Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A, the newest title in the Pokémon franchise, launches today, October 16, for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Fans on social media are sharing their excitement with posts like “I took the day off” and “Can’t wait to go home and play.” The game features a reimagined Lumiose City and introduces real-time trainer–Pokémon battles for the first time in the series.

Quick Summary

- Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A was released on October 16, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
- Fans on social media posted messages like “took the day off” and “want to go home early.”
- The story is set in Lumiose City, undergoing redevelopment led by Quasartico Inc.
- Real-time battles let trainers and Pokémon move and act simultaneously.
- A Japan-only release event and global reactions highlight the game’s popularity.

Fans Celebrate the Launch of Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A

Social media has been filled with posts celebrating the release of Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A. Early this morning, players shared messages like “I took paid leave today—it’s Pokémon day,” “Playing Pokémon all afternoon,” and “The day of nonstop gaming begins.” Others commented on wanting to return home quickly, with posts such as “Need a Pokémon vacation” and “Too many people taking Pokémon leave today.” Some users also mentioned concerns about spoilers appearing online if they didn’t start playing right away.

Setting and Story: Rediscovering Lumiose City

The story takes place in Lumiose City, a setting first introduced in Pokémon X and Y. In Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A, the city is being redeveloped under Quasartico Inc., aiming to create a space where humans and Pokémon coexist. The protagonist visits Lumiose City with their partner Pokémon—Chikorita, Totodile, or Tepig—and stays at an old building known as Hotel Z. There, they face various incidents and mysteries that unfold throughout the urban landscape.

New Real-Time Battle System and Mega Evolution

Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A introduces a new battle system where both trainers and Pokémon act in real time. Instead of turn-based combat, players can move around the battlefield while giving commands, adding new tactical depth. Factors such as timing, range, and speed of moves influence the outcome of battles. The game also brings back Mega Evolution—an advanced form of evolution that uses Key Stones and Mega Stones, enhanced by the power of bonds between trainers and Pokémon. Mastering this feature will be key to winning battles.

Exploring the Wild Zone and Series Evolution

Lumiose City includes a special area called the Wild Zone, created for human–Pokémon coexistence. Using advanced technology, the zone allows players to encounter and capture wild Pokémon with Poké Balls or engage them in battles. Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A follows the Pokémon LEGENDS series that began with Pokémon LEGENDS: Arceus in 2022, which combined action and RPG elements to expand how players experience the Pokémon world. The new title continues that evolution with fresh systems and settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When was Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A released?
A1: Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A was released on October 16, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

Q2: Where does Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A take place?
A2: The game is set in Lumiose City, a location originally featured in Pokémon X and Y.

Q3: What is new about the battle system?
A3: The game introduces real-time battles where trainers and Pokémon act together, adding new tactical elements like movement and timing.

Q4: What Pokémon can players choose as partners?
A4: Players can choose from Chikorita, Totodile, or Tepig as their partner Pokémon.

Q5: What company is behind Lumiose City’s redevelopment?
A5: Within the story, the redevelopment of Lumiose City is led by Quasartico Inc.

Source : ORICON NEWS