Following the recent Pokémon Presents event and the announcement of a Nintendo Switch 2 console bundle themed around Pokémon, various retailers have begun disclosing their unique preorder incentives for the upcoming game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Best Buy stands out with what could be one of the most appealing bonuses for a Nintendo Switch title in recent memory: preordering Pokémon Legends: Z-A, whether for the original Switch or the new Switch 2 (physical or digital versions), grants you an expansive desk mat. This mat showcases a detailed map of Lumiose City, enveloped by key artwork and a selection of Pokémon. In contrast, Walmart is offering an exclusive pin, which will either feature the game`s logo or one of the three starter Pokémon.
Players will return to the familiar Kalos region in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, set to launch on October 16. The Nintendo Switch 2 edition is priced at $70, while the version for the original Switch costs $60. Preorders are also open at other major retailers like Amazon, Target, and GameStop. For those who purchase the original Switch version, an upgrade to the Switch 2 edition will be available for $10. Furthermore, Pokémon enthusiasts contemplating an upgrade to Nintendo`s new console can seize the opportunity with the Nintendo Switch 2 Pokémon Legends: Z-A Bundle, releasing concurrently on October 16 for $500. This bundle is currently available for preorder at Walmart, Target, and Best Buy.
For those who haven`t experienced Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the acclaimed predecessor to Z-A, Woot is currently offering a significant discount, bringing its price down to $45 from $60.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Preorder Bonuses Overview
While Walmart and Best Buy have been the first major retailers to reveal their exclusive preorder incentives, it wouldn`t be surprising if Target, GameStop, and Amazon (which has resumed carrying Nintendo titles) eventually introduce their own distinct bonuses.
Customers preordering through the official Pokémon Center in the US, Canada, or UK will receive one random Pokémon Sitting Cuties plush from a selection of Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile.
Best Buy Bonus: Exclusive Desk Mat
Best Buy indicates a value of $30 for the desk mat, which seems appropriate for an oversized accessory of this type. Its design features a central map of Lumiose City, bordered by key art. The left side displays the three starter Pokémon alongside the Switch 2 and Switch logos, while the right side highlights Zygarde and Eternal Flower Floette beneath the game`s title. Although Best Buy has not disclosed the precise dimensions, it appears to be a standard oversized mat, providing ample space for a keyboard and mouse. There`s also speculation about its potential use with Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, given Nintendo`s silence on Z-A`s support for this new Switch 2-exclusive input method, which the mat`s existence hints at. While officially termed a `Gamer Mat,` it functions unmistakably as a desk mat or mouse pad, characterized by a cloth surface, stitched edges, and presumably a rubberized base. It could also serve as a playmat for the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
Walmart Bonus: Exclusive Pokémon Pin
Walmart`s product listings had teased exclusive bonuses since preorders began in early June, and the mystery gift has now been revealed as a collectible pin. Preordering the physical edition for either the original Switch or Switch 2 will grant customers one random pin from this selection:
- Chikorita
- Tepig
- Totodile
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A logo
Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game will be available on a game card and is priced at $70. Preorders are open at the following retailers:
- Amazon
- Walmart (includes an exclusive pin with physical preorders)
- Best Buy (includes an exclusive desk mat with physical or digital preorders)
- Target
- GameStop
Notably, even digital preorders through Best Buy qualify for the exclusive desk mat, making it a compelling option over purchasing directly from the eShop. Amazon also offers digital preorders. Consistent with other titles released for both current and next-generation Switch consoles, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is expected to leverage the Switch 2`s enhanced hardware for superior performance, including higher frame rates and resolution. Given that Pokémon Legends: Arceus experienced some performance dips, choppiness, and pop-in on the original Switch, it will be intriguing to observe Z-A`s performance comparison between the two consoles. Ideally, the disparity won`t be as pronounced as seen in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, which suffered from significant performance issues on the original Switch but reportedly runs at 1080p and 60fps following a free Switch 2 update.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch
The physical edition for the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED, and Switch Lite is available for $60 at these retailers:
- Amazon
- Walmart (offering an exclusive pin with physical preorders)
- Target
- Best Buy (providing an exclusive desk mat with physical or digital preorders)
- GameStop
The digital version, also priced at $60, can be preordered from the Switch eShop. However, by preordering an eShop code through Best Buy, you can still secure the desk mat bonus. Amazon also facilitates digital preorders for the Switch edition. Should you initially purchase the Switch version and later decide to upgrade to the Switch 2 edition, a $10 upgrade pack will be available via the eShop or major retailers.
Nintendo Switch 2: Pokémon Legends: Z-A Console Bundle
The Nintendo Switch 2 console bundle, which includes Pokémon Legends: Z-A, offers a $20 saving compared to purchasing the console and game separately. This bundle provides a voucher redeemable on the Nintendo eShop for the digital version of Z-A. Currently, Best Buy is not extending the desk mat preorder bonus to customers who purchase this console bundle, though this policy might change. Preorders for this bundle are still anticipated to open at Amazon and Walmart.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the second installment in the Pokémon Legends series. For those who missed out on Pokémon Legends: Arceus, released in 2022 to critical acclaim, Woot (an Amazon-affiliated discount retailer) is offering a physical copy at a $15 discount. Should Woot`s stock deplete, Arceus remains available at Amazon or Walmart for $52.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Key Features
This sequel to Pokémon Legends: Arceus transports players back to the Kalos region, famously featured in Generation 6`s Pokémon X and Y on the 3DS. The vibrant urban landscape of Lumiose City marks a notable shift from the expansive wilderness and rolling hills found in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Players will begin their journey with one of three partner Pokémon: Chikorita, Totodile, or Tepig. The efficient catching mechanics introduced in Arceus will also make a return, meaning players can attempt to capture wild Pokémon without initiating a battle beforehand.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A will introduce another significant change: its battle system. Moving away from the traditional turn-based combat seen in Arceus and the main series, the game will feature a strategic real-time battle system. Players and their partner Pokémon will be able to move during combat encounters, albeit within a defined area. Success on the battlefield will heavily depend on strategic positioning and precise timing, both for offensive maneuvers and for dodging incoming attacks.
Several beloved features from Arceus will also return, notably the ability to throw Poké Balls without entering a battle, thus streamlining the overall Pokémon catching experience.
In addition to new and refined gameplay elements, a well-known system makes a comeback after a considerable hiatus: Mega Evolutions. Last seen in 2018`s Pokémon: Let`s Go, Pikachu and Eevee, Mega Evolution temporarily transforms your partner Pokémon into a significantly more powerful form, also altering its appearance. However, only specific Pokémon species can Mega Evolve, and activating this transformation requires both a Mega Ring and a species-specific Mega Stone.
Trailers have already showcased several Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution, such as Lucario, Ampharos, and Kangaskhan. Given that Mega Evolutions originally debuted in Pokémon X and Y, their return in this new journey to the Kalos region is a fitting and welcome addition.