The upcoming Pokemon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch has been the subject of much speculation, particularly regarding its starter Pokemon. Many fans believed the game, set in Lumiose City within the Kalos region (the same setting as Pokemon X and Y), would feature Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie as starters. However, a recent leak suggests a different direction.
While the connection to Pokemon X and Y fueled these expectations, and some rumors even supported this idea, it would actually deviate from the precedent set by Pokemon Legends: Arceus. That game introduced starters from three different generations: Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott. A new leak now indicates Game Freak might continue this multi-generational approach for Z-A, rather than using the Pokemon X and Y starters.
This leak originates from the same hacker responsible for the significant Game Freak data breach that unveiled a wealth of information on past, present, and future Pokemon titles. While much of the leaked data became public, a substantial portion remains undisclosed. This implies the hacker likely possesses insider knowledge about Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
alt text: A promotional image showcasing the title "Pokemon Legends: Z-A" against a backdrop of Lumiose City.
The leak doesn’t reveal the specific starters, only stating they won’t be the Pokemon X and Y trio. This news alone will likely surprise many fans who anticipated Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie. It’s important to approach this information cautiously, however. While the source’s credibility seems plausible given their involvement in the data breach, there’s no absolute guarantee of accuracy.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A is expected to launch on the Nintendo Switch sometime this year. A recent report indicated it will be backward compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2, although not actively in development for the new console. An Amazon listing even suggested an August 15, 2025 release date, though this remains unconfirmed.
