Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an upcoming action role-playing game for Nintendo Switch. It is made by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and the Pokémon Company. The game takes place in Lumiose City (a Paris-like city) and is set to launch in late 2025.
This new Pokémon title has attracted attention because it’s the first main series Pokémon game ever given an ESRB rating above E. Like other Pokémon games, players will catch and train Pokémon as they explore the city and battle other trainers.
| Title | Pokémon Legends: Z-A |
|---|---|
| Developer | Game Freak |
| Publisher | The Pokémon Company (JP), Nintendo (Worldwide) |
| Genre | Action role-playing |
| Platforms | Nintendo Switch (also supported on future Switch 2) |
| Release Date | Late 2025 |
| ESRB Rating | E10+ (Fantasy Violence) |
| PEGI Rating | 7 (Provisional) |
| Price | To be announced |
| Official Website | legends.pokemon.com |
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Age Rating
ESRB (USA): Pokémon Legends: Z-A has been rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and up) by the ESRB. This is unusual for the main Pokémon series, which has been rated E for Everyone until now. According to the ESRB, E10+ means the game is suitable for age 10 and older, and may contain “more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence”.
In fact, the official rating note for Z-A specifically lists “Fantasy Violence”. The ESRB defines “fantasy violence” as fights involving characters or creatures in situations that are clearly not real. In simpler terms, Pokémon battles are bright, magical fights with no realistic gore.
Fans have talked about why the rating is higher. Some say it might be because Z-A’s battles are more cinematic and in real time. Others wondered if the story might be a bit darker than usual. So far, official sources only mention the fantasy battles as the reason for the rating.
PEGI (Europe): In Europe, the game is rated PEGI 7 (provisional). PEGI 7 means it is suitable for children age 7 and up and is allowed to have mild cartoon violence. This is similar to past Pokémon games, which typically have low ratings. Together, the ESRB E10+ and PEGI 7 ratings tell us that Legends: Z-A contains only mild fantasy battles and no real blood or mature content.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Parents Guide
Parents should know that Legends: Z-A is a child-friendly Pokémon game but with cartoon-style battles. The only “violent” content is Pokémon fighting each other with animated moves and powers. According to the ratings, these battles are seen as fantasy violence – think of it like Pokémon from the cartoon show using their powers. There is no realistic blood or gore shown. The game also has no foul language, sexual content, or drug use.
Because of the E10+ rating, the game is generally recommended for kids around age 10 or older. In Europe, PEGI 7 suggests it’s suitable for children 7 and up. Very young children (under 7) might still enjoy it, but they may find the real-time battles fast-paced.
Overall, Legends: Z-A remains a safe, cartoon-themed adventure. Parents looking for guidance can note that the ESRB and PEGI ratings suggest a moderate level of action, but nothing beyond what older Pokémon games have had.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Gameplay
Figure: Mega Lucario is one of the Pokémon in Legends: Z-A. The game returns Mega Evolutions for the first time in seven years. In Legends: Z-A, gameplay is more action-packed than older Pokémon games. Battles happen in real time, meaning your Pokémon and the trainer can move and dodge during a fight.
For example, you might see Mega Lucario (pictured above) charging up a powerful attack. The city of Lumiose is open to explore, with new parkour and movement options. Notably, Mega Evolutions (special power forms of Pokémon) are coming back for the first time in years, so fan-favorite creatures like Lucario can Mega Evolve in battle.
At the start of the game, players choose one of three starter Pokémon (Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile). You’ll then wander through Lumiose City and surrounding wild zones. In these areas, wild Pokémon appear and you can catch them by throwing Poké Balls.
The game also includes side quests and battles with other trainers. Overall, the gameplay combines city exploration with catching Pokémon and engaging in dynamic, cartoon-style battles.
System Requirements of Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is designed for the Nintendo Switch console. There is currently no PC or other version announced, so no PC specifications are needed. On the Switch, the game will come on a game card (or download) and just requires having the latest Switch system update and enough storage space. In short: a regular Nintendo Switch (or the upcoming Switch 2) is all that’s needed to play this game.
FAQs
Q: What is the ESRB rating for Pokémon Legends: Z-A?
A: It is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) for “Fantasy Violence.” This means the content is cartoonish Pokémon battles that are not realistic.
Q: Why did Pokémon Legends: Z-A game get a higher rating than other Pokémon games?
A: So far, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the first main series game to get an E10+ rating. News sources note that older games like Legends: Arceus were rated E for Mild Fantasy Violence, while Z-A got E10+ for Fantasy Violence. Experts think the difference is likely due to Z-A’s new real-time battle system (more dynamic action).
Q: Is Pokémon Legends: Z-A game okay for younger kids?
A: The game is still very much a Pokémon game with no real blood or scary scenes. However, the official ratings suggest it’s best for children around 10 years old or older. In Europe, PEGI 7 means it’s considered safe for kids 7 and up. Parents of younger children should use their judgment.
Q: Are there any inappropriate things in Pokémon Legends: Z-A game?
A: No. There is no strong language, no sexual content, and no gambling or drugs. There is only fun, cartoon fighting between Pokémon. If you’ve seen a Pokémon cartoon or played past games rated E, it’s about the same level of action.
Q: When does the game come out and what devices can I play it on?
A: Pokémon Legends: Z-A will release in late 2025. It will be available on the Nintendo Switch. There is no PC or PlayStation version announced, only Switch (and the next Switch console).
Q: Is Pokémon Legends: Z-A single-player or online multiplayer?
A: The game is a single-player story adventure. Players will journey through Lumiose City on their own. (It may have some online features, but the main game does not include competitive multiplayer matches like some other titles.)
Final Thoughts
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is shaping up to be an exciting new entry in the Pokémon franchise. It stands out because of its unusual age ratings – ESRB E10+ in the US and PEGI 7 in Europe. These ratings mean the game contains only cartoon-style battles suitable for older children.
In other words, it’s generally safe and child-friendly, just aimed at kids around 10+ due to the slightly more intense action. Parents can use the official ratings as a guide: the content is similar to a Pokémon cartoon fight, with no realistic violence.
As with any game, checking a hands-on review or preview (and official rating details) is a good idea, but current information shows no hidden mature themes – just a Pokémon adventure with new real-time battles. In summary, Pokémon Legends: Z-A should be an enjoyable and appropriate game for its recommended age, despite the extra attention on its ratings.
