Everyone is waiting for the next big thing in Kalos. After the massive success of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the announcement of Pokémon Legends: Z-A sent the community into a genuine frenzy. People are already scouring the internet for Pokémon Legends ZA pre-order bonuses because, let’s be real, we all want those exclusive outfits or a shiny Pikachu if we can get it. But there is a bit of a catch right now. The game was announced for a 2025 release, and as of early 2026, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have been uncharacteristically quiet about the specific physical and digital goodies you get for putting your money down early.
It’s annoying. We want answers. But we can look at history to see exactly what’s coming, because Game Freak is nothing if not predictable when it comes to their launch cycles.
The Reality of Pokémon Legends ZA Pre-Order Bonuses Right Now
Let's get the facts straight first. If you go to the Nintendo eShop today, you might see a placeholder. If you go to GameStop or Best Buy, they’ll take your $60, but they won't tell you what's in the box besides the cartridge. Historically, Pokémon pre-order bonuses are split into three distinct "tiers" of rewards.
First, you have the Early Purchase Bonus. This is usually a digital distribution via Mystery Gift that anyone who buys the game within the first few months can snag. In Legends: Arceus, this was the Hisuian Growlithe Kimono Set and the Baneful Fox Mask. Expect something similar for Legends: Z-A—likely an outfit themed after a Mega Evolution or a classic Lumiose City aesthetic.
Then you have the Retailer Exclusives. This is where things get messy and where you usually have to make a choice. Do you want a physical object or a digital one? In the UK, GAME often does steelbooks. In the US, Target used to do those little figurines, though lately, they've shifted toward simple sticker sheets or art cards. It’s a bit of a downgrade, honestly.
Why the Lumiose City Setting Changes Everything
This game isn't like the wild, open tundras of Hisui. It's set entirely within Lumiose City during an "urban redevelopment plan." This shift in setting is going to dictate what kind of Pokémon Legends ZA pre-order bonuses we see. Think urban. Think stylish.
In Pokémon X and Y, Lumiose was the hub of fashion. It would be a massive missed opportunity if the pre-order bonuses didn't lean into the boutique culture. I’m betting on exclusive clothing items that reference the original Flare Gang or perhaps a special "Construction" outfit to fit the redevelopment theme.
Digital vs. Physical: Which Should You Choose?
Buying digital is convenient. You get to play at midnight. You don't have to put on pants and drive to a store. But the digital bonuses for Pokémon games are usually... well, they're kind of mid.
Usually, the eShop bonus is just a pile of Quick Balls. In Scarlet and Violet, it was 100 Quick Balls. That’s it. It’s helpful for the first twenty minutes of the game, and then it’s useless. If you care about "stuff," physical is almost always better.
- Pokémon Center (Online): They almost always have the best bonus. For Legends: Arceus, it was a sitting cuties-style plush. For S/V, it was a backpack. If you want something that actually holds value, keep an eye on the official Pokémon Center website the moment pre-orders go live.
- GameStop: They love their "Pre-order Pins." They're small, they're metal, and they look great on a lanyard.
- Amazon: Usually, Amazon offers a digital code for a "Garchomp Kimono" or some other cosmetic. It’s fine, but nothing to write home about.
The Mega Evolution Factor
We know Mega Evolution is coming back. The teaser trailer literally ended with the Mega Evolution symbol. This opens up a whole new realm for Pokémon Legends ZA pre-order bonuses.
Imagine a pre-order bonus that gives you a Mega Stone early. Or a special Pokémon that can Mega Evolve, similar to the Torchic event back in 2013 for X and Y. While Game Freak has moved away from giving out "power-ups" as pre-order bonuses lately—preferring cosmetics to keep the game balanced—the return to Kalos might change that. A "starter" Mega Stone set would be a huge incentive for veteran players to jump back in.
Save Data Bonuses: The "Secret" Rewards
Technically, these aren't pre-order bonuses, but you should prepare for them anyway. Pokémon games check your Nintendo Switch for save data from previous titles.
If you have Legends: Arceus save data, you’ll almost certainly get a special reward in Z-A. If you have Scarlet or Violet data, maybe a themed hat. This is a consistent pattern. If you haven't finished the older games, now is the time to do it. You don't even need to finish them; you just need a save file on your console.
I’ve seen people buy a used copy of Sword and Shield just to get the save data reward and then return the game. It’s a bit of a pro-move if you're a completionist.
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What to Watch Out For (The Red Flags)
Be careful with "leaks" on Twitter or Reddit. Every time a new Pokémon game is announced, people start photoshopping fake Pokémon Legends ZA pre-order bonuses.
If you see a "bonus" that promises a Shiny Mew or a Level 100 Arceus, it’s fake. Pokémon rewards are always modest. They are meant to be a little "thank you," not a game-breaking advantage. Look for official announcements from the @Pokemon Twitter account or the official Pokémon website. Anything else is just noise.
Also, keep in mind that Japan gets the best stuff. They always do. In Japan, pre-ordering usually nets you a physical Pokémon TCG card with unique art. These cards often end up being worth hundreds of dollars a few years later. If you have a way to import from Japan (like using a proxy service), that is the undisputed king of pre-order strategies.
Historical Context: Learning from Arceus
When Legends: Arceus launched, the pre-order landscape was weird because it was a "new" series. People weren't sure if it would be good. This time, the hype is 10x higher.
The most successful pre-order bonus for Arceus was the Steelbook and the Poke Ball replica. If you see a physical Poke Ball replica offered for Z-A, grab it immediately. Those items sold out in hours and now trade for crazy prices on eBay.
How to Guarantee You Get the Best Bonus
- Don't pre-order yet. Seriously. Wait until the "Early Purchase" trailer drops. This usually happens about 4-5 months before release.
- Monitor the Pokémon Center. They update at weird times.
- Check regional differences. Sometimes the UK gets a cool figure while the US gets a digital code. If you have a friend overseas, you might want to coordinate.
Actionable Steps for Trainers
The wait for Pokémon Legends: Z-A is going to be long, but you can be smart about it. Don't just throw your money at the first retailer you see.
First, ensure your Nintendo Switch has save data from Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, and Pokémon Sword/Shield. This guarantees you'll get the "Legacy" outfits or Pokémon encounters when the game finally boots up.
Second, wait for the Pokémon Presents broadcast that usually happens in February or August. This is when they traditionally reveal the specific Pokémon Legends ZA pre-order bonuses and the exact release date.
Lastly, if you're a collector, prepare to go for a physical copy from the Pokémon Center Online. Their bonuses are historically the only ones that hold any real-world value over time. Digital bonuses are gone the second you delete your save file or the servers go down in 15 years, but a plush or a pin is forever.
Keep an eye on the official channels. The moment the "Mega Evolution" themed pre-order sets are announced, they will go fast. Be ready to move.