Many fans have been split on what to expect for the highly anticipated Pokémon Legends: Z-A which is releasing later this, but the latest reveal for Switch 2 has convinced me. The Pokémon bandwagon is set to roll on with another huge release for the franchise with Pokémon Legends: Z-A, hot on the heels of Nintendo’s Switch 2, which is set to be released on June 5, 2025.

The second Pokémon Legends game following 2022’s Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a sequel to Pokémon X and Y, the sixth generation of the series. With huge technical differences to the main games, it looks set to be full of big talking points for long-time fans of the series, but many may now be convinced by it following the latest information that has been revealed ahead of its October release.

Legends: Z-A Is Releasing October 16 On Switch 2

A Surprising October Launch

The biggest news is that we have confirmation that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be launching for both Switch and Switch 2 on October 16 This is a big move for the series making an early statement on Nintendo’s latest console, even if it was one that was expected. The game being available on both consoles is great news, allowing all fans of the series the opportunity to play the new release regardless of if they can get their hands on a Switch 2 or not this summer.

Pokémon fans will be able to place their pre-orders beginning this week, from June 5, 2025 on the Nintendo eShop, the same date as the launch of the Switch 2. However, no new details have been confirmed about what rewards, in or out of game, you will receive for pre-ordering the title. We are expected to potentially find out more about this on July 22 during the next Pokémon Presents. The announcement marks a change for Pokémon games, which are traditionally released in November.

The Switch 2 Version Will Include The Actual Game With Upgrade

A Physical Game Card For Players

Further details were confirmed last week along with the official release date, and it is great news for those planning on playing on Switch 2. It was confirmed that “In addition to the Nintendo Switch title, a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will offer improved graphics and frame rates.” This is exactly what you would expect from a title near the launch of a new console, although we will have to wait to see how much of a difference this makes between the two versions.

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The most interesting part, though, was that players will be able to purchase a physical version for either console, along with being able to upgrade. “The digital and physical versions of Pokémon Legends Z-A can be upgraded to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition via upgrade pack.” So, for the Switch 2 edition it will be a physical game that players can keep, which is great news for traditional gaming fans. This is alongside the digital version for those that choose the option. If you do purchase the Switch 1 version, you can upgrade it regardless of if you have the physical or digital version in the future.

Switch 2 Physical Games Already Seem In Danger

Pokémon Going Against The Grain

The games industry in general has long been moving towards a digital service rather than the physical game discs and cartridges which have been associated with it for decades. Many fans have been concerned by the trend, with Nintendo clearly looking towards moving away from physical games with the Switch 2.

Earlier this year, when Nintendo announced all the details of the Switch 2, they also confirmed that some games on the new console would not include game data on the cards themselves, instead having game-key cards. For this, players would then use it to download the game, and then the card isn’t used again. In the long term, this is a problem for many as those who might be looking to play back Switch 2 titles without having to be connected to the internet. Some games have already been confirmed as Game-Key cards only, like Dragon Quest 1 + 2 HD-2D Remake, and this is expected to be the case for a lot of the third-party games on the console.

It’s Great Legends: Z-A On Switch 2 Isn’t Just A Download Code

A Big Plus Point For The Game

Despite a lot of online backlash to Nintendo’s statements around Game Key card-only games for the Switch 2, it is great news that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will not be one of them. For many Pokémon fans, having the ability to go back and drop into old generations on old consoles is a must. Many die-hard fans will have amassed cartridges or cards for every game the company has released over the last three decades and will want to carry on with this. I, as one of these players, am delighted that I will be able to buy a version on a card which, in years to come, I can just pop back into my old console and fire away.

It also offers hope for the majority of other Nintendo owned series that will be coming to Switch 2. For Pokémon, I suspect this will carry on with future releases for the console, such as the anticipated Pokémon Champions which is set to be the spiritual successor of N64’s Pokémon Stadium. This is one of the positive bits of news around the games reveal, along with the highly-anticipated Battle Royal Mode, which is set to provide something different to any previous Pokémon title.

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With so much about Pokémon Legends: Z-A yet to be revealed, I’m still eagerly awaiting plenty of features that could make or break the game.

While not much further was revealed around Pokémon Legends: Z-A the game’s cover art was also shown, with lots of clues on Pokémon that will feature in the game. The confirmed three starters are all on show, Tepig, Chikorita and Totodile, along with further Pokémon which appear to have Mega versions we have not previously seen in the series.

While opinions have already been split ahead of Pokémon Legends Z-A releasing later this year, I am optimistic of a great title in the historic series. But being able to own card versions on both the Switch and Switch 2 is a good start.