Is Pokémon Legends: Z-A Worth Playing? Full Review

The release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A on October 16, 2025 has sparked both curiosity and controversy. Available on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, Game Freak’s new title aims to reinvent the saga’s formula — though not everyone is convinced it succeeded.

With an average score of 79/100 on Metacritic and mixed reactions from critics and players alike, one question remains: is it really worth playing?

An entry that aims to evolve

The new adventure retains the essence of Pokémon Legends: Arceus but introduces a real-time combat system — one of its most discussed innovations. This change completely alters the traditional turn-based formula, making battles faster and more visually engaging.

Analysts from outlets like Vandal and Hobby Consolas call it “a step in the right direction,” praising the natural evolution of the format and Game Freak’s attempt to refresh the franchise after Scarlet & Violet.

The title also brings back classic features such as mega evolution, integrating them into a renewed context.
Visually, there’s a noticeable improvement compared to previous entries, especially on the Switch 2 version, where environments look more stable and detailed.

Technical performance: strengths and weaknesses

Not everything shines. Several reviews point out that the original Switch version struggles with performance, including framerate drops and long loading times.
In contrast, on the new Switch 2, the experience is much smoother — which explains why 51% of initial sales came from that platform, according to Nintendo Life.

In terms of physical sales, the title didn’t match its predecessor’s impact: in the UK, its debut was 40% lower than Pokémon Legends: Arceus. However, this could be attributed more to the generational console transition than to the game’s quality itself.

A more contained exploration and divisive design choices

One major debate revolves around exploration. While Arceus offered wide open areas, Z-A opts for a more contained and structured world. This has led to mixed opinions: some players appreciate the stronger narrative focus, while others miss the freedom of movement.

The revised mechanics have also sparked discussion. Classic tactical moves like Spikes have lost relevance under the new real-time system. For some fans, these adjustments reduce the strategic depth that defines the series.

Public and critical reception

While professional critics have been generally positive, player reactions are more divided. On review platforms, user scores range between 4 and 5 out of 10, showing frustration with technical performance and changes to core mechanics.

Despite this, specialized media recognize Game Freak’s effort to modernize the franchise and deliver a distinct experience within the Pokémon universe.

Who should play Pokémon Legends: Z-A?

The game is best suited for fans who enjoy the franchise and want to experience a more dynamic and experimental take on Pokémon. It’s also a solid choice for players using a Switch 2, where the technical performance is significantly improved.

On the other hand, those seeking a fully open-world adventure like Arceus, or expecting a major technical leap on the original Switch, might feel disappointed. Z-A doesn’t aim to be the biggest or most spectacular Pokémon — but rather a more contained and different reinterpretation.

It’s worth playing, especially for fans open to exploring a new stage in Pokémon’s evolution. However, those expecting a total revolution or a direct sequel to Arceus might find it falls short of their expectations.