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

We recently got a sneak peek at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the next installment in Game Freak's Legends series, set in the vibrant Lumiose City from X and Y. The game's received an E10+ rating from the ESRB, sparking both curious and wildly speculative reactions from fans.

The Nintendo Switch store page reveals Pokémon Legends: Z-A has earned an E10+ rating from the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, citing "Fantasy Violence." This is unusual for the Pokémon franchise, whose mainline games have consistently held an "E for Everyone" rating.

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This rating has ignited a flurry of speculation, ranging from serious theories to lighthearted jokes. The possibilities of what could have prompted the rating increase are endless, from dialogue depicting Pokémon harming humans to the unexpected inclusion of gunplay mechanics. Reddit users have jokingly suggested scenarios like hordes of Scrafty ambushing players in Lumiose City alleys.

"Ohhhh boy, Game Freak is taking off the little kiddie gloves," commented Reddit user RynnHamHam. "This ain’t your kindergartener’s Pokémon game."

Many jokes also center around AZ, a character with a complex history, set to appear in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. AZ plays a significant role in the darker aspects of Pokémon X and Y's narrative and the lore of the Kalos region.

More plausible theories suggest an increase in the game's "grittier" moments or the introduction of a Game Center-style minigame. The darker elements of Lumiose City itself might also play a more prominent role.

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My personal belief is that the E10+ rating is likely due to the "Fantasy Violence" highlighted by the ESRB. While unusual for a typical Pokémon game, this aligns with Pokkén Tournament DX, which also received an E10+ rating for "Fantasy Violence." The real-time combat showcased in Pokémon Legends: Z-A might have contributed to the higher rating, as the Pokémon's physical contact is more pronounced.

Currently, there's no listing for Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the ESRB website, limiting further information. However, the speculation is certainly entertaining, and we eagerly await more details about Z-A's features and the reasons behind the rating change.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is scheduled for release in late 2025 on Nintendo Switch.