Pokémon Legends: Z-A on Switch vs Switch 2

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is right around the corner, and many are understandably getting excited. However, for those on the Nintendo Switch 2, or indeed, those still on the original Switch, the game’s multiple versions may be a point of confusion. Players want to get the best possible edition of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and some fans may even be willing to buy a Switch 2 if its upgrade is worth the money.

Fortunately, Nintendo has explained the various differences between Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s editions and the features exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 edition. This makes it pretty easy for those eying up Legends: Z-A’s Switch 2 bundle to decide whether they should make the plunge. To make it even easier for everyone, we’ve broken it down so that fans know exactly what they’re getting with each version of the game.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Features Exclusive To Switch 2

Legends Z-A Runs Better On Switch 2

Pokemon Legends Z-A trainer holding up their wrist to activate a Mega evolution wristband.

The Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 editions of Pokémon Legends: Z-A are practically identical to one another. Unfortunately, that means that Legends: Z-A doesn’t make the most of the Switch 2’s unique features, such as mouse controls or even the camera. That may be disappointing for some to hear, but it also means that those on the original Switch don’t have to worry about missing out. However, there are a few aspects of the Switch 2 version that are different. They are as follows:

Improved framerate
Better resolution

Really, like the majority of other disappointing Switch 2 editions, Legends: Z-A just runs and looks slightly better on the new handheld. However, the texture quality will still be the same, and Nintendo hasn’t alluded to population density, lighting, or any other graphically intensive feature being better on the Switch 2. It sounds like it is an identical port that will benefit from what a handful of Switch games got as a free update. The disappointing part is that Legends: Z-A’s Switch 2 edition costs more.

How Pricing Compares For Legends: Z-A Versions

It Is Slightly More Expensive On Switch 2

Corbeau in Pokemon Legends Z-A smiling while standing in his arena.

The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Pokémon Legends: Z-A costs $69.99, whereas the Switch version costs $59.99. That means it is $10 more to buy the Switch 2 edition, which is also how much the upgrade pack costs. Whether the improved framerate and resolution warrant a $10 increase in price remains to be seen. However, I suspect that Switch users can rest assured that they’re getting the full package for a cheaper deal.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is undoubtedly better on the Nintendo Switch 2, but not by much. It is much like how Tears of the Kingdom certainly runs and looks slightly better on the Switch 2, but the improvement isn’t really all that noticeable unless you have the two versions side by side. Fortunately, Nintendo isn’t gatekeeping any exclusive content behind the Switch 2 edition of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, although that does mean that Switch 2 owners have drawn the short straw on this occasion.