Nintendo just made waves during its latest Pokémon Presents livestream, officially announcing a brand-new console bundle: the highly anticipated Switch 2 paired with “Pokémon Legends: Z-A”, dropping this October 16 at a price point of $769.
What You’re Getting in the Box (Sort Of)
This isn’t just a new console launch, it’s a package deal. You get the next-gen Nintendo Switch 2 console and a digital version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. The game has been optimized specifically for the new hardware, so expect better visuals and smoother gameplay right out of the gate.
Technical Upgrades That Matter
If you remember the performance dips in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you’re not alone. But Nintendo promises this time will be different. The Switch 2 edition of Z-A features “improved performance, enhanced resolution, and smoother frame rates,” directly tackling the issues that plagued its predecessor.
Welcome to Lumiose City
Z-A is taking a different approach than what we’ve seen in other Legends titles. Instead of exploring vast open-world wilds, this game keeps things tight and urban, setting the entire adventure within Lumiose City, a place fans of Pokémon X and Y will definitely recognize. It feels like a spiritual sequel, but with a fresh, more city-focused twist.
Old Meets New
The gameplay continues to walk the line between innovation and tradition. Z-A blends real-time catching mechanics, something that debuted in Arceus with classic turn-based battles. It’s a balanced combo that should appeal to longtime fans and curious newcomers alike.
Timing It Right for the Holidays
Launching this in mid-October is no coincidence. It hits just ahead of the holiday shopping rush, and with major AAA titles now hitting $99, bundling the console with a full game is a smart move. It’s an attractive option for parents, collectors, and first-time Nintendo buyers.
All-Digital, All-Set
The bundle includes a digital download of Z-A, which means no waiting, no discs, no clutter. Just power up your Switch 2, log in, and you’re playing. It’s faster for the user and better for the environment with fewer plastic cases in landfills.
More Pokémon News on the Side
Alongside the bundle reveal, Nintendo dropped some updates across the Pokémon universe. Fans got a sneak peek at a new season of Pokémon Concierge on Netflix, plus a glimpse at an upcoming stop-motion series from the creators of Wallace and Gromit. It’s clear the franchise is expanding in every direction.
Nintendo’s New Era
The Switch 2 itself is a major step forward from the original 2017 release. It’s built to handle modern game demands, especially titles like Arceus that struggled on the aging hardware. The improved specs are here not just for Z-A, but for a stronger overall library moving forward.
Why This Bundle Stands Out
If you’re thinking about upgrading or diving into the Nintendo ecosystem for the first time this bundle makes a strong case. You’re not just getting a new console. You’re getting the next evolution of a franchise that keeps pushing its own boundaries.
