On Metacritic’s October 8, 2026 snapshot, Pokémon Legends: Z-A had a 4.8 user score from 4,104 ratings, with half of those ratings classified as negative. That is a notably low score on that platform, but the available comparison does not establish that Z-A is one of the worst-reviewed Pokémon games by players across the series.
What players rated Pokémon Legends: Z-A on Metacritic
Metacritic displayed a 4.8 user score from 4,104 ratings on October 8, 2026. Its user-rating distribution was 50% negative, 15% mixed, and 35% positive. These figures describe ratings submitted to Metacritic; they are not a poll of every player or a universal measure of opinion.
Metacritic also showed a critic Metascore of 78 from 107 critic reviews. The user score and critic Metascore measure different groups’ responses and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Is it one of the worst-reviewed Pokémon games by players?
The evidence supports calling Z-A’s Metacritic user score low, but not assigning it a definitive series-wide player ranking. The related-game comparison displayed on Z-A’s Metacritic page includes critic Metascores—for example, 83 for Pokémon Legends: Arceus—rather than a complete, like-for-like table of Pokémon user scores.
#1 Best Overall
![Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51r8yUj+syL._SL160_.jpg)
- 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
To prove a claim such as “one of the worst-reviewed” among players, the comparison would need user scores for a defined set of Pokémon games, drawn from the same platform and aggregator, with rating counts and a consistent capture date. The available figures do not provide that comparison, so a precise rank would go beyond what they establish.
What the game is and where it is available
The ESRB lists Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, rates it E10+ for fantasy violence, and notes in-game purchases. Its description says players explore Lumiose City, complete missions and requests, and battle trainers and wild Pokémon. The Pokémon Company’s official game page also presents Lumiose City as the setting and highlights Mega Evolution and a new battle system.
Rank #2
![Pokémon Legends: Z-A Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41IOdpg0EfL._SL160_.jpg)
- 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.
In an update dated September 30, 2026, The Pokémon Company announced a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition plus Mega Dimension bundle planned for October 29, 2026. That release date was still in the future as of October 8, 2026.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Live the life of a Pokémon Trainer in the streets of Lumiose City!
- For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, command your Pokémon in real-time battles
- Use the power of Mega Evolution in battle and take on rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon
- Compete in the Z-A Royale each night to test your skills and try to become the strongest Pokémon Trainer
- Visit shops, restaurants, and places called wild zones—where Pokémon roam free—all centered around Prism Tower
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.
Sources and snapshot date
- Metacritic, “Pokémon Legends: Z-A Reviews” — user score, rating distribution, critic Metascore, and the related-game comparison; accessed October 8, 2026.
- Entertainment Software Rating Board, “Pokémon Legends Z-A” — platform, content rating, and game description; accessed October 8, 2026.
- The Pokémon Company, “Latest Updates | Pokémon Legends: Z-A” — September 30, 2026 bundle announcement; accessed October 8, 2026.
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