Pokémon Legends: Z-A Breaks Series Tradition by Removing Autosave Toggle on Nintendo Switch

Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the highly anticipated next entry from Game Freak in the storied Pokémon franchise, is making headlines as it prepares for its global release on the Nintendo Switch.

As the latest evolution in the long-running series, Legends: Z-A offers fresh gameplay innovations and a new setting for trainers to explore.

Yet, ahead of release, eagle-eyed fans and early players have identified a notable change: for the first time in the franchise’s history, users will not have the option to disable autosave functionality.

Historically, Pokémon games offered players the flexibility to toggle autosaving on or off, a feature that allowed for greater control over game progress.

This removal is especially significant for dedicated fans who engage in 'Shiny hunting' — the pursuit of rare, color-variant Pokémon known as Shiny Pokémon.

In previous generations, enthusiasts took advantage of manual saves, allowing them to repeatedly reset encounters with wild creatures and maximize their chances of finding a Shiny.

Legends: Z-A’s lack of an autosave toggle could fundamentally change this approach. Reports from reputable sources, such as CentroLeaks, note that players with early copies confirmed the absence of the autosave option in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

This makes it the first installment in the series not to offer this setting.

While it may go unnoticed by the general player base, it represents a significant shift for collectors and competitive players. In an official communication, a Game Freak representative stated that all aspects of saving and data management in Legends: Z-A are designed to enhance consistency and ensure player progression is secure at all times.

While the statement did not specifically address the concerns of Shiny hunters, it suggests a broader intention to streamline the player experience on Nintendo Switch. The nature of Shiny Pokémon and their rarity have always been central to the game’s longstanding appeal.

Shiny monsters, which feature unique color palettes and exceptionally low encounter rates, have inspired countless community-driven hunts and spawn-rate tracking initiatives.

In previous titles, the ability to disable autosave was an essential tool for these community activities. Adding another layer, the Pokémon series has seen the introduction of 'Shiny locked' Pokémon in recent installments — creatures that cannot appear in their Shiny form unless distributed via special events.

Legends: Z-A is expected to continue this practice, limiting some of the impact stemming from the removal of manual saves. As Pokémon Legends: Z-A heads to the Nintendo Switch, it marks a pivotal point for the series not just in terms of gameplay features but also in the evolving relationship between players and their desired gameplay experiences.

While some may adjust seamlessly to the always-on autosaving, others, especially those passionate about Shiny hunting, will need to adapt.

Regardless, the move underscores Game Freak’s commitment to consistent and secure player progress on the Nintendo Switch platform. Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch via the eShop and in physical stores, joining the ranks as one of the most significant releases in the Pokémon series to date.

Pokémon Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Pokémon Legends: Z-A Z Pokémon Legends Legends: Z-A Game Freak Shiny Pokémon CentroLeaks