How to Play Pokémon Legends Z-A Early?

What to know

• Pokémon Legends: Z‑A officially launches worldwide on October 16, 2025.
• You can play a few hours early by switching your Nintendo Account region to New Zealand or Australia.
• Digital copies on Nintendo eShop unlock at midnight local time in each region.
• Pre‑orders include early bonuses like a Ralts holding a Gardevoirite and 100 Poké Balls.

You’re probably wondering how to play Pokémon Legends: Z-A early—and whether it’s safe or practical. Let’s walk through what’s possible today, the limitations, and the trade-offs.

First, understanding how launch timing works helps. The game will unlock in each region at midnight local time on October 16. That means no matter what your device’s clock says, the game server typically controls when you can start playing.

What time you can expect to play Pokémon Legends Z-A

What to do first: Preload the game

If you pre-order digitally via Nintendo eShop, you’ll often be allowed to download (preload) the full game ahead of the release. Once midnight comes, you just need to unlock it. Note that there is a day-one update (version 1.0.1) required to access online features. So even with preload, you may need to wait for that patch to fully play.

Also note: the file size is relatively small—around 4 GB for the original Switch, possibly larger on Switch 2.

The “New Zealand trick” and region hack to play Pokemon Z-A early

Some players try to get early access by exploiting time zone differences or region settings—commonly called the “New Zealand trick.” The logic is simple: New Zealand is among the first major time zones to reach midnight, so if Nintendo “sees” your account there, you might unlock earlier.

To do this, people sometimes:

• Create a new Nintendo Account with the region set to New Zealand.
• Use that account to purchase the game (paying in that region’s currency).
• Log into that account on their Switch to download and play.

However, this method is not guaranteed. Nintendo may enforce server checks that block access until your region’s official time. Some users report that purchased games from one region won’t run early just by switching region settings.

The Kiritimati (Christmas Island) Time-Zone Trick

Some players take the idea one step further by setting their system or account to Kiritimati (UTC +14)—one of the earliest places on Earth to reach any calendar date. Technically, this island in Kiribati hits midnight two full hours before New Zealand, making it the “earliest” official time zone in the world.

The theory goes: if a digital release unlocks by local midnight, setting your console to Kiritimati time could grant access first—up to 26 hours ahead of regions like North America.

In practice, though, this rarely works for Nintendo Switch games. Nintendo’s eShop and game servers don’t recognize Kiritimati as a valid sales region, so the account must still be tied to an officially supported country like New Zealand or Australia. Changing your console clock manually to UTC +14 won’t fool Nintendo’s servers, as the unlock is verified online.

Still, some players use the “Kiritimati trick” to estimate global unlock waves or confirm when preload files become playable. It’s a curiosity more than a guaranteed early-access method—but it shows how far fans will go for a few extra hours of gameplay.

Risks and limitations

Account separation

Buying through another region/account may cause you to lose access to your main save files, achievements, or Nintendo Switch Online benefits.

Online features

Without the day-one patch, you might not access trading, battling, or other online connectivity.

Violation of terms

While region tricks aren’t strictly illegal, they may conflict with Nintendo’s terms of service, risking account restrictions.

What you can do right now

1. Preorder and preload is the safest and recommended path. You’ll be ready at launch with minimal wait time.
2. Decide whether a region trick is worth it; if you’re comfortable managing multiple accounts and potential compatibility issues, it’s an option, but expect friction.
3. Prepare your system to ensure enough storage, update firmware, and secure a strong internet connection for quick patching.
4. Wait for official unlock which is often the smoothest and safest experience, is simply waiting until your local release time.

As of now, no confirmed method reliably forces an early unlock for everyone. Nintendo’s servers and region controls make most tricks hit or miss. The best strategy is preparation: preload, stay updated, and be ready at midnight.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces a fully reimagined Lumiose City, blending open-world exploration with vertical city zones and modern architecture. It also brings back Mega Evolutions with new forms and enhanced battle mechanics.