Games

Pokemon Legends Z-A And The Power Of Pokemon’s Best-Selling Physical Hit In 2025

15 November 2025
Nintendo Switch 2Nintendo Switch
12 min.
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Pokemon Legends Z-A And The Power Of Pokemon’s Best-Selling Physical Hit In 2025

Summary:

Pokemon Legends Z-A has gone from a highly anticipated release to the best-selling physical game of the year in the United States in just a few short weeks. Circana analyst Mat Piscatella revealed this milestone in an interview with Kyle Bosman, highlighting how quickly the game climbed to the top of US retail charts. At the same time, Pokemon as a whole is thriving far beyond traditional video game boundaries. Trading cards, toys, and licensed products are pushing the brand to new heights, with Pokemon repeatedly identified as a leading property in toy industry data. Together, these trends paint a picture of a franchise that is not only surviving but absolutely dominating. We looks at how Pokemon Legends Z-A achieved this performance, why physical sales still matter, how the Pokemon Trading Card Game supports the wider ecosystem, and what all of this could mean for the upcoming holiday quarter and future Pokemon releases.

How Pokemon Legends Z-A became the year’s top physical game in the US

Pokemon Legends Z-A did not quietly slip onto store shelves; it arrived like a thunderclap. Within just a few weeks of launch, Circana’s Mat Piscatella confirmed that it had already become the best-selling physical game of the year in the United States, across all platforms. That means it has outpaced every other boxed release in 2025 so far, despite sharing the year with huge multiplatform titles and other Nintendo heavy-hitters. A big part of this success comes from the strong Pokemon name, but that alone does not guarantee such a fast start. Retailers backed the release with prominent displays, pre-order campaigns, and bundles, while fans who had followed every trailer were ready to buy on day one. Add in word of mouth from early impressions, and you get a situation where shelves are cleared quickly and restocks barely get a chance to stay put.

Another subtle factor is how approachable Legends Z-A looks to different kinds of players. Longtime fans see nods to earlier generations and mechanics, while newer or lapsed players are drawn in by the fresh setting and modernised gameplay. That combination turns curiosity into purchases, not only in specialist game shops but also in big-box retailers where families pick up games alongside toys and trading cards. When a series has this kind of reach, a new entry can explode at retail in a way few other brands can match. Legends Z-A is benefitting from that perfect storm, turning buzz into boxed sales at an impressive pace.

Circana and Mat Piscatella’s perspective on the sales story

When someone like Mat Piscatella highlights a game, it usually means the numbers are doing something special behind the scenes. As Circana’s video game industry analyst, he spends his days looking at hard retail data rather than social media hype, so his comments carry real weight. In his conversation with Kyle Bosman, he described Pokemon as the biggest media property around at the moment and pointed out that Legends Z-A is already the year’s best-selling physical release in the US. That is not a casual compliment; it reflects concrete dollar and unit figures flowing in from retailers across the country. When he says it is going to be one of the key drivers of the holiday quarter, he is effectively signalling to the industry that Pokemon is shaping the market, not just participating in it.

What makes his perspective especially interesting is how he ties together different parts of the Pokemon ecosystem. He does not talk about game sales in isolation. Instead, he connects Legends Z-A’s success with Pokemon’s dominance in toys, trading cards, and licensed goods. That broader view helps explain why the game is performing so well so quickly. For many families, Pokemon is already present in their homes through plushies, cards, and shows. Legends Z-A is simply the next purchase that fits into that existing pattern. When the lead analyst at a major tracking firm describes a single release as a big pillar of the holiday quarter, it underlines just how central Pokemon has become to both game retail and broader entertainment spending in 2025.

Launch performance across Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

One of the most important angles in the Legends Z-A story is that it launched across both the original Nintendo Switch and the newer Switch 2. The Pokemon Company has already confirmed that the game sold over 5.8 million copies worldwide in its first week, with roughly half of those played on Switch 2. That split tells us several things at once. First, there is still a huge active base on the original Switch, which continues to support big launches. Second, Switch 2 is already establishing itself as a powerful home for premium releases barely a year into its life. Legends Z-A sits at the crossroads of these two audiences, giving every kind of Nintendo player a way to join in without feeling left behind.

At physical retail, this dual-platform approach can turbocharge shelf presence. Stores can stock separate SKUs for each system, and that instantly doubles the number of boxes on display. Bundle promotions for Switch 2 that pack in a digital copy of the game add yet another layer of visibility. Even though those bundled copies do not show up in the tracked physical rankings, they still contribute to the game’s overall momentum and make the logo impossible to miss. For someone wandering through the game aisle, Legends Z-A is hard to ignore: bright key art, multiple platform options, and in some places, promotional stands and endcaps. All of this reinforces the idea that this is the must-have Pokemon release of the moment, helping convert casual curiosity into a box at the checkout.

Record-breaking physical debut compared with Tears of the Kingdom

Before Legends Z-A arrived, one of the recent gold standards for a blockbuster physical launch on Nintendo hardware was The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. According to reporting based on Circana’s data, Legends Z-A’s physical launch in the US has been the biggest for a new title since Tears of the Kingdom’s release in 2023. That is a remarkable benchmark to stand beside. Tears of the Kingdom was a once-in-a-generation sequel with an enormous marketing push and intense anticipation, and it still stands as one of the most celebrated Switch releases ever. For Legends Z-A to be mentioned in the same breath at retail speaks to how strong demand is for this new Pokemon entry.

The comparison also highlights the strength of Pokemon’s brand elasticity. Zelda appeals hugely to core gamers, but Pokemon has an even broader reach that runs from kids buying their first game to adults who have been playing since the Game Boy era. When launch numbers approach Zelda’s level, it shows that Pokemon’s position as a multi-generational favourite is only getting stronger. The fact that these sales figures are coming from physical copies alone, excluding bundle codes and digital purchases, underscores just how powerful the boxed release still is. When a game can chase Zelda’s records while also sitting at the heart of a much wider web of merchandise and media, you know it is more than just a successful release; it is part of a wider cultural wave.

Pokemon as the biggest media property in entertainment right now

Calling Pokemon the biggest media property around might sound like a bold claim at first, but the numbers supporting that statement stack up quickly. Over the years, various analyses of global licensing and franchise revenue have repeatedly placed Pokemon at or near the top, and recent comments from Circana reinforce just how dominant it remains. The series spans games, a long-running animated series, movies, trading cards, toys, clothing, and collaborations with everything from fashion brands to museum exhibits. Unlike some properties that spike with a single hit and then cool off, Pokemon has sustained and expanded its presence across decades, constantly renewing itself for new audiences while keeping older fans engaged.

In 2025, that strength is especially visible in the toy and collectibles markets. Circana’s toy industry reporting links overall growth in the US toy sector to new Pokemon releases and the ongoing trading card craze. At the same time, European data shows Pokemon remaining a top toy brand, driven not just by children but also by nostalgic adults rediscovering the series. When a single franchise drives growth in toys, trading cards, and video games simultaneously, the label “biggest media property” starts to feel less like marketing talk and more like a straightforward description. Legends Z-A slots into this larger picture as the flagship video game expression of a brand that is, quite literally, everywhere—from living rooms and schoolyards to collector’s binders and display cabinets.

How the Pokemon Trading Card Game is driving the toy industry

If you want to understand why Pokemon feels so unavoidable right now, you cannot ignore the Trading Card Game. Circana’s research points to trading cards, including Pokemon, as one of the key drivers of toy industry growth in 2025. Adults are a huge part of that story. A significant share of grown-up consumers report buying Pokemon cards for themselves, often not to play but to collect or display. Some are building binders of favourite monsters, others are chasing rare pulls for social media posts, and a portion are hunting for valuable cards to resell. This behaviour turns every new card set into a mini event, with queues in front of stores and online pre-orders selling out in minutes.

All of this activity feeds directly into the perception of Pokemon as a hot property, which then helps releases like Legends Z-A. A parent picking up a booster box might also grab the new game for their child. A collector who spends weekend mornings checking card restocks is more likely to notice a big display for the latest Pokemon title in the same store. Even people who primarily follow Pokemon through card-collecting channels on social media are constantly reminded that a new game is out, thanks to cross-promotion and fan chatter. In effect, the Trading Card Game acts like a constant advertising engine for the wider brand, keeping Pokemon in the spotlight and smoothing the path for each new major game release.

Why physical game sales still matter in a digital generation

It might be tempting to think that physical games are fading away, but Legends Z-A’s performance is a sharp reminder that boxed releases still matter a lot, especially for family-friendly brands. Many parents and gift-givers prefer something tangible to wrap, and Pokemon is a textbook example of a series that benefits from that mindset. A physical copy feels like a real present in a way a download code never quite does. On top of that, Nintendo’s systems have a long history of physical collecting, with fans lining shelves with rows of colourful cases. Pokemon boxes, with their instantly recognisable mascots and logos, fit perfectly into that tradition and often become collection centrepieces.

There is also a practical side to this preference. Not every household has fast or reliable internet, and downloading large games can feel like a chore. A cartridge works instantly and can be shared between siblings or friends, making it more flexible for many players. When a game like Legends Z-A leads the physical charts, it shows that these everyday realities still shape buying habits. Digital sales are obviously huge and important, but they live alongside a thriving physical market rather than replacing it entirely. The fact that Legends Z-A can dominate boxed sales while also selling strongly as part of hardware bundles and digital storefronts highlights just how adaptable the Pokemon brand is to different buying habits.

What Pokemon Legends Z-A means for the 2025 holiday quarter

The timing of Legends Z-A’s launch sets it up beautifully for the holiday quarter. Arriving in October with strong early momentum means it reaches stores just as shoppers start thinking about gifts, wish lists, and big seasonal purchases. Piscatella’s comment that the game will be one of the big drivers of the holiday quarter is not just a friendly nod; it recognises that retailers will lean on Pokemon to move both hardware and software. A parent looking for a “safe bet” present can choose Legends Z-A knowing that it is new, widely talked about, and part of a beloved series that many kids already recognize from TV, cards, and toys.

For Nintendo and The Pokemon Company, this creates a powerful combination with other seasonal offerings. Switch 2 bundles that include the game bring new players into the ecosystem, while current owners picking up Legends Z-A for their existing systems add another layer of sales. Meanwhile, the ongoing trading card boom keeps Pokemon at the forefront of shopper’s minds. A store that puts Legends Z-A near Pokemon plushies and card displays effectively builds a one-stop Pokemon corner, encouraging shoppers to stack multiple items in their baskets. If the early trajectory is anything to go by, the holiday period is likely to cement Legends Z-A as one of the defining releases of 2025 in the US, both in raw numbers and in cultural visibility.

Comparing Pokemon Legends Z-A to earlier Pokemon launches

Every new Pokemon release invites comparison with what came before, and Legends Z-A is no exception. Earlier entries like Scarlet and Violet sold incredibly well despite technical criticism, while Legends: Arceus proved there was real appetite for experimental spin-offs. Z-A builds on both threads: it carries the “Legends” branding that suggests a different structure to the classic route-and-gym formula, while also promising a more refined experience on newer hardware. What stands out this time is how quickly physical sales in the US have taken off compared to many earlier launches. When analysts say it is the biggest physical release for 2025 and the strongest new physical launch since Tears of the Kingdom, they are effectively placing it at the very top tier of recent Nintendo history.

From a fan perspective, the strong start also hints at restored goodwill. Some players were cautious after performance issues in recent mainline entries, but the impressive early adoption of Legends Z-A suggests that curiosity and affection for the brand still outweigh hesitation. The worldwide week-one figure of over 5.8 million copies, with a large portion on Switch 2, shows that players were ready to give this new approach a chance. If the game maintains good word of mouth and receives thoughtful post-launch support, it could end up being remembered as a turning point where Pokemon proved it could evolve on modern hardware while keeping its broad appeal intact. That, in turn, would influence how future launches are perceived long before they even reach shelves.

What this momentum means for the future of Pokemon games

The success of Pokemon Legends Z-A as the best-selling physical game of the year in the US sends a clear message about the series’ future. First, it tells Nintendo and The Pokemon Company that there is huge appetite for ambitious Pokemon releases that take advantage of modern hardware, especially Switch 2. Strong demand for the enhanced version shows that players notice and value better performance and visuals, which will likely encourage future games to lean more heavily into the newer system’s strengths. We can reasonably expect future entries to follow a similar dual-platform strategy only for a limited window before the focus shifts even more firmly to Switch 2 and beyond.

Second, the wider ecosystem around Legends Z-A proves that Pokemon’s power lies in how all its pieces work together. When trading cards, toys, and media appearances are all thriving at the same time as a flagship game, each part boosts the others. That encourages more experimentation: new forms of spin-offs, cross-media promotions, and limited-time collaborations that keep fans engaged between mainline titles. If Legends Z-A continues to perform as current trends suggest, it may become the template for future launches—big, cross-platform releases anchored in strong hardware, supported by card sets and merchandise that keep hype alive for months. Pokemon has always been about evolution, and right now, its commercial evolution looks as strong as any Mega Evolution teased in its trailers.

Conclusion

Pokemon Legends Z-A is not just another successful release; it is a showcase of how powerful the Pokemon brand has become in 2025. In only a few weeks, it has climbed to the top of the US physical sales charts and joined an elite group of Nintendo titles with record-setting launches. Behind those numbers lies a wider story of trading cards driving toy industry growth, adults rediscovering Pokemon as collectors, and Switch 2 helping present the series in its best light yet. Together, these strands explain why analysts like Mat Piscatella describe Pokemon as the biggest media property around and highlight Legends Z-A as a major force for the holiday quarter. If this is the new baseline for a Pokemon release, the future of the series looks anything but modest; it looks like a continuing wave that keeps rolling through games, toys, and beyond.

FAQs

  • Is Pokemon Legends Z-A really the best-selling physical game of 2025 in the US?

    • Yes. Based on Circana’s retail tracking data, Mat Piscatella has stated that Pokemon Legends Z-A is currently the best-selling physical game of the year in the United States. This ranking includes boxed copies across platforms and reflects only a few weeks of sales, which makes the achievement even more striking.

  • How quickly did Pokemon Legends Z-A reach this milestone?

    • Legends Z-A reached the top of the US physical charts within just a few weeks of launch. During that period, it not only posted the biggest new physical launch since The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom but also maintained enough momentum to surpass other major 2025 releases in cumulative boxed sales.

  • How important are Pokemon trading cards to the game’s success?

    • Pokemon trading cards play a huge supporting role. Circana’s toy industry reports show that trading cards, including Pokemon, are one of the major drivers of toy sales growth in 2025, with many adults buying cards for themselves. This constant visibility in stores and online keeps Pokemon top of mind, making it more likely that shoppers will notice and pick up Legends Z-A when they see it on shelves.

  • Does Nintendo Switch 2 really boost Pokemon Legends Z-A sales?

    • Switch 2 contributes significantly to Legends Z-A’s performance. The Pokemon Company has reported that about half of the game’s early worldwide sales are being played on Switch 2, and the enhanced version benefits from improved performance and visuals. At the same time, the original Switch still represents a huge active base, so having both versions available maximises reach at retail.

  • What does this performance mean for future Pokemon releases?

    • The strong physical launch and ongoing momentum of Legends Z-A suggest that future Pokemon releases will likely lean even more into powerful hardware, broad cross-media support, and coordinated card and merchandise campaigns. When a single game can drive holiday sales and sit at the centre of such a large ecosystem, it becomes a model for how the series can continue to grow in the years ahead.

Sources
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