We now know precisely when to expect the next Pokemon Legends game, Pokemon Legends Z-A. Nintendo announced today it’s coming out for both Switch and its successor on October 16. The Switch version can be upgraded to the Switch 2 version with a $10 patch.

Many Pokemon fans have said they enjoyed the first Pokemon Legends more than the mainline Pokemon game that followed it (Scarlet / Violet) because it was set in a truly open world (and also, there were far fewer glitches). Given that, the direction the sequel is taking is a bit of a surprise: it’s set entirely within Lumiose City, which as far as we know you can’t leave.

Said city, however, has many “wild zones” in which to catch Pokemon and there happen to be a lot of them roaming around the urban streets anyway. And there may be more depending on the in-game time of day: when night falls, the real trainers come out and a competition called the Z-A Royale begins. The idea is to train and battle during the day so you can stand up to these tougher opponents at night.

Battle sequences are somewhat different in that the Pokemon will follow your moves even during battle, so you can lead them out of the way in real time to dodge attacks. There will also be new Mega Evolutions to contend with (and command): Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Absol, and Mega Charizard X have been spotted in trailers so far.

Finally, Nintendo has revealed when preorders for the game will officially open: June 5. If that date sounds familiar, it’s because it’s already occupied by a much louder event: the launch of the Switch 2. One would think Pokemon Legends Z-A might get a bit…overshadowed, but this game should not have much trouble selling in the long run.

If there are any bits of new information beyond this, we should hear them in the next Pokemon Presents stream, which was announced today as taking place July 22. Pokemon Legends Z-A comes out October 16 for Switch and Switch 2.

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