It may not be pretty, but it’s profitable: Pokémon Legends: Z-A is off to a strong start despite mixed reviews of its visuals.
Fans and critics agree on one thing: the graphics might be rough, but the formula still works and players keep coming back for more.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Opens Strong With 5.8 Million Sales In One Week
Pokémon Legends: Z-A has made an explosive debut, selling 5,8 million copies in its first week worldwide. That total includes both physical and digital sales, marking one of the strongest openings of 2025.
Around half of those sales came from the new Switch 2 version, showing that Nintendo’s next-generation hardware gave the title an extra boost. In Japan alone, the game sold an impressive 1,48 million copies within just four days, combining numbers from both consoles.
The results reaffirm the immense commercial power of the Pokémon brand. Even after nearly three decades, each new release manages to capture global attention and Legends: Z-A is no exception.
Rough Looks, Divided Opinions
If there’s one thing most reviewers agree on, it’s that Pokémon Legends: Z-A doesn’t win any beauty contests. The graphics have been described as dated and inconsistent, with low-resolution textures and environments that fail to leave a strong impression.
Beyond the visuals, some critics say the new open-world areas feel empty and lacking in atmosphere, making exploration less rewarding than expected. While the game introduces new ideas, not all of them seem to fully come together, leaving parts of the experience feeling uneven.
Even so, the game clearly resonates with many players. Despite the criticism, sales show that Pokémon’s appeal continues to outweigh technical shortcomings, proof that nostalgia and curiosity can still drive massive success.
A Franchise Too Big To Fail
In the end, Pokémon Legends: Z-A proves that technical polish is not the only path to success. Even with widespread criticism of its visuals and mixed impressions from players, the game has achieved what most releases can only dream of: global attention and millions of sales in a matter of days.
The takeaway is clear. Pokémon remains one of the few gaming franchises whose cultural weight can overcome almost any shortcoming. For better or worse, players still show up when a new chapter arrives, driven by nostalgia, curiosity, and the promise of catching something new.
What do you think? Do you like Pokémon Legends: Z-A? Let us know in the comments!
