We play Pokemon Legends: Z-A on Switch 2! [Hands-on Preview]

The next Pokemon game is looking — and playing — really well

I had the chance to go hands-on with the upcoming Pokemon Legends: Z-A at PAX West 2025 and came away impressed with what the game is becoming. There is A LOT to do in the giant town, from one-on-one battles in a sort of Boattle Royale to a special Mega Evolution Absol fight with my own Lucario.

While it may not look the most detailed, the game seems to run extremely smooth on the Switch 2, with fast responses in battles and movemenet around the city. Our hype levels have gone up, and October 16th can’t come soon enough.

SideQuesting had a chance to go hands-on with the game at PAX West 2025.