Pokemon Legends: Z-A is slated for a distant 2025 release, much like another of Nintendo’s up-and-comers, the yet, unnamed Switch 2. Is this a coincidence, or is there a connection between the two? Read on as we break down some possible theories.
What Does Pokemon Legends: Z-A's 2025 Release Mean for Nintendo’s Next Console?
All eyes are on Nintendo as murmurs about their next console turn into full-blown theories. And with recent news of a new Pokemon game set to release in 2025, theorists among the crowd can’t help but draw a line to connect the two. The hottest question in every Nintendo fan’s mind right now is whether this 2025 release is indicative of the Switch 2’s imminent entrance into the gaming market.
It’s hard to tell right now, but that’s never stopped fans from drawing their conclusions. Let’s dive into what we already know and apply it to the most promising theories out there.
What We Already Know
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Set For 2025 Release
First announced in the most recent Pokemon Day, Pokemon Legends: Z-A exploded onto the scene with many in its wake asking about its release platform. Although its exact release date remains uncertain, "2025" is enough for fans to draw a parallel between it and the Switch’s successor console. Granted, the title was officially announced to join the "Nintendo Switch family of systems," so we can’t jump to conclusions yet.
Nintendo’s Next Console Rumored For March 2025 Release
Rumors have been flying about the Switch 2 for some time now, with the most recent saying that the console should be on the market by March 2025. It should be noted that this is the EARLIEST projection that we have and that the actual release date could be any later date within the same year.
Eagle-eyed fans have noticed that the Switch’s original release date was also in March, so there’s some credence to the claim that the Switch 2 could come out at that time. We’re still missing the other half of the puzzle, however, as we only have "2025" as the new Pokemon game’s release date. Until we pinpoint the month, it might be hard to draw conclusions.
The Switch is Falling Behind on All Fronts
Although beloved by Nintendo fans worldwide, the Nintendo Switch isn’t long for this world. It’s still killing it on the market with Nintendo’s most recent releases, though it is also starting to show its age in terms of hardware and graphics. I don’t think it will be killed off unceremoniously after being on top of the handheld scene for more than half a decade, but if the rumors about the Switch 2’s bigger and better screen are any indication, a proper sendoff might be in order.
Theory #1: The Nintendo Switch’s Lifespan Will Extend to 2025
This is one of the more unlikely theories, but we can’t count it out just yet. It’s also not mutually exclusive with the next theory we’re going to discuss, but I’m getting ahead of myself. This theory posits that the Nintendo Switch will extend its lifespan well into 2025. Whether or not it will be running concurrently with its successor console is unknown and irrelevant, but it could be the reason why the wording on the Pokemon Legends announcement was so ambiguous regarding the game’s platform on release.
I don’t think this will be the case, however, considering the Switch’s rapidly declining competitiveness in terms of hardware and graphics. Considering how most of the Switch 2 leaks so far talk about its bigger screen, we might be looking at a summary execution rather than co-existence.
Theory #2: Pokemon Legends: Z-A Will Be Compatible Across Generations
This theory has more wiggle room than the previous two, positing that Pokemon Legends: Z-A will have cross-generation compatibility between the Switch and its successor. As I stated earlier, both this theory and the previous one could be true at the same time, although I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s release date is currently unclear, so it’s hard to tell if it even aligns with the Switch 2’s delayed release date of March 2025.
Theory #3: This Will Be One of The Switch’s Last Major Title
Yet another theory that could be true purports Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s status as Nintendo’s last major title for the Nintendo Switch. It could be something of a "going away gift" for the beloved console before it is subsumed by the yet-to-be-officially-named Switch 2.
I don’t think a proper send-off is beyond Nintendo’s capability, although releasing a new Pokemon title on a soon-to-be-obsolete platform does seem like a questionable choice. This one seems to be the least likely one so far, although I wouldn’t consider it completely impossible.
So, What’s The Verdict?
Probably Nothing, It’s Too Early to Tell
Sad as it is to say, the parallels between Pokemon Legends: Z-A and the Switch 2’s rumored release dates are all still open to conjecture. Without knowing exactly what date the new Pokemon game is coming out on, my guess is as good as anyone’s. There’s also no guarantee that Nintendo won’t roll back the Switch 2’s release date, especially when one considers the debacle that surrounded the Switch’s initial release, which was plagued by stock shortages.
I’ll err in favor of the two being connected, as a new Pokemon game to pair with a brand-spanking new console is a tried and true marketing tactic. There’s no guarantee of that, however, and the best we can do is hope for now.
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