Pokémon Fans Wildly Speculate On Why Legends: Z-A Has an E10+ Rating

Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the next installment in Game Freak's Legends series, is generating significant buzz. Set in the Lumiose City of the X and Y games, this new title has received an E10+ rating from the ESRB for "Fantasy Violence," a departure from the usual "E for Everyone" rating of the mainline Pokémon games. This unexpected rating has sparked considerable, and often humorous, speculation among fans.

The Nintendo Switch store page reveals the E10+ rating, prompting questions about the game's content. While unusual for Pokémon, the rating isn't unprecedented; Pokkén Tournament DX, a Pokémon fighting game, also received an E10+ rating for "Fantasy Violence."

New duel1ST2ND3RDSee your ResultsFinish playing for your personal results or see the community’s!Continue playingSee results

The speculation ranges from lighthearted jokes—such as increased violence involving Scrafty Pokémon—to more serious theories. The return of hordes of Pokémon, the inclusion of a Game Center-style minigame, or a greater emphasis on the darker aspects of Lumiose City are among the possibilities. The prominent role of AZ, a character with a complex history connected to darker elements of Pokémon X and Y, also fuels speculation.

One plausible explanation is the "Fantasy Violence" cited by the ESRB. The more direct combat showcased in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, compared to previous games, could account for the higher rating. The real-time combat elements might lead to more explicit depictions of Pokémon clashing.

Currently, the ESRB website lacks a listing for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, limiting further insights. However, the E10+ rating adds an intriguing layer of mystery, fueling anticipation for the game's release.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is scheduled for a late 2025 launch on Nintendo Switch.