Following the recent Pokemon Presents event and the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 console bundle featuring Pokémon, retailers have begun sharing details on exclusive preorder bonuses for the new game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Best Buy appears to be offering one of the most attractive bonuses seen in years for a Nintendo Switch title: preordering Pokémon Legends: Z-A for either Switch 2 or the original Switch (physical or digital versions) will secure you an oversized desk mat. This mat displays a detailed map of Lumiose City, surrounded by key art and several Pokémon. Meanwhile, Walmart customers who preorder will receive an exclusive pin featuring either the game`s logo or one of the three starter Pokémon, chosen at random.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set to return players to the Kalos region, with the game`s release scheduled for October 16. The Nintendo Switch 2 version will cost $70, while the edition for the original Switch will be $60. Preorders are also available at Amazon, Target, and GameStop. Players will have the option to upgrade from the original Switch version to the Switch 2 version for an additional $10. For Pokémon fans considering the leap to Nintendo`s new console, there`s an excellent opportunity: the Nintendo Switch 2 Pokémon Legends: Z-A Console Bundle, launching on the same day for $500. This bundle, which saves $20 compared to purchasing the console and game separately, includes a digital voucher for Z-A and is available for preorder at Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, though the Best Buy console bundle currently does not include the bonus desk mat.
For those who haven`t yet played the highly-rated predecessor, Pokémon Legends: Arceus (released in 2022), a special offer is available at Woot, an Amazon-owned discount store, where a physical copy can be acquired for $45 (originally $60). If Woot sells out, Arceus can also be found for $52 at Amazon or Walmart.
Details on Preorder Bonuses
- Best Buy Desk Mat: Valued at $30, this enlarged “Gamer Mat” provides ample space for a keyboard and mouse. It features a Lumiose City map at its center, with key art around the edges. The left side of the mat showcases the three starter Pokémon and the Switch 2 and Switch logos, while the right displays Zygarde and Eternal Flower Floette beneath the game`s logo. Although precise dimensions are not disclosed, it appears to be a traditional oversized mat with a cloth surface, stitched edges, and likely a rubberized base, also suitable for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Speculation exists that its design might hint at Joy-Con 2 mouse control support for Switch 2, though Nintendo has not yet confirmed such functionality for Z-A.
- Walmart Pin: Initially just hinted at, Walmart`s exclusive preorder bonus is now confirmed as a collectible pin. Preordering the physical edition for either Switch 2 or the original Switch will grant a random pin from a selection including Chikorita, Tepig, Totodile, or the Pokémon Legends: Z-A logo.
- Pokémon Center Plush Toy: In the US, Canada, and the UK, preordering directly from the Pokémon Center will yield a random Pokémon Sitting Cuties plush toy: Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile.
- Other Retailers: While Walmart and Best Buy have announced specific bonuses, other major retailers like Target, GameStop, and Amazon may also introduce their unique promotions.
Game Versions and Performance
The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be on a game card and is expected to leverage the Switch 2`s enhanced capabilities for improved performance, including higher frame rates and resolution. This is a significant point for fans, as Pokémon Legends: Arceus experienced some performance issues like slowdowns and object pop-in on the original Switch. Developers hope to avoid the considerable performance disparity seen in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, where original Switch versions faced significant challenges, but a free update for Switch 2 allowed the game to run at 1080p at 60 frames per second. The digital version for Switch 2 is also available for preorder, with Best Buy offering the bonus desk mat even for digital purchases.
The $60 physical edition for the original Nintendo Switch (OLED, Lite, and standard) is widely available. Its digital counterpart also costs $60 on the eShop, but purchasing an eShop code through Best Buy still guarantees the bonus desk mat. A $10 upgrade option is available for those who buy the Switch version and later acquire a Switch 2.
Key Features of Pokémon Legends: Z-A
This second installment in the Pokémon Legends series brings players back to the Kalos region, with a particular focus on the bustling metropolis of Lumiose City. This marks a notable shift from Arceus`s wilderness-centric setting. Players can choose Chikorita, Totodile, or Tepig as their first partner Pokémon. The streamlined Pokémon catching system from Arceus, which allows throwing Poké Balls without engaging in battle, will be retained.
A significant innovation in Z-A is its battle system. Departing from the traditional turn-based combat of Arceus and the main series, Z-A introduces a strategic real-time system. Players and their partner Pokémon can move within a defined combat zone, where positioning and timing will be crucial for both attacking and dodging incoming assaults.
A long-absent, fan-favorite feature—Mega Evolutions—will also make a triumphant return. Last seen in Pokémon: Let`s Go, Pikachu and Eevee (2018), Mega Evolutions temporarily transform a Pokémon into a more powerful, visually altered version. This transformation requires a Mega Ring and a species-specific Mega Stone. Trailers have already showcased Mega Evolutions for Pokémon like Lucario, Ampharos, and Kangaskhan. Their reintroduction, especially fitting given their origin in the Kalos region`s X and Y titles, is a highly anticipated addition.