New Battle Club mode announced for Pokemon Legends Z A

Nintendo reveals a new Battle Club mode for Pokemon Legends Z A that lets up to four players compete in Link and Ranked battles with a three minute time limit and seasonal rewards.

Pokemon Legends Z A Introduces Four Trainer Multiplayer Battles

Link Battles and Ranked Battles form the new Battle Club in Pokemon Legends Z A. During the 2025 Pokemon World Championships, Nintendo announced the feature for the Switch and Switch 2. In Link Battles, up to four players race to defeat as many Pokemon as possible within a three minute window, using a range of moves and Mega Evolutions to gain the edge.

Ranked Battles let four trainers compete online from around the world to earn points. Players start at Rank Z and can rise to Rank A as they accumulate points, with rewards awarded based on final rank when the season ends. Private Battles allow friends to play locally or online. The mode arrives on October 16, 2025, with pre-orders live and a bundle that includes Switch 2 hardware.

The Battle Club marks a shift toward more social, competitive play for a game series long known for its single player and short multiplayer skirmishes. The format rewards speed and teamwork, not just raw power, which could change how players approach team builds and move choices. It also tests balance as Mega Evolutions and diverse move sets become tools in a time-limited format.

At the same time, the system of season-based rewards raises questions about grind and accessibility. While ongoing participation can keep players engaged, those who cannot commit to a long season or who face hardware limitations may feel excluded. The strategy will be to balance rewards with fair play and to ensure matchmaking remains welcoming for newcomers.

Highlights

The Battle Club could redefine how players compete and connect within the Pokémon universe.