Overview
- The game unlocks at 12 a.m. ET on Oct. 16 (9 p.m. PT Oct. 15), with digital preloads requiring about 4GB on Switch and 7.7GB on Switch 2.
- Play is available on both the original Switch and Switch 2, introducing movement, timing, and dodge mechanics in a new real‑time battle system.
- The base Pokédex includes 230 Pokémon, with shiny odds reported at 1/4096 and an early sidequest that guarantees a Shiny Mareep, plus a Shiny Charm reward via Mable’s research.
- Starter choices are Chikorita, Totodile, or Tepig, while Kalos starters Froakie, Chespin, and Fennekin can be obtained through early side missions and later found in the wild.
- Mega Evolutions return with new and returning forms, some Mega Stones earned through online Ranked Battles, and the paid Mega Dimension expansion scheduled for February 2026.