathes fireballs from its nostrils. Loves food, but sometimes burns it to a crisp.
- Totodile (Water-type) – Small but feisty. Bites everything, including its Trainer, without realizing how strong it is.
It’s a unique mix of Pokémon from different regions, giving you options right from the start.
Zygarde’s role in the story
While the full story remains a mystery, one thing’s clear—Zygarde plays a major role in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Known for maintaining balance in ecosystems, it’s a perfect fit for a game centered around urban redevelopment.
Zygarde has multiple forms, shifting based on how many of its scattered Cells have gathered together:
- 10% Forme – Small and fast, capable of hitting speeds over 60 mph.
- 50% Forme – A larger form that monitors Pokémon habitats, ensuring they stay protected.
- Complete Forme – The strongest version, capable of unleashing massive amounts of energy.
How Zygarde fits into the story is still unclear, but it seems to have taken an interest in the player. Its connection to Lumiose City—and why it’s watching over you—could be a major part of the adventure.
Key characters in Lumiose City
Alongside AZ and his Eternal Flower Floette, you’ll meet several new characters shaping the city’s future:
- Jett – The CEO of Quasartico Inc., leading Lumiose’s redevelopment with a vision of strengthening bonds between people and Pokémon.
- Vinnie – Jett’s no-nonsense secretary, known for being fast, efficient, and always busy.
- Urbain/Taunie – Your friend at Hotel Z, helping AZ and supporting the hotel’s guests. They’re also skilled Trainers.
Each of these characters seems to have a stake in Lumiose’s future, so expect their stories to unfold as you explore the city.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is coming late 2025 to Nintendo Switch
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is bringing big changes to the series. Between real-time battles, Wild Zones, and the return of Mega Evolution, this is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Pokémon games yet. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set to launch worldwide in late 2025 on Nintendo Switch, and there’s still plenty to learn before then. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more updates, so stay tuned for the latest news as we get closer to release.
Are you excited to explore this new take on Lumiose City? How do you feel about the battle changes? Let us know your thoughts!
