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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Pokémon Legends: Z-A was released on 16 October 2025. Contemporaneous launch coverage reported that players could start at 12 AM local time in several regions, while the US West Coast launch began at 9 PM PDT on 15 October. Nintendo confirmed the date, but its reviewed pages do not provide a complete official time-zone schedule.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A release date
The Pokémon Company announced on 28 May 2025 that “Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be available to play on 16 October, 2025.” Nintendo’s launch schedule also lists 16 October 2025. Nintendo notes that release dates may differ by region, so check the relevant regional Nintendo site for local availability details.
| # | 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 |
Sources: The Pokémon Company’s release-date announcement and Nintendo’s launch schedule.
Reported start times by region
GameSpot reported a midnight Eastern launch on 16 October, equivalent to 9 PM Pacific and 11 PM Central on 15 October; it attributed the full schedule to IGN. TechRadar’s launch coverage also reported the following local times. These are media-reported times, not a complete schedule published on the official pages reviewed.
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#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
| Region | Reported local start |
|---|---|
| US East Coast | 12 AM EDT, 16 October |
| US West Coast | 9 PM PDT, 15 October |
| United Kingdom | 12 AM BST, 16 October |
| Central Europe | 12 AM CEST, 16 October |
| Sydney, Australia | 12 AM AEST, 16 October |
| Tokyo, Japan | 12 AM JST, 16 October |
The West Coast date is the clearest calendar-day difference: the reported start was three hours before midnight Eastern and fell on the evening of 15 October locally. Local dates vary with time zones, and Nintendo cautions that release dates may vary by region.
Sources: GameSpot’s release-time report and TechRadar’s 15 October 2025 launch coverage.
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.
Which version was released?
The game was announced for Nintendo Switch and as a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. The Pokémon Company describes the Switch 2 Edition as offering improved graphics and frame rates; Nintendo UK specifies improved resolution and frame rates. Nintendo UK lists both a Switch download version and a Switch game card.
Owners of the Nintendo Switch game, whether physical or digital, can buy an upgrade pack for the Switch 2 Edition. The upgrade pack is not a standalone base game: Nintendo Support says the console must also have a copy of the game, either a physical game card or virtual game card.
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: The Pokémon Company’s announcement, Nintendo UK’s game page and Nintendo Support’s upgrade-pack information.
Quick Recap
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.
