Pokémon Legends: Z-A is almost here, and the excitement among fans is electric. Mark your calendars for October 16, when the game officially launches worldwide – priced at $59.99 for the Nintendo Switch and $69.99 for the upcoming Switch 2. For those not ready to make the hardware jump just yet, The Pokémon Company has made it convenient: you can buy the Switch version now and later purchase the $9.99 Switch 2 Upgrade Pack to enjoy enhanced visuals and performance when you eventually upgrade your console. 
It’s a smart move that keeps both early adopters and loyal fans in the loop.
The developers have also announced an ambitious DLC expansion titled Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension. This paid content promises to bring new story missions and two long-awaited Mega Evolutions – including a stunning new form of Raichu that fans are already speculating about online. Early buyers who pre-purchase the DLC will instantly unlock special costume items for their trainer avatar, while the full story content will roll out after launch. For completionists and fashion-focused trainers alike, this is an early incentive worth considering.
Pre-loads for the game are already live via the Nintendo eShop, meaning you can download everything – including the Day One update – ahead of time. You’ll need at least 4.1GB of free space on the standard Switch, or 7.7GB on Switch 2. That’s fairly light compared to recent AAA releases, which should make installation a breeze. Nintendo has confirmed that all regions will unlock the game at midnight local time on October 16, though as usual, U.S. players in the Pacific and Mountain time zones will technically gain access late on October 15 due to region-wide rollout scheduling. Perfect for those who can’t wait to start their Kalos adventure early.
And speaking of Kalos – the region that first introduced Mega Evolutions in Pokémon X and Y – Z-A marks a nostalgic yet forward-looking return to that world. This is the first major addition to the Mega Pokémon system in more than a decade, and longtime fans are thrilled to see it revived. The game reportedly won’t introduce brand-new Pokémon species, but it will expand the Mega roster with several never-before-seen forms. Although The Pokémon Company has kept the full lineup secret, leaks from early physical copies suggest a mix of classic favorites and deep cuts from previous generations. Still, the studio has urged fans to avoid spoilers and experience the thrill of discovery for themselves.
As launch day approaches, the online buzz has been equal parts hype and skepticism. Some fans are ready to dive in, praising the nostalgia and accessibility. Others, however, worry about the game’s polish, noting the technical hiccups that plagued recent mainline Pokémon entries. Whether Pokémon Legends: Z-A delivers a smoother, richer experience remains to be seen – but one thing’s certain: everyone will be watching when Kalos comes back to life.
For those planning to explore every corner of this reinvented world, IGN and other outlets are already preparing comprehensive guides covering everything from starter Pokémon and Mega Evolutions to the Mega Dimension DLC and the complete Pokédex. With Mega Raichu leading the charge, Pokémon’s new era is shaping up to be both familiar and refreshingly bold.