Pokemon Legends: Z-A Unveils Z-A Royale Tournament Mechanic for Nintendo Switch

In a major revelation during the latest Nintendo Direct, The Pokemon Company announced a brand-new gameplay feature for the highly anticipated Pokemon Legends: Z-A, set to launch on the Nintendo Switch in 2025.

With the introduction of the Z-A Royale mechanic, experienced and new trainers alike can now look forward to an innovative night-time tournament held in the heart of Lumiose City, home to cutting-edge technology and dynamic urban environments.

According to details shared by The Pokemon Company, the Z-A Royale fully transforms Lumiose City after sunset.

As night falls, specially designated battle zones framed by advanced holographic borders emerge throughout the city.

These unique arenas host the Z-A Royale competition, where participating trainers start out at the lowest tier, Rank Z, and strive to reach the coveted Rank A by dawn. "Trainers will challenge each other under the cover of night, beginning at Rank Z and battling their way up to Rank A," explained The Pokemon Company.

Competitors traverse Lumiose City, encountering rivals and friends—including notable characters like Urbain and Taunie—while seeking to improve their ranking with every victory.

Only those who persist through the intense, dusk-to-dawn tournament will achieve the highest honor, with the top-ranking trainers earning the chance to have an in-game wish granted. By day, Pokemon Legends: Z-A offers trainers the chance to explore newly designed wild zones to capture and strengthen their teams.

This daytime preparation is essential, as it allows players to train their Pokemon ahead of the challenging nighttime battles in the Z-A Royale.

When the sun sets and the tournament activates, strategy takes central stage—landing a surprise attack on opponents or making a swift escape from higher-ranked foes can decisively turn the tide in any match. The Z-A Royale mechanic embodies the evolving vision of Pokemon Legends: Z-A, deeply integrating both exploration and competitive gameplay in Lumiose City.

This new feature is a significant addition to the Nintendo Switch platform, further diversifying the experiences available on the Nintendo eShop and reinforcing The Pokemon Company’s commitment to innovation within the franchise. Pokemon Legends: Z-A is scheduled for release on Nintendo Switch in 2025.

For further updates and the latest news from today’s Nintendo Direct, stay tuned to official Pokemon and Nintendo news channels.

Pokémon Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Lumiose City Pokemon Z-A Royale Pokemon Legends: Z-A Z The Pokemon Company Urbain Taunie