Pokemon Legends: Z-A Achieves Record U.S. Launch Sales on Nintendo Switch

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Published on: October 27, 2025

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Pokemon Legends: Z-A Achieves Record U.S.

Launch Sales on Nintendo Switch Following its highly anticipated release, Pokemon Legends: Z-A has delivered outstanding sales results, particularly in the United States.

Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the latest entry in the iconic Pokémon franchise launched for the Nintendo Switch and has rapidly climbed the sales charts, securing its place as one of the most successful game debuts in recent years. Background and Launch Context Pokemon Legends: Z-A represents a significant evolution for the series, continuing the recent trend of open-world exploration and dynamic gameplay that began with past titles.

Nintendo and Game Freak released the game worldwide, leveraging the popularity of the Nintendo Switch and the robust digital marketplace of the Nintendo eShop.

Early expectations were high, given the strong performance of previous entries and the franchise's enduring appeal among both new and veteran players. Record-Breaking U.S.

Launch Performance According to data tracked by research firm Circana, Pokemon Legends: Z-A posted the strongest launch week for a physical video game in the United States since the release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in 2023.

This milestone encompasses both units sold and revenue generated from physical sales.

Circana’s industry analysts indicated that the game’s initial performance sharply exceeded other new releases, reinforcing the substantial market presence of the Pokémon franchise on the Nintendo Switch platform. Global Sales Trends and Regional Variations Nintendo confirmed that global sales of Pokemon Legends: Z-A exceeded 5.8 million units within the first week of release.

The United States and Japan were highlighted as the primary motors driving these impressive numbers, with domestic enthusiasm closely mirroring the franchise's traditional performance in these key markets. However, regional differences revealed contrasting trends.

In Europe, Pokemon Legends: Z-A experienced a comparatively modest debut, marking the weakest initial performance for a mainline Pokémon installment since Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu and Eevee.

Market analysts attribute this to shifting consumer preferences and increased competition during the launch window. Developer Achievements and Platform Legacy Game Freak’s commitment to innovation continues to resonate with fans.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A builds on the lessons and successes of predecessor titles, offering new gameplay mechanics while respecting the core elements that have secured Pokémon’s status as one of the most successful video game franchises globally.

With robust global sales and record-setting performance in the United States, the title further solidifies the Nintendo Switch’s reputation as a premier platform for high-profile game launches. As industry observers look to future sales milestones, Pokemon Legends: Z-A stands as a testament to the ongoing popularity and commercial strength of Nintendo’s premier RPG series.

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Pokemon Legends: Z-A has highest physical launch sales since Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in the US