Our Take
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an open-world action RPG for Nintendo Switch set entirely within a reimagined Lumiose City from the Kalos region, following on stylistically from Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Aimed at Pokémon fans aged eight and upward, it sits between a mainline entry and a spin-off, prioritising exploration and real-time battles over traditional turn-based gym progression.
Key Features
Set exclusively in Lumiose City, a single large urban environment undergoing an "urban redevelopment plan"
Real-time Pokémon catching and combat, building on the mechanics introduced in Legends: Arceus
Returns to the Kalos region, introducing Mega Evolution back into the series
Playable on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2
Single-player story-driven campaign with no confirmed multiplayer details at time of writing
Features a mix of familiar Kalos Pokémon alongside new or regional variant forms
Our Verdict
Best suited to Pokémon fans already invested in the Legends format or those with nostalgia for Kalos and Mega Evolution. Younger or more casual players may find it less accessible than a mainline title. Anyone hoping for a return to traditional gym-badge gameplay should look elsewhere.