If by “the new Pokémon game” you mean Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the best alternative depends on what you want to do: choose Pokémon Legends: Arceus for solo exploration and catching, Pokémon Scarlet or Violet for an open-world RPG with broader multiplayer, or Pokémon Pokopia for cozy building and social play. Z-A is the assumed reference here, not a claim that it is the newest Pokémon release: Nintendo lists it as released October 16, 2025, and the official Pokémon site says it is available now.
Which Pokémon game should you play instead?
| Game | Best fit | Multiplayer focus | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Scarlet or Violet | A traditional Pokémon RPG with an open world and three story paths | Exploration, trading, and battling; one to four online, two to four locally | Nintendo Switch |
| Pokémon Legends: Arceus | Solo exploration, research, and catching | Two players locally or online | Nintendo Switch |
| Pokémon Pokopia | Cozy crafting and restoring a world as Ditto | One to four on one system, two to four locally, or one to four online | Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive |
For context, Pokémon Legends: Z-A itself supports one player on a system and two to four through local wireless or online play. Nintendo lists both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 editions; check the edition before buying. Its online multiplayer requires each participating system to have a copy of the game.
Pokémon Scarlet or Violet: best for a traditional RPG with friends
Scarlet and Violet are the strongest alternatives if you want a familiar Pokémon adventure with a large world to explore. Nintendo describes three story paths, and the games let players explore, trade, and battle together. You can progress through the story solo and join others for multiplayer activities.
- Solo: One player on a single system.
- Local wireless: Two to four players.
- Online: One to four players.
Nintendo lists the player counts on its Pokémon Scarlet product page. Online features require internet access and may require a Nintendo Switch Online membership; check the current terms for your region. The games are for Nintendo Switch.
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Pokémon Legends: Arceus: best for solo exploration and catching
If the part of Z-A that appeals to you is exploring and catching Pokémon, rather than gathering a group for activities, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the closest fit among these options. Nintendo presents it as an action-and-exploration take on the series, centered on completing the region’s first Pokédex. Its main appeal is a solo journey built around research and fieldwork.
- Solo: One player on a single system.
- Local or online multiplayer: Two players.
That smaller multiplayer scope makes it a less group-focused choice than Scarlet and Violet. See Nintendo’s Pokémon Legends: Arceus product page for its player-count listing. It is available for Nintendo Switch.
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Pokémon Pokopia: best for cozy building and social play
Pokémon Pokopia changes the activity rather than offering another conventional Pokémon RPG: you play as Ditto and rebuild a world through cozy crafting and restoration. It is the pick for players who want a gentler building-focused game with solo and group options.
- One system: One to four players.
- Local wireless: Two to four players.
- Online: One to four players.
Pokopia is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. Nintendo lists its release date as March 5, 2026, and provides the player counts on its Pokémon Pokopia product page. Online play may require a Nintendo Switch Online membership; verify current regional requirements.
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What to know about Z-A multiplayer before choosing
If you are comparing these games because you have not yet settled on Z-A, note that it offers both a solo game and multiplayer for two to four people. Nintendo Support says Link Play unlocks after approximately 1 to 1.5 hours of play. The exact time can vary with how quickly you progress. For online play, each system needs its own copy of the game. Nintendo’s multiplayer setup instructions cover starting a session.
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Choose by the kind of play you want
- For a story-driven Pokémon RPG with more ways to play together: choose Scarlet or Violet.
- For mostly solo exploration, research, and catching: choose Legends: Arceus.
- For building, restoration, and casual social play on Switch 2: choose Pokopia.
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.
