Pokémon Legends: Z-A Leaked Release Window Is Bad News For Switch 2

Summary A leak has seemingly revealed the release windows for Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Gen 10 games.

Gen 10 won't be released until 2026, breaking the three-year cycle that Pokémon games have typically had.

Lack of big launch titles may affect the Switch 2's success, especially if Legends: Z-A isn't released at its launch.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the next big title in the series, and is hotly anticipated with promises to bring the Pokémon games forward in a way no other game has done before. Legends: Z-A will be revisiting Gen 6's Kalos region, which was seen in the announcement trailer, and its futuristic, wire frame aesthetic hints at a high-tech setting for players to explore. Revisiting Gen 6, similar to how Pokémon Legends: Arceus revisited Gen 4's Sinnoh region, seems like it will draw eyes with its grand Lumiose City, but its late release window could prove a problem for the the Nintendo Switch 2.

The release window for Pokémon Legends: Z-A has been leaked on X, and it has been revealed that it won't be in player's hands until after early 2025. There is still plenty of development to go for the title, and according to the same source, Gen 10 won't be out until 2026 for the 30th anniversary. This also means that the biggest Pokémon release in 2024 will be Pokémon TCG Pocket and Legends: Z-A won't be ready for Switch 2's launch.

Gen 10's launch for 2026 means that it will break Pokémon's release cycle in which a mainline Pokémon title is released every three years.

Related 10 Things Pokémon Legends: Z-A Should Take From Arceus Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the second in the Legends series of Pokémon games, and there are many features it should take from Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

How Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Release Window Hurts Switch 2

The Switch 2 Will Need An Impressive Lineup Of Launch Titles

Close

Nintendo has decided to ignore the usual release windows for new consoles, having released the Switch in 2017, four years after the launch of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The Switch 2 is doing something similar, launching years after the current console generation, which has been shown to work since Nintendo appeals to a wider audience with its family-friendly brand. Unfortunately, the Switch 2 might suffer from a lack of launch titles.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is rumored to be launching in March 2025, making it a Q1 release. If Pokémon Legends: Z-A won't be making that Q1 release window, then it may not be a Switch 2 launch title. In general, there doesn't seem to be many titles backing up the launch of Nintendo's newest title and a lack of a big name like Pokémon, Legend of Zelda or Mario could hamper the console's release greatly.

With the leaked release windows, it seems that Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Gen 10 will both release for the Switch 2 and will benefit from the better hardware.

When the Switch was released in 2017, there wasn't a wealth of launch titles either, but the difference was the quality and name recognizability of the titles that were released. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was in the hands of players the day the Switch came out, and not only was it a massive title for the Zelda series, it also won 2017's Game of the Year Award. At this time, it seems like the Switch 2 may not get a similar title to encourage players to buy the new console.

Related Three Most Likely Starters For Pokémon Legends: Z-A Pokémon Legends: Z-A starters likely won't be from the Kalos region, but will probably be pulled from existing Pokémon with French inspirations.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Needs Big Releases At Launch

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Could Boost Switch 2's Sales

Nintendo has always tried to focus on the fun aspect of its consoles over putting in the best technology it can. The consoles tend to be cheaper, more convenient, and a large selling point of the Switch is how portable it is. Because of how specific the console is, many third party titles like Hogwarts Legacy have to be altered to work. This will likely be the same for the Switch 2.

Gamers won't buy the Switch 2 for its third party titles, and many families likely won't care for them either, especially if they have a mature rating. The Switch 2 needs a big, Nintendo title to aid in its launch. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have already had a several year head start and a title like Pokémon Legends: Z-A would have been perfect for the console's launch, but if it isn't making a Q1 2025 release window, then Nintendo will have to look elsewhere to help sell their console.