Since its debut, the Pokémon series has kept things fresh by regularly releasing new mainline games. With spin-offs like Pokémon Snap or Pokémon Legends: Arceus, as well as remakes of older generations filling the gaps between mainline games, a new Pokémon game is always seemingly on the horizon. At the moment, while we await Gen 10 news, the latest in that steady flow of Pokémon games is that of the recently showcased Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

After the recent releases of Pokémon games, the lack of a release in 2024 was somewhat surprising. New Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (and their DLCs) were released in fairly quick succession, with some games even releasing within the same year of each other. Other than a sneak peek last year, news on the game has been rather quiet, that is, until the recent Pokémon Day 2025 broadcast.

The Next Pokémon Game Is Pokémon Legends: Z-A

What Is The Next Pokémon Game About?

The next Pokémon game will be Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the latest entry in the Legends spin-off series previously established by Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Three years after its predecessor, Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be releasing worldwide later this year. As of the time of this writing, there's still no specific release date, but considering the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5th, 2025, it's anticipated that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be looking at a late Fall 2025 release window.

Pokémon Legends Z-A is set in the Kalos region of the Gen 6 games. Whereas Legends: Arceus was set in Sinnoh's past, Legends: Z-A will be set in Kalos' future, and take place entirely within Lumiose City. Although initial trailers were vague, we now have more details on which Pokémon will be included in Legends Z-A, as well as what the starter options will be. Strangely, two of the options for Legends Z-A will be Gen 2 starters, Chikorita and Totodile, making Gen 2 now the only generation to have all three of its starters featured as starters in a Legends game. The third option is the Gen 5 starter, Tepig.

Most notably, Legends: Z-A will, of course, mark the return of the Mega Evolution mechanic. As Mega Evolution was introduced alongside the Kalos region in Pokémon X and Y, this is only to be expected as the series returns to the setting, but the prospect still provides plenty of exciting new possibilities. While none have been officially confirmed yet, there is a strong expectation that the game will include plenty of brand-new Mega Evolutions based on leaks that suggest around 27 new Megas for Pokémon spanning generations.

In addition to the starter and setting confirmations in the latest trailer, we've also learned a bit about what to expect in of gameplay. Given how unique Legends: Arceus was, it's no surprise that Legends: Z-A is also willing to experiment with the standard catching and battling mechanics we've come to know. Pokémon Legends: Z-A will feature real-time action battles with new features, the ability to catch Pokémon that have been completely defeated, and will even include a nighttime battle royale.

What Pokémon Games Are Releasing After Legends Z-A?

Pokémon Gen 10 Games Should Arrive Fairly Soon

It's unclear just how many Pokémon games are in the works after Legends: Z-A. However, the next mainline Gen 10 games should follow Legends: Z-A if they stick to the usual pattern. Since Legends: Z-A will be released in the latter part of 2025, Gen 10 titles probably won't come out until at least 2026, perhaps in November, to keep with that long-running tradition. However, there is a chance we could wait until 2027 for the official release of Gen 10, given that there's been no mention of it at all yet.

There is also the possibility that other new games will be produced alongside these core games. Although no details of any such titles have been announced so far, it is worth noting that every Pokémon Generation so far has included several side games and other spin-offs. There have already been some leaks pointing to new Pokémon games arriving after the debut of Gen 10, although without any official confirmation, these rumors should naturally be treated with caution.

Furthermore, with there being no sign of Gen 9 featuring any remakes of previous core titles, expectations are high for Gen 10 to provide the next examples of such games. Following the established pattern, remakes of Pokémon Black and White are strongly believed to be due to be released within the next few years. With the franchise having enjoyed many striking gameplay improvements since the debut of Gen 5 over a decade ago, remakes of these titles have the potential to be truly special games.

What To Expect From Pokémon On Switch 2

The New Console Will Enable Better Functionality

The Nintendo Switch 2 will naturally have an immense influence on the future of the Pokémon franchise going forward. As Nintendo has now officially provided an in-depth look at the Nintendo Switch 2 with improved hardware, it's clear that the experience of playing Nintendo games is shaping up to be better than ever. While Legends: Z-A isn't going to be a launch title for the Switch 2 like some originally hoped, this is, in some ways, good news for those hoping to grab the console closer to the holidays, especially with some concerns regarding the price of the Nintendo Switch 2.

It is also worth noting that the Switch 2 will be backward compatible, and Legends Z-A will be available for both the Switch and the Switch 2. Although the new console will have exclusive games as well, this same feature may also extend to other future Pokémon games. As a result, the Gen 10 games could also be playable on both the original Switch and the Switch 2, with an upgraded version for the Switch 2. Regardless, the Switch 2’s upgrades promise great things for Gen 10, which could very well be bigger and better than any of its predecessors.

The Switch 2’s backward compatibility means this performance improvement will not only apply to future Pokémon titles, but past titles as well. The Gen 9 games have been infamously plagued by performance issues, which the console may be perfectly positioned to resolve.

Remakes of the Gen 5 games and a Let's Go version of the Gen 2 games have long been rumored, but not officially confirmed. All that is known right now is that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be the next Pokémon game, and its release later this year will follow the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2. Beyond this, the Gen 10 games will also clearly be available on the new console, with all the benefits that it affords them.