Pokémon Legends: Z-A Introduces Four-Player Multiplayer Battles With Z-A Battle Club on Nintendo Switch 2

Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the latest major installment in the Pokémon franchise developed by Game Freak, is expanding its multiplayer features in a big way.

Unveiled during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Pokémon World Championships, the all-new Z-A Battle Club mode introduces four-player multiplayer battles to the series.

This new competitive battle format will be available on both the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, with a global launch set for October 16, 2025. The Z-A Battle Club shakes up the traditional Pokémon battle system by pitting four Trainers against each other in fast-paced, real-time contests.

Each match has a time limit of three minutes, challenging players to defeat as many of each other's Pokémon as possible before time expires.

Victory isn’t just about surviving—it's about outperforming your rivals and climbing the ranks. According to official details, the Z-A Battle Club will feature two primary ways to engage: Ranked Battles and Private Battles.

Ranked Battles connect Trainers worldwide, giving players the chance to test their skills and earn points based on their performance in the four-player Link Battles.

Participants begin at Rank Z and can climb up to the prestigious Rank A, creating a clear competitive progression similar to the main story mode’s ranking system.

High performers may even receive additional point bonuses based on their placement in each match. For those looking for friendly rivalries or to settle scores, Private Battles allow custom match setups with friends.

By sharing a Link Code, players can connect locally or online, adjust battle rules, and compete in groups of up to four without the randomness of public matchmaking.

This flexibility supports both in-person gatherings and distant friends, thanks to seamless local and online connectivity. Another key feature for fans is cross-platform compatibility.

Link Battles are fully supported across Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A with an upgrade pack.

This ensures players can battle together regardless of whether they’re playing on the original Nintendo Switch or the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.

An active Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to participate in internet battles, and users will need to download the latest update to access all online features. Pokémon Legends: Z-A has already garnered significant attention as one of the most anticipated releases for Nintendo’s next-generation hardware.

With Game Freak at the helm and the Pokémon Company overseeing development, the addition of robust multiplayer functionality signals the franchise’s commitment to delivering innovative and accessible gameplay for longtime fans and newcomers alike. Pokémon Legends: Z-A launches on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on October 16, 2025.

Multiplayer fans can prepare for an all-new competitive experience when the Z-A Battle Club debuts alongside the game’s release.

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