The Final Stretch: Pokemon releasing new game in October

After years of waiting, Pokemon fans finally get to play Pokemon Legends Z-A for the original Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2 this October. 

Announced in 2024, Pokemon fans waited eagerly for more information to be shared regarding the new Legends game as little information was given during the initial release trailer. Then again, in early 2025, more videos slowly began to release allowing pokemon fans to get a better picture of what the games story was going to be about, as well as some of the games mechanics. As of now, the game will release on Oct. 16 of this year, leaving only a couple weeks left before fans get their hands on this new game. 

In this article we will be covering all of the newest updates in relation to the new game. Additionally, as a seasoned Pokemon fan myself, opinions and other thoughts will be detailed at the end of the article. So grab your Pokedex’s, backpacks and Pokemon partners as we discuss this exciting new game.

To start, Mega Evolution is making its comeback. Mega Evolution was a gimmick introduced in Pokemon X and Y that allowed certain Pokemon to transition to a different form and gain several boosts in their stats, making them stronger. Additionally, these new forms weren’t just palette swaps. Pokemon could gain extra limbs, typings and many more features. Effectively, this gave older Pokemon a chance to step back into the spotlight and receive more attention when gaining a Mega Evolution. Before Legends Z-A, only 46 Pokemon could Mega Evolve. 

With new information received from the Pokemon Company, we know multiple Pokemon that will receive Mega Evolutions in Legends Z-A. So far, the Megas of Dragonite, Victreebel, Hawlucha, Delphox, Malamar, Greninja and Chesnaught have been confirmed. Raichu is also another Pokemon to not just receive one Mega but two, joining the likes of Mewtwo and Charizard who also have two Mega Evolutions.  

While fan excitement continued to grow surrounding Mega Evolution, Pokemon also took the time to announce four linked Pokemon Battles are back. Although you could always double battle in previous games and four link battles in games like Pokemon Moon, four linked Pokemon Battles in Pokemon Legends Z-A will definitely shake things up with its new battle mechanics as well as the mode’s point system. In this mode players will compete to rack up the most points while battling their pokemon. Each time a player manages to defeat another player, they receive a point, but they have to be careful. Players are fighting each other all at once in a small battle arena, so while someone may be fighting another player, a third can join the mix and turn the battle completely on its head. Pokemon can also Mega Evolve in these battles, making the field even more dangerous. 

Finally, to end this long list of major updates is the game’s DLC (Downloadable Content). Typically, game companies will wait to release DLC after the game has been out for a good while. This in turn drums up more sales for the game when it is deemed “old” and gives players more content to encourage them to play the game longer. Announcing this DLC, Mega Dimensions, early isn’t the problem itself, sure, it may be a little disappointing to know that there likely won’t be anymore DLC after this when we are all bored with the game. However, from what we know, most Mega Pokemon are going to be locked behind this paywall. Pokemon like the two Mega Raichus, are confirmed to be locked behind this DLC, so, if Pokemon fans want to use these new forms, they will have to pay more money on top of the $60 to $90 Legends Z-A game. Although some argue this doesn’t completely ruin Legend Z-A, as other Megas are available to play in the base game, it is disappointing to say the least. DLC is supposed to be extra content; full game mechanics shouldn’t be locked behind paywalls that players need to empty their pockets for. This is especially true for new games as prices begin to skyrocket.

Overall, this game will definitely rock the Pokemon community. Unlike the last game, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, which are riddled with bugs and glitches, Pokemon Legends Z-A is rumored to have been in development for at least three years. I hope this means we get a “completed game” that was well thought through and doesn’t have constant frame drops. Personally, I’m excited to see what this game has to offer for the older generation of Pokemon fans, as well as the new ones who will experience Pokemon for the first time by playing this game.