Pokemon Legends: Z-A

 Switch
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
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  1. RPGamer
    Jan 16, 2026
    70
    While it wasn’t the game I had thought to spend much of my winter holiday pursuing, Pokémon Legends Z-A turned out to be a pleasant romp, a delightful return to a part of the game world I hadn’t seen in over a decade, and the chance to learn many new and interesting words in French. I shan’t be delving too deep into the post-game or DLC, so others may touch on those as they wish. All I may say is that this was, in the end, a very welcome Christmas present.
  2. Starbit
    Nov 24, 2025
    70
    Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the Nintendo Switch brings new and welcome ideas to a familiar formula which can feel fresh and captivating, while at the same time denounces hardware limitations that are impossible to escape on a system that's almost nine years old. The combat is more dynamic and engaging, the cast of characters is very appealing, there's plenty to do on exploration and side quests, and the soundtrack is magnificent. However, the game's world is rather small (though full of content), and its visual direction needs updating. Legends Z-A features good ideas but it craves a new space to live up to their promises.
  3. IGN Turkey
    Oct 31, 2025
    70
    Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a game from Game Freak's 3D era that at least gets things somewhat back on track. The battle system is enjoyable, the Pokémon's attacks and that familiar collecting feeling are strong. However, confining you to four walls with similar designs takes away the free spirit of Pokémon games.
  5. Nintendo Life
    Oct 17, 2025
    60
    Longer load times and softer image quality are a couple more (expected) nicks in the older hardware version's armour, but overall, despite my complaints, Legends: Z-A on Switch is.... okay! It's a step up from the last two mainline games, but still far from Pokémon's best-looking titles...And I think it's the Switch 1 version's fault. I absolutely get why Z-A is on the older console; The Pokémon Company isn't going to give up that huge player base with a mainline game yet. But its limitations hold Lumiose City back from its full potential. What could've been a vibrant, varied city instead comes with caveats, restrictions, and a fair few visual compromises.