Following its recent reveal and the announcement of a new Nintendo Switch 2 console bundle, retailers have started to detail their exclusive preorder incentives for Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Best Buy is offering what many consider to be one of the most appealing bonuses for a Nintendo Switch game in years: an oversized desk mat. This mat, depicting a map of Lumiose City surrounded by key art and various Pokémon, is available to customers who preorder Pokemon Legends: Z-A for either Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, regardless of whether they choose the physical or digital edition. Walmart, on the other hand, will be providing customers with an exclusive pin featuring either the game`s logo or one of the three starter Pokémon.
Players will revisit the iconic Kalos region in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, which is set to launch on October 16. The game will be available for both the original Nintendo Switch at $60 and the upcoming Switch 2 at $70. For those considering upgrading their console, a $10 upgrade path will be available from the Switch to Switch 2 version of the game. Additionally, a special Nintendo Switch 2 console bundle featuring Pokemon Legends: Z-A will release on the same day for $500, offering a bundled digital copy of the game and a $20 saving compared to separate purchases.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Preorder Bonuses
While Best Buy and Walmart have been the first major retailers to confirm their exclusive preorder bonuses, it`s widely anticipated that other prominent retailers such as Target, GameStop, and Amazon may also announce unique incentives as the release date approaches. For fans in the US, Canada, or UK, preordering directly from the official Pokémon Center will net a random “Pokemon Sitting Cuties” plush featuring either Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile.
Best Buy Exclusive: Oversized Desk Mat
Best Buy`s exclusive “Gamer Mat” is valued at $30 and serves as an oversized desk mat or mouse pad. It features a detailed map of Lumiose City at its center, surrounded by key art from the game. The mat also showcases the three starter Pokémon, the logos for both Switch and Switch 2, and art of Zygarde and Eternal Flower Floette. Although exact dimensions haven`t been released, its design suggests ample space for a keyboard and mouse. The mat`s existence has also fueled speculation about potential Switch 2-exclusive control methods, such as Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, though Nintendo has yet to confirm such functionality for Z-A.
Walmart Exclusive: Pokemon Pin
Walmart`s mystery preorder gift has been revealed to be an exclusive pin. Customers who preorder the physical edition of Pokemon Legends: Z-A for either Switch or Switch 2 will receive one of the following pins at random:
- Chikorita
- Tepig
- Totodile
- Pokemon Legends: Z-A logo
Game Versions and Console Information
The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Pokemon Legends: Z-A, priced at $70, is expected to leverage the new console`s superior hardware, promising improved performance, higher frame rates, and enhanced resolution. Notably, Best Buy extends its exclusive desk mat offer to digital preorders of the Switch 2 version, providing an appealing incentive even for those who prefer digital copies. The performance improvements are particularly anticipated, especially given the technical challenges faced by previous titles like Pokemon Legends: Arceus and Pokemon Scarlet & Violet on the original Switch hardware.
For existing Nintendo Switch owners, the game will also be available for $60. Like the Switch 2 version, Best Buy offers its desk mat bonus for both physical and digital preorders of the original Switch edition. Players who purchase the Switch version will have the option to upgrade to the Switch 2 version later for a $10 fee.
The Nintendo Switch 2 console bundle, which includes a digital voucher for Pokemon Legends: Z-A, will be available for $500. It`s worth noting that, at this time, Best Buy is not extending its desk mat bonus to preorders of this console bundle.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A is the second installment in the critically acclaimed Pokemon Legends series. For those who haven`t experienced the highly-rated predecessor, Pokemon Legends: Arceus (released in 2022), it remains a worthwhile play and can often be found at a discounted price from various retailers.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Key Features
This sequel transports players back to the Kalos region, specifically within a redesigned, bustling metropolitan area of Lumiose City – a significant change of pace from Arceus`s sprawling wilderness. Players will choose one of three beloved starter Pokémon: Chikorita, Totodile, or Tepig. The efficient catching system from Arceus, which allows players to capture wild Pokémon without initiating a battle, is confirmed to make a return, streamlining the overall Pokémon catching experience.
A major innovation in Z-A is its battle system, moving away from traditional turn-based combat to a more strategic, real-time approach. Players and their partner Pokémon can maneuver within a designated battle area, with positioning and timing becoming crucial for both offensive strikes and defensive dodges.
Additionally, the fan-favorite Mega Evolution mechanic, which last appeared in 2018`s Pokemon: Let`s Go, Pikachu! and Eevee!, will be reintroduced. This temporary transformation significantly boosts a Pokémon`s power and alters its appearance. To activate it, players will need a Mega Ring and a species-specific Mega Stone. Trailers have already showcased several Pokémon with confirmed Mega Evolutions, including Lucario, Ampharos, and Kangaskhan, fittingly bringing this feature back in the region where it originally debuted with Pokemon X and Y.