The Pokémon franchise has remained captivating since its inception, largely due to its strategic release of new mainline installments. Alongside popular spin-offs like Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, as well as remakes from previous generations, fans are always anticipating the next addition. Presently, while the gaming community awaits news about Generation 10, excitement is building around the newly revealed Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
After a series of rapid releases for titles such as New Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet—inclusive of their DLC expansions—the absence of a 2024 release felt unexpected. Following a teaser last year, updates about the upcoming title were scarce until they were reignited during the Pokémon Day 2025 broadcast.
Introducing Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Overview of Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set to be the latest title in the Legends series, following the legacy of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This new installment, slated for a global release later this year, will transport players to the futuristic setting of the Kalos region, specifically Lumiose City. While an exact launch date has not been disclosed, the introduction of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, suggests that a late Fall 2025 launch is likely.
Unlike its predecessor, which took players back in time to Sinnoh’s history, Legends: Z-A will draw from the vibrant potential of Kalos’ future. Excitingly, the game will feature Gen 2 starters, Chikorita and Totodile, alongside Tepig from Gen 5, marking a unique inclusion as Gen 2 becomes the first generation with all its starters appearing in a Legends title.
Fans of Mega Evolutions will be thrilled to learn about their return in this installment. Originally introduced in Pokémon X and Y, the Mega Evolution mechanic is expected to add new dynamics to gameplay. Leaks hint at the introduction of around 27 additional Mega Evolutions, potentially freshening up the overall experience.
The gameplay structure itself promises innovation. Echoing the uniqueness of Legends: Arceus, Legends: Z-A aims to maintain a distinct approach with real-time action battles and new mechanics, including the ability to catch defeated Pokémon and a unique nighttime battle royale feature.
Future Pokémon Titles Following Legends: Z-A
Upcoming Generation 10 Games
The precise timeline for Pokémon releases post-Legends: Z-A remains uncertain, but traditionally, mainline Gen 10 titles are expected to follow. Given the anticipated release of Legends: Z-A in late 2025, it’s feasible that the next Gen games could debut as early as 2026, perhaps in November, upholding the franchise’s established cadence. However, fans should prepare for the possibility of a wait until 2027, considering the current lack of announcements.
Moreover, it’s plausible that various spin-off titles may coincide with these major releases. Historically, each Pokémon generation has included multiple side games, and while there are rumors of new titles surfacing after Gen 10, such assertions should be treated with skepticism until official news is available.
On another note, the absence of remakes in Gen 9 signals significant anticipation for Gen 10 to fulfill that role. Prevailing speculation strongly indicates that remakes of Pokémon Black and White will be forthcoming in the next few years. With the advancements in gameplay since Gen 5, a refreshed take on these titles holds great promise for Pokémon enthusiasts.
Anticipations for Pokémon on Switch 2
New Console Enhancements
The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to significantly impact the Pokémon gaming landscape. With Nintendo revealing extensive improvements in hardware, it’s evident that players will enjoy an enhanced experience with Pokémon titles. Although Legends: Z-A will not serve as a launch title, this delay may benefit holiday shoppers concerned about the new console’s price.
Another exciting element is the backward compatibility of the Switch 2, ensuring that Legends: Z-A will be playable on both the original Switch and the new console. This feature is likely to extend to future Pokémon games, meaning Gen 10 titles could also be available across both systems, potentially with upgrades tailored for the Switch 2. With improvements expected, Gen 10 could achieve unparalleled heights, surpassing previous generations.
Backward compatibility suggests a performance lift for classic titles too. The Gen 9 games faced notable performance hurdles, and the Switch 2’s capabilities may address those issues effectively.
While rumors circulate about possible remakes of Gen 5 games and a potential Let’s Go adaptation for Gen 2, none have been formally confirmed. What remains clear is that Pokémon Legends: Z-A is on the horizon, with its impending release aligning with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, hinting at an exciting future for the franchise. Fans can also look forward to experiencing Gen 10 games, which will clearly benefit from the enhanced features of the new console.