As the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A draws closer, one of the biggest talking points isn’t about new Mega Evolutions or the return to Lumiose City — it’s the surprisingly small file size. With modern games easily hitting 50GB or more, the news that Z-A takes up just a few gigabytes has left some trainers both curious and concerned.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A File Size on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2
Nintendo has officially confirmed that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will differ in size depending on which console you play on:
- Nintendo Switch (original) – 4.1 GB
- Nintendo Switch 2 – 7.7 GB
This difference comes down to hardware capabilities. The Switch 2 version includes enhanced textures, smoother framerates, and higher resolution assets, which naturally require more storage space. Nintendo also confirmed that the Switch 2 edition includes a 3.6 GB day-one patch, bringing the total to 7.7 GB.
For context, here’s how Z-A compares to other mainline Pokémon titles:
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus – 6.1 GB
- Pokémon Scarlet & Violet – around 10 GB each
So yes — even with the patch, Z-A is smaller than recent mainline entries, but not alarmingly so once you factor in its design choices.
Why Is the File Size Smaller?
The compact size has less to do with content and more with structure. Unlike Scarlet and Violet’s expansive open-world maps, Legends: Z-A is set entirely in Lumiose City. This urban focus means Game Freak didn’t have to build multiple regions or vast landscapes, reducing the file footprint.
Moreover, developers continue to improve file compression and asset streaming, allowing more data to fit in smaller packages. A small file size doesn’t necessarily mean less content — it can simply mean more efficient optimization.
Day-One Update: What It Adds to Pokémon Legends: Z-A
The day-one patch (version 1.0.1) is essential for Switch 2 players, adding higher-quality textures and performance upgrades that aren’t in the base preload file. Nintendo has also hinted that future updates and DLC could increase the total size over time.
One major addition will be the Mega Dimension DLC, planned for later this year. While its size hasn’t been confirmed yet, based on prior DLC patterns, players can expect a few extra gigabytes of data once it launches.
Related Guides You Might Like:
- Pokémon Legends Z-A Pokédex – All 234 Pokémon & Mega Evolutions
- Mega Machamp in Pokémon Legends Z-A – Abilities, Typing, and Battle Potential
- Pokémon Legends Z-A: Mega Evolution Curse May Hit Barbaracle Hard
- The Best Electric Type Pokémon in Legends Z-A: Why Jolteon Dominates the New Battle System
- All Pokémon Games with Mega Evolution: From X & Y to Legends: Z-A
While some trainers feared that the smaller file size might signal a lack of depth, history suggests otherwise. Pokémon Legends: Arceus was just over 6GB and still delivered one of the most engaging Pokémon experiences in recent memory.
In the case of Z-A, the entire Lumiose City has been reimagined as a layered, explorable hub, including rooftops and underground catacombs. These vertical spaces suggest that Game Freak focused more on density and detail rather than sheer map size.
It’s also worth remembering that Switch 2 hardware allows developers to use more advanced compression and rendering techniques. The result: smaller files, faster loading, and smoother gameplay without necessarily cutting corners. Play Now!
