Pokémon Legends ZA for Nintendo Switch Review
written by Ryan O’Neil, Nerds Worldwide
Nintendo has officially added its latest game to its library, Pokémon Legends ZA. This newest addition to the Nintendo Switch roster has been a great time to play and a lot of fun.
Going back to the Kalos region, which we haven’t seen since Pokémon X and Y back in 2013, We make a return to the now enlarged Lumiose city but this time with all new in-game mechanics, locations, and some brand-new Mega Pokémon. You’ll follow your new friends as you explore this sprawling city, while catching Pokémon and battling trainers.
Pokémon Legends ZA for Nintendo Switch Review
Some of my favorite things about Pokemon Legends ZA
- Open World Map:
Most Pokémon games tend to follow a set structure in their design, where you would essentially have to follow a specific path and progress through the game as the story does. However as seen in the last Legends game, it has been set in an open world format. Meaning that after getting through the tutorial you have the freedom to go around and explore the city as much as you want. The cities layout has also been enlarged to add more areas to explore and hidden secrets to find.
- In-Game Mechanics:
As said before most Pokémon games tend to follow specific patterns, one of them being how you interact with the world in the game. However just like the last Legends game, we got an update to the game controls due mainly to the open world change. These include being able to catch Pokémon wherever you are as well as having battles alongside your Pokémon attacking and dodging right along with them.
- New Mega Evolutions:
The concept of mega evolving Pokémon was first introduced back in 2013 with the Pokémon X and Y games; this instantly became a fan favorite battle mechanic that they continued with it through 2014 with Pokémon omega ruby and alpha sapphire. However, since then we haven’t gotten any updates to the list of Pokémon that can mega evolve. But now with the release of Legends ZA we received 26 new mega evolutions with more on the way with the upcoming DLC Mega Dimension. These new evolutions allow for some older or undervalued Pokémon to be brought into the spotlight.
Pokémon Legends ZA is a great new addition not only to the Nintendo switch roster but to the Pokémon game collection as well. It provides a very immersive experience coupled with a well written storyline and fun new in game mechanics. Along with the large open map, you will spend hours exploring every nook and cranny of the city. So, make sure to pick up your copy of Pokémon Legends ZA as well as keep an eye out for the DLC coming February 2026.
Thank you to Nintendo for gifting this game to Rustic Road.
