We recently got a sneak peek at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the next installment in Game Freak's acclaimed Legends series. This new adventure is set in the vibrant Lumiose City, familiar to fans of Pokémon X and Y. Intriguingly, the game has received an E10+ rating from the ESRB, sparking a flurry of speculation among excited (and sometimes jokingly apprehensive) fans.
The Nintendo Switch store page reveals that Pokémon Legends: Z-A has earned an E10+ rating from the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, citing "Fantasy Violence." This is unusual for the Pokémon franchise, whose mainline games typically receive an "E for Everyone" rating. This unexpected rating has naturally ignited a wave of theories, ranging from the plausible to the downright hilarious.
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The speculation is, understandably, rampant. Ideas range from surprisingly violent dialogue to the unexpected introduction of gunplay mechanics (though that seems highly unlikely!). Some Redditors have jokingly suggested a return of the hordes, perhaps involving a gang of Scrafty ambushing players in a Lumiose alleyway. "Ohhhh boy, Game Freak is taking off the little kiddie gloves," commented Reddit user RynnHamHam. "This ain’t your kindergartener’s Pokémon game."
Many jokes also center around AZ, a character with a significant and rather dark history, set to appear in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. AZ's role in Pokémon X and Y, and his connection to the darker aspects of the Kalos region's history, makes him a natural focus for speculation.
More plausible theories include an increase in the game's "craps" (presumably referring to more challenging or intense moments), or the inclusion of a Game Center-style minigame. It's also possible that the darker elements of Lumiose City itself will play a more prominent role in the narrative.
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My own theory leans towards the "Fantasy Violence" highlighted by the ESRB. While unusual for a standard Pokémon game, the E10+ rating aligns with Pokkén Tournament DX, which also received the same rating for "Fantasy Violence." The real-time combat showcased in Pokémon Legends: Z-A trailers might have contributed to the slightly higher rating, as the Pokémon's physical contact is more pronounced.
Currently, there's no listing for Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the ESRB website, so further details remain elusive. However, the speculation is certainly entertaining, and we eagerly await more information about Z-A's story and the reasons behind its elevated rating.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is scheduled for release in late 2025 on Nintendo Switch.
