ZA for Switch brings the series back to Lumiose City

In honor of Pokémon Day (the first games launched on February 27, 1996), The Pokémon Company revealed the latest entry in the “Legends” franchise on Tuesday. Pokémon Legends: ZA returns the series to Lumiose City, last seen as one of the regions in the Pokémon X and Y on Nintendo 3DS. The game arrives on Switch in 2025.

Developed by Game Freak, Pokémon Legends: ZAThe trailer and press materials only give a minimal glimpse of the upcoming title. The Pokémon Company describes it as an “exciting new adventure” and an “ambitious new entry” as the company tries to wrestle the narrative back from its guns-blazing non-brand counterpart Palworld. (This fast-moving title has already caught the attention of The Pokémon Company’s legal team.)

The trailer teases an urban redevelopment plan in a mysterious metro area, finally revealed as Lumiose City. In the game world, a renewal project seeks to help humans and Pokémon live together in the sprawling cityscape. The trailer even teases Mega Evolutions, originally featured in Pokémon X and Y.

The Pokémon Legends: ZA the trailer below — largely an extended teaser — doesn’t show any gameplay footage, and Lumiose City’s shots use wireframes, suggesting an incomplete nature (or at least surprises saved for another day). The game will have a simultaneous global launch when it arrives next year.

Pokémon Day also saw the announcement of a new digital trading card game. Pokémon trading card game pocket is a new mobile app (Android and iOS) coming later this year. This will allow players to “enjoy the thrill of opening booster packs and collecting cards,” which will feature “immersive cards” and visual effects unique to the app (in addition to the classic artwork). The app trailer showcases a satisfying tearing animation when “opening” the digital packs (gotta hook you!).

Players using the app will receive two free booster packs every day. The company has not officially announced the availability of additional packages through in-app purchases. However, the Pokémon Company’s language describing the app as “free to launch” may hint at its plans. The app will support trades and “quick battles” using streamlined rules based on the card game’s combat system.