Pokémon fans worldwide can get ready to explore Kalos: Pokémon Legends: Z-A goes live in a coordinated global rollout kicking off at midnight on Thursday, October 16, 2025 — with some regions playing even earlier. The official global release times confirm Nintendo’s typical digital launch pattern, letting almost everyone start at 12:00 a.m. local time as October 16 begins. But if you’re in North America, your Switch or Switch 2 will unlock the game late on October 15 thanks to the sweep of time zones across the country and continent.
Confirmed Global Release Times
| Region | Date/Time |
|---|---|
| PDT (San Francisco) | Wednesday, Oct 15 — 9:00 p.m. |
| CST (Mexico City) | Wednesday, Oct 15 — 11:00 p.m. |
| EDT (New York) | Thursday, Oct 16 — 12:00 a.m. midnight |
| BRT (São Paulo) | Thursday, Oct 16 — 12:00 a.m. midnight |
| BST (London) | Thursday, Oct 16 — 12:00 a.m. midnight |
| CEST (Paris/Rome/Berlin) | Thursday, Oct 16 — 12:00 a.m. midnight |
| EEST (Turkey) | Thursday, Oct 16 — 12:00 a.m. midnight |
| IST (New Delhi) | Thursday, Oct 16 — 12:00 a.m. midnight |
| ICT (Hanoi) | Thursday, Oct 16 — 12:00 a.m. midnight |
| HKT (Hong Kong) | Thursday, Oct 16 — 12:00 a.m. midnight |
| CST (Beijing) | Thursday, Oct 16 — 12:00 a.m. midnight |
| JST (Tokyo) | Thursday, Oct 16 — 12:00 a.m. midnight |
| AEST (Sydney) | Thursday, Oct 16 — 12:00 a.m. midnight |
What This Means in Practice
Unlike the traditional Japanese first and then global launch window, Pokémon Legends: Z-A unlocks simultaneously worldwide. For most fans, that’s midnight local time on October 16 — but in the United States and parts of the Americas, you can start as early as 9 p.m. PDT and 11 p.m. CST on Wednesday, October 15 thanks to region-based digital rollout. No matter where you live, preloading is open now if you’ve preordered via the Nintendo eShop on Switch or Switch 2, so you can jump in as soon as the clock strikes twelve in your country.
The game is available for $59.99 on Nintendo Switch and $69.99 for the enhanced Switch 2 version. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company also confirm fans can purchase a $9.99 Switch 2 Upgrade Pack to carry progress from the original Switch over if upgrading later. The major Mega Dimension DLC is already up for pre-purchase and launches alongside or soon after the base game for $29.99.
Key Launch Details
- Global digital unlock: October 16, 2025 @ 12:00 a.m. local time in most regions
- Americas early access: 9 p.m. (PDT) or 11 p.m. (CST) October 15, due to how the digital eShop treats time zones
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 (enhanced edition)
- Preload available: Yes, via Nintendo eShop for both console generations
- File size: 4.1GB (Switch), 7.7GB (Switch 2 enhanced)
- DLC: Mega Dimension DLC ($29.99) brings bonus Mega Evolutions and post-launch content
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I play Pokémon Legends: Z-A?
The game launches digitally at midnight local time on October 16, 2025 almost everywhere worldwide. If you’re on the US West Coast, that’s 9 p.m. October 15, or 11 p.m. for Central/Latin America.
Is there early access for physical copies?
Physical copies are distributed through retailers and likely subject to local store hours. Digital unlock is at precise midnight by time zone for most countries.
What’s special about the Switch 2 version?
Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition offers enhanced visuals, higher resolution, faster loading, and a smoother experience. Save data can be upgraded from Switch to Switch 2 for $9.99.
Is the Mega Dimension DLC available at launch?
Yes, it’s available for pre-purchase and brings new Mega Evolutions (like Mega Raichu), with extra story content planned post-launch.
Are there pre-order or launch events?
Yes! The Nintendo NYC store and select global retailers are hosting in-person launch events. All players can participate in a special Pokémon GO event from October 16-20.
Prepare for Adventure in Lumiose City
Ready to return to Kalos with new Mega Evolutions, city adventures, and the thrill of a synchronized global release? Pokémon Legends: Z-A is primed for its biggest launch yet — and everyone gets to play together at (almost) the same moment, no matter where you live.