Pokémon Legends: Z-A review

Pokémon Legends: Z-A rounds out the list as the best choice for Pokémon fans. Nintendo's store page sets it in the streets of Lumiose City and highlights a new battle system: there are no turns, and for the first time in the Pokémon RPG series trainers and Pokémon both move in real time, with moves fired when you call them. Mega Evolution returns, Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon roam the city and drop Mega Stones when defeated, and each night a battle zone opens for the Z-A Royale competition. The store lists single-player story play plus local wireless and online play for 2 to 4, and both Switch and Switch 2 versions. It costs $59.99, and the Mega Dimension DLC adds $29.99. It ranks below the others because its single-city setting is narrower than the open worlds above it. For anyone who wants a new Pokémon game on either console, it is the current pick.

Who it is for

Pokémon fans and younger players who want a new adventure with faster, real-time battles.

Price

$59.99 one-time digital purchase on the US Nintendo eShop.

Pokémon™ Legends: Z-A Regular Price: $59.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Real-time battles where trainers and Pokémon move freely
• Mega Evolution returns
• Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon drop Mega Stones
• Nightly Z-A Royale competition
• Mega Dimension DLC sold separately for $29.99

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Real-time battles are a change from turn-based play
• Strength: Local and online battles for 2 to 4 players
• Strength: Welcoming for first-time Pokémon players
• Weakness: Story is single player
• Weakness: Mega Dimension DLC adds $29.99
• Weakness: Set in one city rather than a wide region

Key facts

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Released: October 16, 2025
• Players: 1, battles 2-4
• File size: 6 GB on Switch
• eShop price: $59.99

Where it ranks

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is No. 10 in our Best Nintendo Switch Games verdict and No. 2 in Best Pokémon Games.