Is The Next Big Pokemon Game Legends Z-A Coming to Switch 2?

The Pokémon Company has announced the next major Pokémon video game title coming to Nintendo Switch in 2025: Pokémon Legends: Z-A. 

This new entry in the beloved monster-catching RPG franchise promises to take players on an all-new adventure set in the Kalos region’s Lumiose City.

What Do We Know About Pokémon Legends: Z-A?

Details are still scarce, but the announcement trailer provides some hints at what fans can expect from Legends: Z-A. 

• Stylized graphics show futuristic architecture and landscapes, suggesting the game may have a more vibrant high-tech aesthetic compared to the ancient Japanese feel of Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
• The key art also depicts the iconic Mega Evolution symbol from Pokémon X and Y, indicating that Mega Evolved forms for certain Pokémon could return. 
• And the title refers to “Legends” like the 2022 precursor, meaning developer Game Freak is continuing the new direction of reimagining its classic regions.

When and Where Does It Take Place?

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set entirely within Lumiose City, the central metropolis of the Kalos region first introduced in 2013’s Pokémon X and Y for the Nintendo 3DS.

The game’s official description states that “an urban redevelopment plan is underway to shape the city into a place that belongs to both people and Pokémon.” 

Fans will have to wait for more details to find out exactly when Legends: Z-A takes place in the Pokémon timeline.

Is There Any Hint for Switch 2?

As for the release date, Nintendo has confirmed Pokémon Legends: Z-A will launch worldwide for Nintendo Switch in 2025.

However, the timing is also interesting because 2025 is rumored to be the target launch window for the Switch’s successor console, often dubbed the “Switch 2,” “Switch Pro,” or “Super Switch” by fans.

While Nintendo has not officially confirmed a new Switch is in the works, multiple reports over the past two years have indicated the company aims to ship an upgraded model with 4K graphics and more advanced hardware possibly as soon as 2025.

• “Simultaneously“ – End poster showing the word probably hinting simulations launch or aligning with the Switch 2 launch
• Symbol “Z” – looks more like 2 than Z
• Recent Switch 2 delay rumors also indicate more big games launching just before or with Switch to hype the sales

If these rumors prove true, Pokemon Legends: Z-A could end up straddling the generational gap between the original Switch and this new model. 

Game Freak may develop the game for current Switch hardware but also enhance it to take advantage of the power offered by the Switch successor.

This could allow for two different graphical modes – one optimized for each system. 

Or Legends: Z-A may be released first on current Switch hardware in 2025, with an enhanced port following later on the new Switch.