Pokemon Legends: Z‑A launches October 16, 2025 as a cross‑gen release on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The game plays the same on both systems, but the Switch 2 build targets better technical performance and carries a higher price. If you are deciding which version to buy — or whether to use the $10 upgrade path — here is what actually changes and what doesn’t.


What’s different on Switch 2

  • Higher resolution: the Switch 2 Edition renders at a sharper resolution than the Switch version.
  • Higher frame rate: the Switch 2 Edition targets a smoother frame rate than the Switch version.
  • Price: $69.99 for Switch 2 versus $59.99 for Switch.

Recent mainline entries on Switch have shown the limits of the older hardware with variable frame rates and soft image quality. The Switch 2 Edition of Legends: Z‑A is built to address those pain points with higher resolution and a higher, more stable frame rate. Exact numbers will vary by scene and mode, but the goal is a cleaner, smoother presentation on the newer console.


What stays the same

  • Gameplay and content are identical across versions.
  • Same story, systems, and features (including Mega Evolutions and the Kalos setting).
  • Same release date and ESRB rating (Everyone 10+; Fantasy Violence, In‑Game Purchases).

This is not a split release with version‑exclusive content. Whether you play on Switch or Switch 2, you get the same game design and content; only image quality and smoothness differ.


Price, upgrade path, and compatibility

Option Price Where it runs Performance on Switch 2 Notes
Nintendo Switch Edition $59.99 Switch and Switch 2 Standard (no enhancements) unless upgraded Cheapest upfront; you can add the Switch 2 upgrade later for $9.99.
Upgrade from Switch → Switch 2 $9.99 Applies when playing on Switch 2 Enhanced resolution and frame rate on Switch 2 Ties to your Nintendo Account; on Switch it plays as the standard version, on Switch 2 it uses the upgrade.
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition $69.99 Switch 2 (and playable on Switch) Enhanced resolution and frame rate out of the box Single purchase with the Switch 2 build included; no separate upgrade needed.

The $10 gap between versions is deliberate. If you buy the Switch version today and move to Switch 2 later, paying $9.99 brings your copy up to the Switch 2 Edition’s technical profile. If you start on Switch 2, buying the Switch 2 Edition bundles that outcome into the base price.


Physical vs. digital: where the upgrade lives

  • Switch 2 Edition (physical): the performance upgrades are on the card, so Switch 2 plays the enhanced build without an extra download. The card will still run on a Switch as the standard version.
  • Switch Edition + Upgrade (physical): the base game is on the card; the Switch 2 upgrade installs to system storage. On Switch 2 you’ll use the downloaded data; on Switch you’ll play from the card as usual.
  • Digital purchases: the Switch Edition plus $9.99 upgrade functions the same as buying the Switch 2 Edition digitally — on Switch it runs the standard build; on Switch 2 it uses the enhanced build. Entitlement is tied to your Nintendo Account.

If you prefer minimizing large downloads or conserving internal storage on Switch 2, the physical Switch 2 Edition keeps more of the enhanced data on the card. If you prioritize flexibility and already plan to own both consoles, the Switch version plus the $10 upgrade spreads the cost and works seamlessly once you move to Switch 2.


Key specs and details at a glance

Item Switch Edition Switch 2 Edition
List price $59.99 $69.99
Upgrade availability $9.99 to add Switch 2 enhancements Not needed
Resolution/frame rate Standard on both consoles Higher resolution and frame rate on Switch 2
Content differences None — gameplay and content are the same
Cross‑gen play Runs on Switch and Switch 2 Playable on Switch 2 (and works on Switch as the standard build)
Release date October 16, 2025
ESRB Everyone 10+ (Fantasy Violence, In‑Game Purchases)
Developer / Publishers Game Freak, Creatures Inc. / Nintendo, The Pokémon Company

Which version should you buy?

  • If you own Switch 2 and care about smoother performance: buy the Switch 2 Edition.
  • If you’re on Switch today and might upgrade later: buy the Switch Edition now and plan for the $9.99 upgrade when you move to Switch 2.
  • If you want a single cartridge with the enhanced build baked in: get the physical Switch 2 Edition.
  • If you’re optimizing for lowest upfront cost: the Switch Edition is $10 cheaper and plays the same game systems and content.

The decision hinges on two things: how much you value higher resolution and a steadier frame rate, and whether you’re already on Switch 2. There is no content penalty for choosing the cheaper route; you’re paying for presentation and smoothness.


How the upgrade works really

If you start with the Switch Edition and later add the $9.99 Switch 2 upgrade, here’s what to expect:

  • Your entitlements are tied to your Nintendo Account.
  • On a Switch console: you’ll launch and play the standard version.
  • On a Switch 2 console: you’ll launch and play with the higher resolution and higher frame rate.
  • Physical owners will install the upgrade data to the Switch 2’s storage; digital owners will download a single enhanced package for Switch 2.

To buy the Switch 2 Edition digitally, use the official Nintendo Store listing for your region once you’re signed in to your Nintendo Account: Pokemon Legends: Z‑A (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition).


The Switch 2 Edition delivers the cleaner, smoother way to play, but every version contains the same game. If you can live with standard performance — or want to defer the extra $10 until you actually have a Switch 2 — the upgrade path makes that an easy call.