Pokémon fans can prepare for the next chapter in their adventures, as Pokémon Legends: Z-A finally has a release date for this fall. The game will return to the Kalos region of Pokémon X&Y, focusing specifically on the region's large and vibrant Lumiose City. The game will center on the city as it undergoes an urban redesign, making it an ideal place for both people and Pokémon to coexist.

According to a press release, Pokémon Legends: Z-A will release on October 16, 2025, with pre-orders opening on June 5. The preorder rewards have not been detailed yet, but it was previously revealed that one of the rewards will be a Sitting Cuties plush of one of the game's starters, Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile. The next Pokémon Presents presentation has also been announced for July 22 and will be streamed on the official Pokémon YouTube channel.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Release Date Makes Perfect Sense

A Fall Release Is Right In Time For The Holidays

To celebrate the announcement, Mega Evolution-themed Pokémon merch is available to purchase from the Pokémon Center, including giant pins, apparel, and more. The cover art for the game has also been revealed, showing the main characters in the city at night, surrounded by Pokémon and with the great Prism Tower lit up in the distance ahead of them. The announcement also confirms that players who buy the physical or digital version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A for the Nintendo Switch will be able to purchase an the game for the Nintendo Switch 2 when it launches on June 5.

The October 16 release date makes perfect sense for the next chapter in the Pokémon franchise. The date gives fans the chance to purchase the Switch 2, if they're planning to do so, and become familiar with the new console. Z-A will also arrive with holidays right around the corner, making it the perfect gift for Pokéfans. Opening pre-orders on June 5 also makes sense, since this will allow fans to get the new console and pre-order the Switch 2 version of the game at the same time.

2025 Is A Great Year For Pokémon Fans

New Games, Continuing Franchise Staples, And More On The Horizon

There's plenty to look forward to this year as the Pokémon franchise celebrates its 29th anniversary. successor titled Pokémon Champions is arriving soon, and the company is currently working on the next game in the main series, featuring the 10th generation of Pokémon.

The trading card game also continues strong, with the Prismatic Evolutions set launching the demand for the TCG to greater heights than it's ever been, and the digital version in TCG Pocket still going strong after a late 2024 release. With the release date for Pokémon Legends: Z-A now officially revealed to be October 16, this year is shaping up to be one very exciting year for Pokémon fans.