Metacritic labels Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s critic reception “Generally Favorable,” but there is no single score that applies to every version: the listing showed a 70 for Nintendo Switch and a 78 for Nintendo Switch 2. Metacritic’s user score was much lower, at 4.8, and is a separate measure.
What is Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s Metacritic score?
On October 8, 2026, Metacritic’s overall critic listing showed a 78/100 Metascore, labeled “Generally Favorable,” based on 107 critic reviews. That aggregate listing is not a platform-specific score. Metacritic’s platform view reported different scores and review counts for the two editions:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51r8yUj+syL._SL160_.jpg)
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Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Pokémon Legends: Z-A Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41IOdpg0EfL._SL160_.jpg)
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Pokémon Legends: Z-A Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | $65.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| Platform | Metascore | Critic reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | 70/100 | 9 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | 78/100 | 112 |
These are Metacritic page figures accessed October 8, 2026, and can change as reviews are added or the listing updates. The platform figures should not be collapsed into one universal score. See Metacritic’s game listing and platform view.
Critic score and user score tell different stories
Metacritic’s critic consensus was positive, while its user score was labeled “Generally Unfavorable”: 4.8/10 from 4,089 user ratings on October 8, 2026. The displayed user-rating breakdown was 35% positive, 15% mixed, and 51% negative; percentages may not total 100 because of rounding.
#1 Best Overall
- Venture into Hyperspace Lumiose in this additional story content that can be accessed after completing the main game
- Work with the mysterious baker, Ansha, to make donuts that awaken the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa’s power and grant you and your Pokémon a variety of useful effects
- Join Team MZ and the Mega Evolution Successor, Korrina, to investigate Hyperspace Lumiose, the otherworldly home to rare and hyper-strong Pokémon
- Discover new Mega Evolutions such as Mega Raichu X, Mega Raichu Y, Mega Chimecho and Mega Baxcalibur
- Claim Holo-X and Holo-Y in-game apparel items, which you can wear as soon as you are able to customize your character’s look and outfit in the main game
The Metascore is based on critics’ reviews, whereas the user score reflects ratings submitted by users on Metacritic. Neither should be presented as the other, and the user ratings are not a survey of all players.
What the score does—and does not—establish
“Generally Favorable” describes Metacritic’s critic consensus label; it does not establish universal approval, sales performance, or the reception of every player. The platform split is also important: the Switch 2 figure is not a substitute for the original Nintendo Switch edition’s score.
Rank #2
- Your journey will take you to all manner of sights in the streets arrayed around Prism Tower, including shops, restaurants, and places called wild zones—where Pokémon roam free.
- As you catch, train, and battle Pokémon, there will be plenty of people to meet too—like AZ, the enigmatic owner of Hotel Z.
Metacritic lists the game’s initial release date as October 16, 2025, and Nintendo as publisher. Its synopsis places the adventure in Lumiose City during an urban redevelopment plan. Metacritic’s listing includes the game details and score breakdown.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Upcoming Switch 2 bundle announced for October 29, 2026
On September 30, 2026, the official Pokémon site announced a bundle of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and the Mega Dimension DLC, scheduled to release on October 29, 2026. That date was still in the future when Metacritic’s figures above were accessed on October 8. The bundle announcement is an availability update, not an explanation for the review scores. Check the official Pokémon Legends: Z-A updates for current status.
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Rank #3
- [4K ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE] Protect the peace in Lumiose City in this enhanced edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, featuring native 4K resolution and a stable 60FPS frame rate. Experience the urban re-development plan with high-fidelity textures and advanced lighting effects centered around the iconic Prism Tower.
- [REAL-TIME BATTLE ENGINE] For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, command your Pokémon in seamless real-time battles. Engage over 100+ unique species with zero loading transitions, utilizing an upgraded combat AI that leverages the increased processing power of the Switch 2 hardware.
- [MEGA EVOLUTION MECHANICS] Master the power of Mega Evolution to suppress rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon appearing across the Kalos region. This edition introduces 15+ newly discovered Mega-Evolved forms, each rendered with dynamic particle effects and exclusive Z-A signature moves for tactical depth.
- [MULTIPLAYER Z-A ROYALE] Compete in the Z-A Royale each night to test your skills against global Trainers. Supported by Nintendo Switch 2's improved low-latency wireless architecture, these competitive events allow you to climb leaderboards and unlock rare evolution stones in 20-player lobbies.
- [EXPANSIVE WILD ZONES] Explore vibrant Wild Zones where Pokémon roam free in their natural habitats, from bustling city shops to hidden restaurants. This Hong Kong physical edition is region-free and supports English, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese, featuring the enigmatic AZ and the peacekeeping Team MZ.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
