We recently got a detailed look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the next installment in Game Freak's Legends series, set entirely within Lumiose City from Pokémon X and Y. The game has also reportedly received an E10+ rating from the ESRB, sparking a mix of curiosity and playful fan speculation about what this new entry might bring.
Observant fans spotted that on the Nintendo Switch eShop listing, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is rated E10+ by the Entertainment Software Rating Board, citing "Fantasy Violence." While this might not raise eyebrows in most franchises, it's unusual for Pokémon, as the main series titles have historically held an "E for Everyone" rating.
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Naturally, the new rating has sparked wide-ranging theories—some serious, others far-fetched. It’s amusing to imagine what unexpected decisions by Game Freak could have led to the higher rating, from dialogue alluding to Pokémon causing fatalities to the introduction of combat mechanics resembling gunplay. Some Reddit users joked that the game might bring back horde encounters, but with a rougher edge—like being ambushed by a pack of Scrafty in a Lumiose City back alley.
"Oh boy, Game Freak is finally taking off the kid gloves," remarked Reddit user RynnHamHam. "This isn't your kindergartener's Pokémon game anymore."
Fans have also been poking fun at the inclusion of AZ, a character with a tragic backstory who is set to return in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. He played a pivotal role in some of the darker lore of Pokémon X and Y and the history of the Kalos region.
On a more plausible note, several theories have emerged. These include slightly more intense battle sequences, the inclusion of a casino-style minigame, or a stronger emphasis on Lumiose City's shadowy side.
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In my view, the rating likely stems from the "Fantasy Violence" noted by the ESRB. While unusual for a standard Pokémon game, it matches the rating given to Pokkén Tournament DX—a real-time Pokémon fighting game that also received an E10+ for "Fantasy Violence." The real-time combat shown for Pokémon Legends: Z-A may have influenced the slightly stronger rating, as it more visibly depicts Pokémon making direct contact during battles.
As of this writing, Pokémon Legends: Z-A does not yet have a full listing on the ESRB website, so further details remain unclear. That said, it’s enjoyable to theorize while we await more information about Z-A's gameplay and what exactly led to its elevated age rating.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is scheduled to launch on Nintendo Switch in late 2025.
