The highly anticipated Pokémon game launched October 16 and immediately dominated the Switch 2 eShop charts. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is pulling strong reviews and big sales numbers right out of the gate.
What’s New
Z-A takes the open-world formula from Pokémon Legends: Arceus and drops players into a futuristic reimagining of Lumiose City. The game launched simultaneously on both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, with the newer console offering improved performance, enhanced resolution, and smoother frame rates that make the city feel more alive. Critics are scoring it around 87 on Metacritic, praising the urban exploration and deeper narrative.
The Switch 2 version is the clear winner according to early adopters. Videos comparing the two versions show noticeably sharper visuals and better performance on the new hardware. The game currently holds the #1 spot on the Switch 2 eShop charts, with both the standard edition and the Upgrade Pack (for those who own the Switch 1 version) taking top positions.
Why It Matters
This is the first major Pokémon release designed specifically to take advantage of Switch 2 hardware, and it shows what the console can do. Players on Reddit are raving about the improved Pokémon AI, enhanced trainer immersion, and the way the urban setting changes up the usual Pokémon exploration loop. The addition of real-time combat mechanics and Mega Evolution returning has longtime fans excited.
Community reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing this is the evolution the Legends series needed. Some players are split on whether the changes justify picking it up if they weren’t fans of Arceus, but the consensus is that Z-A refines the formula enough to feel fresh.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve been waiting for a reason to justify that Switch 2 purchase, this is it. Pokémon Legends: Z-A delivers on the promise of Arceus while pushing the series forward with a unique urban setting and meaningful improvements. Playing on Switch 1? It still works, but you’re missing out on the best version.
