An ambitious new entry to the Pokemon video game series will launch on Nintendo Switch systems in 2025!
Scheduled for release in 2025, Pokemon Legends Z-A is an upcoming title developed by Game Freak. Set in Lumiose City, the game explores the city’s ambitious redevelopment efforts.
Platform(s) Nintendo Switch
Released 2025-00-00
Developer(s) Game Freak
Pokemon Legends Z-A Official Trailer
Farewell, Pokemon! Let’s Go Johto
Pokemon Let’s Go Johto appears to have missed its opportunity, and I am now officially abandoning hope for it.
I’ve decided to retire from anticipating a new Pokemon Let’s Go installment. The signs have been evident for some time. Today’s Pokemon Presents event was perhaps the final opportunity, and yet Let’s Go Johto remains elusive. While Pokemon boasts a diverse array of spin-offs, it appears that the Let’s Go series won’t be adding any more chapters to its tale.
The primary hurdle for any future Let’s Go title lies in its branding. While I view it as a charming reimagination of Generation 1, featuring a more inviting aesthetic and inventive character interactions, its inception was always tied to Pokemon Go. Once a global phenomenon, Pokemon Go has since dwindled to just another mobile game sustained by a small group of big spenders. While the Pokemon brand still carries weight, its association alone isn’t enough to justify a Nintendo Switch release any more than someone attempting to extract gold from a castle by removing bars that unleash lava.
The connection to Pokemon Go isn’t essential. While some players transitioned from Pokemon Go to Let’s Go, the franchise, as the most successful media franchise globally, should recognize its strength. A potential Let’s Go 2 doesn’t have to rely on syncing with our Pokemon Go catches or requiring a specific accessory. It can simply offer a Johto remake with engaging catching mechanics, vibrant visuals, and emphasis on catching and candy collection.
With numerous Pokemon spin-offs in existence, Nintendo often outsources development due to limited resources. I’m still anticipating a new Conquest installment and disappointed by the absence of DLC for New Snap, while I was also hopeful for a new Mystery Dungeon announcement today. Let’s Go, perceived by some as a simplified Pokemon experience, doesn’t offer significant innovation given the prior remakes of Gold & Silver as HeartGold & SoulSilver. However, its popularity with the Kanto versions does warrant consideration for another iteration. Thankfully, I’m not solely pinning my hopes on a new PokePark game.
Why Let’s Go Is One Of The Best Pokemon Games
I believe that Let’s Go stands out as the ideal starting point for any Pokemon enthusiast. It’s incredibly accessible, featuring many familiar characters and iconic locations. Despite being overlooked, I consider it to be one of the most visually stunning games in the Pokemon franchise, and it holds a significant place in Pokemon’s history. However, it’s become apparent to me that Nintendo doesn’t share the same sentiment.
Unless I add the disclaimer, I might reconsider my retirement once the Switch 2 is released. It could serve as the ideal platform to showcase the capabilities of the new console’s motion controls. Given the insights suggesting that the Switch 2 will be an improved version rather than an entirely new concept, it’s reasonable to anticipate motion control and gyro features. Consoles with motion capabilities often heavily promote them at launch before dialling back as interest wanes.
The vague 2025 release date for Legends suggests it might serve as the launch title for Pokemon on the Switch 2, potentially overshadowing the possibility of Let’s Go 2 taking that role. Even if Switch 2 doesn’t debut until later in 2025 and Legends ends up being the swan song for the original Switch, there’s a minimal incentive for Pokemon to withhold the announcement of a Switch 2 launch title, considering the widespread assumption that Legends fills that role.
Pokemon often introduces new concepts only to eventually move on from them, as evident in the cases of Megas, Z-Moves, Gigantamax, and many others. However, with Legends Z-A hinting at the revival of Megas, perhaps it’s a reminder that nothing is ever truly off the table. I find myself circling back to excitement once again – eagerly anticipating Summer Game Fest and the expected reveal of Let’s Go 2! Now, the only dilemma left is deciding whether to embark on the journey as Marill or Togepi.