Pokémon Legends: Z‑A launches digitally on Thursday, October 16, 2025. The unlock is tied to your local midnight in most regions. In the US, the rollout follows Eastern Time across the country, so players in earlier time zones get in the night before.

Global digital unlock times

Here’s when the game goes live in key cities and time zones.

Region City / Time zone Local date Local time
United States (West) San Francisco (PDT) Wed, Oct 15 9:00 PM
Mexico Mexico City (CST) Wed, Oct 15 11:00 PM
United States (East) New York (EDT) Thu, Oct 16 12:00 AM
Brazil São Paulo (BRT) Thu, Oct 16 12:00 AM
United Kingdom London (BST) Thu, Oct 16 12:00 AM
Central Europe Paris/Rome/Berlin (CEST) Thu, Oct 16 12:00 AM
Turkey Türkiye (EEST) Thu, Oct 16 12:00 AM
India New Delhi (IST) Thu, Oct 16 12:00 AM
Vietnam Hanoi (ICT) Thu, Oct 16 12:00 AM
Hong Kong Hong Kong (HKT) Thu, Oct 16 12:00 AM
China Beijing (CST) Thu, Oct 16 12:00 AM
Japan Tokyo (JST) Thu, Oct 16 12:00 AM
Australia Sydney (AEST) Thu, Oct 16 12:00 AM
Tip: if your city isn’t listed, use the pattern above—digital copies unlock at 12:00 AM on October 16 in your local time zone, except that US time zones align to Eastern Time.

How the US rollout works

For recent Nintendo launches, the US is treated as a single region tied to Eastern Time. That means a simultaneous nationwide unlock of 12:00 AM EDT on October 16 translates to:

  • 9:00 PM PDT (West Coast) on October 15
  • 10:00 PM MDT on October 15
  • 11:00 PM CDT on October 15
  • 12:00 AM EDT on October 16

Preload, file size, and versions

  • Preload is available now on both Switch and Switch 2 and includes the day‑one update.
  • Free space required: 4.1GB on Nintendo Switch; 7.7GB on Switch 2.
  • Pricing: $59.99 on Nintendo Switch; $69.99 on Switch 2.
  • Upgrade option: a $9.99 Switch 2 Upgrade Pack is offered if you buy on Switch first and move to Switch 2 later.

You can view the official product listing on Nintendo’s store for purchase and preload details: Pokémon Legends: Z‑A on Nintendo.

What to expect at launch

The adventure is set in Kalos, centered on Lumiose City, with Mega Evolution back in focus. Expect a new slate of Mega forms joining the Mega Pokédex, while no brand‑new species are anticipated at launch.

There’s also a paid add‑on, Mega Dimension. Purchasing it now unlocks extra costume items immediately, with the main story content (including two new Raichu Mega Evolutions) arriving after launch.

Note on spoilers

Physical copies appearing early often lead to data mining ahead of launch. If you want to go in fresh, be cautious on social feeds and community hubs until after the game unlocks in your region.

The bottom line: if you’re on Switch or Switch 2, you’ll be able to start playing at your local midnight on October 16. In the US, that effectively means Wednesday evening for players west of Eastern Time.