We recently got a sneak peek at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the next installment in Game Freak's Legends series, set in the vibrant Lumiose City from X and Y. The game's received an E10+ rating from the ESRB, sparking a flurry of curious and often humorous speculation among fans.
The Nintendo Switch store page reveals that Pokémon Legends: Z-A has earned an E10+ rating from the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB), citing "Fantasy Violence." This is unusual for the Pokémon franchise, whose mainline games typically receive an "E for Everyone" rating.
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This rating has ignited a wave of speculation, ranging from serious theories to lighthearted jokes. The possibilities are endless—from dialogue depicting Pokémon causing harm to the introduction of a surprising new gameplay mechanic. Reddit users have playfully suggested scenarios such as hordes of Scrafty ambushing players in Lumiose City alleys.
"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 revolve around AZ, a character with a significant history who's set to appear in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and whose role in Pokémon X and Y touched upon darker themes within the Kalos region's lore.
More plausible theories suggest an increase in intense battles or the inclusion of a Game Center-style minigame. The darker aspects of Lumiose City itself might also play a more prominent role.
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My personal belief is that the E10+ rating is likely due to the "Fantasy Violence" highlighted by the ESRB. While unusual for a typical Pokémon game, this aligns with Pokkén Tournament DX, which also received an E10+ rating for "Fantasy Violence." The real-time combat showcased in Pokémon Legends: Z-A might have contributed to the slightly higher rating, as the physical contact between Pokémon is more explicit.
Currently, there's no listing for Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the ESRB website, limiting further information. However, the speculation is certainly entertaining, and we eagerly await more details about Z-A's story and the reasons behind its rating.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is scheduled for release in late 2025 on Nintendo Switch.
