‘Pokémon Legends: Z-A’ Reveals New Trailer, Confirms Starters and Release Date
Big news hit the Pokémon world recently, and I couldn’t wait to share it. The team behind ‘Pokémon Legends: Z-A’ just unveiled a brand-new trailer that’s got us all talking. It’s packed with exciting details about what’s coming, and trust me, it’s worth the wait.
This game takes us back to Lumiose City, a place we first explored in ‘Pokémon X’ and ‘Y’ back in 2013. This time, though, it’s getting a major makeover. The trailer shows off a city buzzing with change, part of an urban redevelopment project led by a company called Quasartico Inc. The goal? To make Lumiose a spot where humans and Pokémon can live side by side. We’re talking more greenery, cool modern buildings, and special ‘wild zones’ where you can catch Pokémon roaming free.
One of the biggest reveals is the starter lineup. When you kick off your adventure, you’ll pick from Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile. Chikorita and Totodile hail from the Johto region, introduced in ‘Pokémon Gold’ and ‘Silver’, while Tepig comes from the Unova region of ‘Pokémon Black’ and ‘White’. It’s a fun mix, blending some older favorites in a fresh way. I’m already torn on which one I’ll choose—Chikorita’s chill vibe or Totodile’s wild energy might win me over.
The trailer also gave us a peek at the battles, and they’re shaking things up. Unlike the usual turn-based fights we know, ‘Pokémon Legends: Z-A’ goes real-time. You and your Pokémon can move around during combat, dodging attacks and timing your moves. Each attack has its own range and effect area, so where you stand matters. It’s a bold change, and I can’t wait to see how it feels in action.
New trailer for 'POKÉMON LEGENDS: Z-A.'
— Agents of Fandom (@AgentsFandom) February 27, 2025
Coming to Nintendo Switch later this year.#PokemonPresents #PokemonDay pic.twitter.com/xo7vjwOIYV
Another highlight? Mega Evolutions are back. This mechanic, first seen in ‘Pokémon X’ and ‘Y’, lets certain Pokémon transform mid-battle into stronger forms. The trailer flashed some familiar ones like Mega Lucario and Mega Gyarados, hinting that we’ll see plenty of these power-ups. It’s a nice nod to the Kalos region’s past, tying this game to its roots.
As for when we’ll get our hands on it, the release is locked in for late 2025. That likely means a November drop, perfect for the holiday season. It’s coming to Nintendo Switch, and with the Switch 2 on the horizon, it’ll probably work there too thanks to backward compatibility. No exact date yet, but late 2025 gives the team time to polish this ambitious project.
The story kicks off with you arriving in Lumiose for some sightseeing. You’ll stay at Hotel Z, run by AZ—a mysterious character from ‘Pokémon X’ and ‘Y’ who’s tied to the region’s history. From there, you’ll team up with a Pokémon and dive into the city’s adventures. The trailer hints at new friends and challenges, all wrapped up in this evolving urban setting.
This isn’t just a random sequel either. ‘Pokémon Legends: Z-A’ builds on ideas from ‘Pokémon Legends: Arceus’, which launched in 2022. That game took us to the ancient Hisui region with open zones and a new catching style. Now, we’re flipping to a modern city vibe, but keeping some of that fresh gameplay.
I’m excited to see Lumiose City in a new light. The trailer showed off Prism Tower still standing tall, surrounded by parks and waterfronts. It’s a big shift from the quieter, past-focused world of Arceus. This feels like a step forward, blending the old with the new in a way that’s got me counting the days until late 2025. What do you think—ready to roam Lumiose with Tepig by your side?