First Look: Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s Real-Time Combat Shines on Nintendo Switch 2

Attendees at this year’s Pokémon Worlds event were treated to an exclusive, behind-closed-doors demo of the highly anticipated Pokémon Legends: Z-A, running on the rumored Nintendo Switch 2. This hands-on experience offered a crucial glimpse into the game’s bold new real-time combat system and impressive technical performance, signaling a significant evolution for the beloved franchise.

The demo immediately plunged players into a dynamic battle scenario, showcasing a combat system that grants full control over the trainer. Players can sprint, dodge, and strategically use items while directing their Pokémon’s attacks via a move list with individual cooldowns. This departure from traditional turn-based mechanics introduces a thrilling sense of urgency and tactical depth, allowing for surprise attacks on trainers and a more integrated stealth approach, building upon elements seen in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

A highlight of the preview was the reintroduction and innovative implementation of Mega Evolution. During a chase sequence with Zygarde, players learned to activate Mega Evolution by collecting “Mega Power” pellets from dealing damage, transforming their Pokémon into more powerful forms mid-battle. The intense, fast-paced encounter underscored the strategic importance of timing attacks and utilizing the environment, with a new item cooldown system adding another layer of challenge and tactical decision-making.

Crucially, the demo provided an early look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s performance on what appears to be the Nintendo Switch 2. The game ran buttery smooth at 60 frames per second, with noticeably improved textures and overall visual fidelity compared to its predecessor, Legends: Arceus. While the urban setting of Lumiose City raised some initial concerns about environmental variety versus Arceus’s open landscapes, the technical leap and engaging combat suggest a promising future for the series.

This early preview confirms that Pokémon Legends: Z-A is poised to deliver a fresh, exciting experience, particularly with its reinvented real-time combat. While questions about exploration remain, the demo strongly indicates that this title could be the ambitious reinvention the Pokémon series needs to captivate both long-time fans and new players in the next generation.

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