Pokémon is making the jump to the next generation with its first full game on Nintendo Switch 2. Following the huge success of Pokémon Legends: Arceus comes a game in the same style with all-new gameplay mechanics and an amazing Parisian setting to explore. Being trapped in a city is new to the series, and only time will tell if this mechanic, which usually allows you to explore different regions with new characters and incorporate mega evolutions, will work for the series.
Thankfully, we were able to get a two-part demo at PAX ahead of the game’s release on October 15th that answered some (but not all!) of these burning questions.
The demo is divided into two parts, with the first part allowing you to explore the city and new gameplay mechanics, and the second part allowing you to battle Mega Evolution bosses using Pokémon and incorporate new gameplay mechanics.
The first is the “story” demo, which allows you to explore the city (in a limited capacity in the game demo). You’ll encounter several trainers around the city, and you’ll be given the chance to explore ways to collect items and challenge some battles with the trainers around you. The combat mechanics are different here. The classic Pokémon turn-based action has been replaced with a more active approach.
This proves to be a bit of an adjustment and can be very confusing when trying to choose the right type without relying on a turn-based system to spend more time making decisions. As a result, you will certainly need some patience, as you will respawn several times and have to be more careful just unleashing your attacks.
The second trial version focuses on super-evolved boss-type battles. I teamed up with Lucario and advised him that the mega-evolved Absol would attack me as well as Lucario. This definitely changes the game. You must accumulate enough points to switch attacks and use Lucario’s Mega Evolution move to defeat the merciless Absol.
Evasion and roll moves have been added to the trainer to help you avoid Absol’s attacks. Mega-evolved Absol and Lucario can attack each other. If Absol performs a big move, Lucario may receive major damage, so be careful. Unfortunately, after two tries, my impatience gave in and I accepted the pin and left.
It looks like Pokémon will be getting a new look and feel on Nintendo Switch 2. Buttery-smooth 60 FPS combines with updated, detailed graphics to make your city truly shine. The facelift given to previous Scarlet and Violet games brings them in line with this title, and it feels like the series is poised to look and feel as close to next-gen as possible.
Pokémon Legends: ZA clearly showcases the impressive aspects of the Nintendo Switch 2 system. Graphics and performance improvements, combined with new gameplay mechanics, are likely to propel the series into the future. It will take some time to get used to the new gameplay mechanics and combat system, but overall we think expectations for this game are high.
Pokémon Legends: ZA will be released on October 16, 2025 for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
