Pokémon Legends Z-A Demo Signals Fresh Pulse in Real Time Battles

Early hands-on impressions at the World Championships show a bold move toward real-time battles with cautious optimism and questions about depth.

Pokémon Legends Z-A Demo Signals Fresh Pulse in Real Time Battles

At the 2025 Pokémon World Championships in Anaheim, the Z-A demo was shown in two parts, each about ten minutes long, and focused on the game’s new real-time battle system. The early-game pace aims to be brisk, shifting away from the traditional turn-based rhythm and inviting quicker, on-the-fly decisions.

Reviewers describe a mix of promise and uncertainty. Some praise the fresh feel and potential to energize the Legends format, while others say it is too early to judge long-term depth. Serebii's Joe Merrick called it a cool evolution and said it makes him want to play more. Public access is limited to a first-come, first-served Nintendo Account registration at the venue.

The impressions point to a broader trend of experimentation in Pokémon games. A real-time battle approach could broaden the franchise’s appeal, but it also raises questions about how strategic depth will be sustained over a full campaign. If Z-A threads its new pace with balanced movesets and meaningful choices, it could attract new players without alienating longtime fans, following a path similar to Arceus yet standing on its own.

Highlights

The full release will reveal whether this pivot meets player expectations and sustains engagement.