Console bundles aren’t anything new, but theNintendo Switch 2is continuing an unfortunate trend with its second package. WhenPokémon Legends: Z-Areleases on October 16, it will also be availablebundled with a Switch 2 console, though it’s unlikely to be of interest to certain consumers.
Pokémon Legends: Z-Amarks the second bundle that’s becoming available for the Switch 2, following the launch deal that includedMario Kart World. While bundle purchasers are able to save a bit of money by getting the two products together, the reduced price is likely because the bundled game is digital – an annoying decision thatPokémon Legends: Z-Ais repeating.
Physical Copies Must Be Purchased Separately
Revealed at July 2025’s Pokémon Presents, thePokémon Legends: Z-Abundle is essentially the same as theMario Kart Worldone, just with the games swapped. The MSRP is $499.99,effectively lowering the price of the game by $20.Z-A’s Nintendo Switch 2 Edition by itself will retail for $69.99, while the Switch 2 alone goes for $449.99.
Z-A’s original Switch version will be $59.99.
It’s a great deal for those who have adopted digital game libraries wholly, but could understandably be a non-starter for anyone who prefers to buy their games physically.ThePokémon Legends: Z-Abundle only offers a digital download code for the game; bundling a physical copy is not an option.
People Who Collect Physical Games Are Forced To Pay More
Buying Separately Is More Expensive
There are likely plenty ofPokémonfans who have been waiting forLegends: Z-Ato make the jump to the Switch 2. The game will beenhanced on the Switch 2, withhigher resolutions and better frame rates than the original Switch version.
AnyPokémoncollectors who buy their games physically, however, will be forced topay full price for both the game and console. As the industry continues to move further away from physical releases, it is becoming harder to collect physical copies of games. The problem is only exacerbated byNintendo’s controversial Game-Key Cards.
There are legitimate reasons for consumers to buy only physical, such as slow or nonexistent home internet, butpublishers seem intent on leaving those buyers behind. Selling bundles with a digital download code instead of an actual game box and cartridge seems like nothing more than a means to squeeze as much profit as possible out of the product.
Console bundles are usually a great way to ensure new adopters have a first-party game to enjoy on their new system, but Nintendo appears intent on shipping them with only digital copies. Most consumers won’t mind, but the latestNintendo Switch 2bundle once again leaves physical collectors out to dry and forced to pay extra.
Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 is the successor to Nintendo Switch, scheduled for release in 2025. Confirmed as backwards compatible, it will play both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. A full reveal is pencilled in for August 01, 2025.
