The Urban Legends Begin: Pokémon Z-A's Early Sales Signal a Mega Hit in the Making

Well, would you look at that? Pokémon Legends: Z-A, a game still shimmering on the distant horizon of 2025, has already managed to — frankly — blow past expectations, selling a rather astonishing 5.8 million copies globally in its very first week. Honestly, it’s quite the feat, especially considering it’s not even out yet, right?

This isn't just a decent start; oh no, not at all. This is a genuinely super-effective opening for a title that many might label a “spinoff.” It puts the game in some seriously impressive company, rubbing shoulders with — and in many cases, outright outperforming — a good chunk of other Nintendo Switch blockbusters. And let's be real, the Switch has seen its fair share of those over the years, hasn't it?

To give you some perspective, its predecessor, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, a darling of many fans, managed a remarkable 6.5 million units in its own debut week. So, Z-A is trailing just a hair behind that — not too shabby, you could say. It really highlights the enduring appeal of the Pokémon brand, even when it veers a bit from the traditional mainline path.

Now, we first got wind of Legends: Z-A back in February during a Pokémon Presents stream. Remember that? The excitement was palpable then, and it seems that buzz has only intensified. The game promises a deep dive into Lumiose City within the iconic Kalos region, all centered around a fascinating “urban redevelopment” plan. And for those who remember the good old days, yes, Mega Evolution is making a triumphant return, which, for many, is reason enough to pre-order right there.

Daniel Ahmad, a respected analyst over at Niko Partners, actually pointed out just how strong these sales are. He really underscored the fact that for a “Legends” title — which, let's face it, is a slightly different flavor than your typical generation launch — hitting numbers like this is, well, frankly outstanding. It suggests a massive appetite for these more experimental takes on the Pokémon formula. The world, it seems, is ready for a new legend, or perhaps an old one reimagined in a dazzling, urban setting. What a way to kick things off!