Pokémon Legends: Z-A's E10+ Rating Sparks Fan Theories

We recently got a closer look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the upcoming installment in Game Freak's Legends series, set entirely within the Lumiose City from Pokémon X and Y. The game has also reportedly received an E10+ rating from the ESRB, sparking curiosity and a mix of serious and humorous fan theories about what to expect.

Observant fans spotted on the Nintendo Switch eShop that Pokémon Legends: Z-A carries an E10+ rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board, citing "Fantasy Violence." This stands out for the Pokémon franchise, as main series titles have historically held an "E for Everyone" rating.

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Naturally, the rating has fueled intense speculation, ranging from earnest guesses to tongue-in-cheek suggestions. It's amusing to imagine what creative decisions Game Freak might have made to warrant the change—whether incorporating darker dialogue about Pokémon causing harm or introducing unexpected mechanics. As some Reddit users half-joked, perhaps the return of horde encounters means getting ambushed by a gang of Scrafty in a Lumiose back alley.

"Oh boy, Game Freak is taking off the training wheels," commented Reddit user RynnHamHam. "This isn't your little sibling's Pokémon game anymore."

There have also been lighthearted jokes about AZ, a character with a complex backstory who is expected to appear in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. AZ played a pivotal role in some of the darker narrative elements and regional history of Pokémon X and Y's Kalos.

More grounded theories suggest the possibility of slightly stronger language, the inclusion of arcade-style mini-games, or a greater emphasis on Lumiose City's shadowy side.

From my perspective, the rating likely stems from the "Fantasy Violence" highlighted by the ESRB. While unusual for a standard Pokémon title, it aligns with the fighting game Pokkén Tournament DX, which also received an E10+ for "Fantasy Violence." The real-time combat shown in Pokémon Legends: Z-A may have contributed to the slightly higher rating, with more visible physical contact between creatures.

As of now, the ESRB website does not have a listing for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, limiting further details. Still, speculation is entertaining while we await more information about the game's features and what exactly prompted the elevated rating.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is scheduled to release in late 2025 for Nintendo Switch.