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Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s first partner choices are Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile. The game launched on October 16, 2025, so it is no longer an upcoming release. If you’re deciding which one to choose, go with the Pokémon and type you most want to take on your adventure: Nintendo has confirmed the trio, but its official overview does not rank them by strength.
Which starters can you choose in Pokémon Legends: Z-A?
Nintendo confirms three first partner options: Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile. The official overview says, “You can choose Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile as your first partner Pokémon, and then set off on a grand adventure!” Nintendo’s game overview gives the names in that order; the same trio is meant whether you list Totodile before Tepig or vice versa.
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| 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 |
How should you choose a starter?
Choose based on which Pokémon you like most, whether you prefer a Grass-, Fire-, or Water-type partner, and which one you want to use as it evolves. Nintendo’s official overview confirms the options but does not provide a comparative performance ranking, so there is no supported basis here for calling one starter the strongest.
What kind of game is Pokémon Legends: Z-A?
The adventure takes place in Lumiose City, where people and Pokémon share a city undergoing redevelopment. Nintendo’s overview describes shops, restaurants, wild zones, AZ, and Team MZ as part of the setting.
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- 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
Combat uses real-time battles. Nintendo’s Play Nintendo overview describes it this way: “For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, you can command your Pokémon in real-time battles.” The game also features Mega Evolution, Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon, and the Z-A Royale, a competition held each night.
Release date, editions, and Switch 2 upgrade
Pokémon Legends: Z-A released on October 16, 2025. Nintendo announced versions for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Nintendo says the Switch 2 Edition offers improved graphics and frame rates. Owners of a physical or digital Nintendo Switch copy can purchase an upgrade pack to access the Switch 2 Edition. The Switch 2 Edition can also be played on the original Switch, where its content is the same as the Switch software. See Nintendo’s release announcement for the edition and upgrade details.
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.
What’s next for the game?
Nintendo announced a Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Mega Dimension bundle for October 29, 2026. The announcement says the game edition and Mega Dimension DLC will both be on a game card. That date is still in the future as of October 8, 2026; check the official game site for the latest availability information.
Quick Recap
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.
