Pokémon Legends: Z-A Launches with Pokémon GO Crossover Event This October

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set to launch on Nintendo Switch later this month, reinforcing Nintendo’s aggressive release schedule and delivering another anticipated title for Switch fans.

Developed by The Pokémon Company, the new entry in the storied franchise ushers players back to the Kalos region, specifically Lumiose City, for a fresh adventure that expands on the open-world mechanics seen in previous titles. In the lead-up to Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s official debut, The Pokémon Company has rolled out a steady stream of announcements and promotions, including a series of Mega Evolution reveals and gameplay trailers.

Now, the promotional momentum continues with the announcement of a crossover event in collaboration with the popular mobile game Pokémon GO.

This partnership highlights Nintendo’s ongoing strategy of uniting its console and mobile ecosystems to engage fans across platforms. The special Pokémon GO crossover event begins October 16, 2024, to coincide with the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and will run through October 20, 2024.

During this limited-time event, Mega Raids will occur more frequently in Pokémon GO, giving players expanded opportunities to encounter and battle Mega-Evolved Pokémon.

Additionally, the event introduces Timed Research tasks during which Chikorita, Totodile, and Tepig will appear more often, opening up potential for unique encounters and rewards. In a nod to Legends: Z-A’s Kalos setting, Pokémon GO trainers will also have access to exclusive avatar items inspired by Lumiose City’s iconic Pokémon Trainers.

These themed outfits will be available in the Pokémon GO shop for the duration of the event, allowing trainers to showcase their fandom and celebrate the new game’s release in style. Announcing the collaboration, The Pokémon Company stated that players could experience Lumiose City and the wider Kalos region in new and immersive ways through Pokémon Legends: Z-A and its integration with Pokémon GO.

Mega Raids, expanded encounters, and the introduction of city-inspired avatar items are all designed to deepen community engagement and provide fresh content for fans on both platforms. Alongside the event, a series of new commercials for Pokémon Legends: Z-A have been released on Nintendo's official Japanese YouTube channel.

These commercials further highlight game content and features, underlining Nintendo and The Pokémon Company’s collaborative efforts to build anticipation for the Switch title’s launch. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch and launches globally later this month.

The collaborative Pokémon GO event represents yet another milestone in how Nintendo leverages its most popular franchises to create cross-platform experiences for its player base.

For those eager to dive into Lumiose City and participate in the festivities, now is the time to prepare for a significant month in Pokémon history.

Pokémon Nintendo Switch Nintendo Pokémon GO Switch The Pokémon Company Pokémon Legends: Z-A Pokémon Company Z Pokémon Legends Legends: Z-A Lumiose City Kalos region