Pokémon Legends: Z-A Demo Showcased on Nintendo Switch 2 at 2025 Pokémon World Championships

Pokémon Legends: Z-A made a significant impact at the 2025 Pokémon World Championships by debuting a playable demo for attendees, offering the first hands-on look at the highly anticipated title on the new Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.

Developed by Game Freak and set for official release in October, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is poised to usher in a new era for the beloved series, taking full advantage of the capabilities of Nintendo's next-generation console. This latest installment in the Pokémon franchise builds upon the successes of Pokémon Legends: Arceus while introducing innovative gameplay and technical improvements, tailored specifically for the Switch 2.

The event at the Pokémon World Championships marks the demo’s first public appearance, inviting both competitive players and dedicated fans to experience the game's updated mechanics and immersive city exploration features first-hand. In our discussions on the show floor, senior video producer Zion Grassl shared his insights on experiencing Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the Nintendo Switch 2.

According to Grassl, the combat system—experienced directly in the demo—delivers the evolution the series has been aspiring to achieve.

He reported that while open-world features like city exploration remain to be explored in full, the core gameplay innovations present in the demo are a promising indication of what hardcore Pokémon fans can look forward to.

"Having gone hands-on with the demo, I can say the new combat mechanics breathe much-needed life into the series, positioning it for a compelling future on the Switch 2," Grassl noted, emphasizing the significance of the system’s upgraded hardware in this transition. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is scheduled for a global release in October 2025 and represents a pivotal moment both for the acclaimed Pokémon franchise and for Nintendo as it introduces major first-party titles to the Switch 2 lineup.

Game Freak’s commitment to revitalizing the gameplay experience—while retaining the core appeal that defines Pokémon—shows in the positive early responses from both professionals and longtime series fans at the event.

With the increasing anticipation fueled by the demo’s strong impressions and the robust line-up of activities at the 2025 Pokémon World Championships, it’s clear Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set to become a cornerstone release for the Nintendo Switch 2 era.

As more details and impressions emerge in the months leading to its launch, the game promises to meet and possibly exceed the high expectations of the global Pokémon community.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pokémon Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 Switch Pokémon Legends: Z-A Pokémon World Championships 2025 Pokémon World Championships Z World Championships Game Freak