The Rotom Phone in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a fictional in-game gadget, not a smartphone you can buy. Its upgrades make it more useful for taking photos and add a brief glide boost for rooftop exploration, but reviewers describe the changes as incremental and the game’s platforming as limited.
What does the Rotom Phone do in Pokémon Legends: Z-A?
It serves as the home for your Pokédex app. The Pokémon Company says Pokémon data is registered when you catch, evolve, or trade Pokémon. The phone’s camera can also be used in wild zones and battle zones, and you can pose with up to six Pokémon at benches, according to the company’s July 22, 2025 announcement.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![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 |
| 2 |
![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 |
| 3 |
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Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | $65.00 | Buy on Amazon |
How much better is the camera?
In his October 17, 2025 review, Charles Pulliam-Moore of The Verge describes a zoom-capable third lens and the ability to take photos while moving. Those options make the camera more flexible for framing Pokémon and scenes at a distance or without stopping. Pulliam-Moore considers the added utility welcome, while characterizing the change as incremental for players coming from the previous generation; these are his review impressions, not results of independent testing.
Can you use the Rotom Phone to jump higher?
Not exactly: the traversal feature is Roto-Glide, which gives a brief boost after you jump from a ledge. Pulliam-Moore reports that it helps with rooftop movement. Brian Shea’s Game Informer review likewise says unlocking the glide widened rooftop-to-rooftop exploration, but describes rooftop routes and scaffolding puzzles as limited platforming. Together, the reviews suggest a useful aid for crossing the city rather than a transformation of how traversal works.
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- 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.
Is the upgrade worth it?
| Use | What changes | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Photography | Zoom and photos while moving, as described by The Verge reviewer. | More flexible framing; the reviewer calls the upgrade incremental. |
| Exploration | Roto-Glide adds a short boost after a ledge jump, according to The Verge and Game Informer reviewers. | More rooftop-to-rooftop reach, within routes that Game Informer characterizes as limited platforming. |
The phone’s appeal is therefore practical rather than game-changing: its camera tools add convenience, and Roto-Glide helps reach across rooftops, but neither review presents it as a wholesale change to the game.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you buy the Rotom Phone?
No—the phone discussed here is an in-game feature. The relevant purchase is Pokémon Legends: Z-A, announced for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition by The Pokémon Company. Takara Tomy announced separate related merchandise called Pokémon Rotom Phone SHAKE; its announcement does not establish current availability or confirm that the toy matches the phone in this game: Takara Tomy product announcement.
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.
Rank #2
- 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
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