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

We recently got a glimpse of 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 a flurry of speculation among excited (and sometimes jokingly apprehensive) fans.

The Nintendo Switch store page reveals that 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 typically receive an "E for Everyone" rating.

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This unexpected rating has ignited a wave of speculation, ranging from the plausible to the downright hilarious. Theories abound, from more intense battle sequences to the inclusion of a minigame. Reddit users have jokingly suggested everything from Pokémon-inflicted injuries to a surprising gunplay mechanic. The return of menacing hordes, perhaps involving a gang of Scrafty ambushing players in Lumiose's alleys, is another popular (and humorous) prediction.

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

The reappearance of AZ, a character with a significant and darker history in Pokémon X and Y, and his connection to Kalos's past, has also fueled speculation. More realistic theories include potentially increased "crap" encounters or the introduction of a Game Center-style minigame. The darker aspects of Lumiose City itself might also play a more prominent role.

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My personal belief is that the E10+ rating, specifically the "Fantasy Violence" descriptor, is likely related to the game's real-time combat elements. This is consistent with Pokkén Tournament DX, which also received an E10+ rating for "Fantasy Violence." The more direct contact between Pokémon during battles in Pokémon Legends: Z-A could account for the slightly higher rating.

Currently, there's no entry for Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the ESRB website, limiting further insight. However, the mystery only adds to the excitement, and we eagerly await more information about Z-A's features and the reasons behind the rating increase.

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