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 a flurry of curious (and sometimes humorous) speculation among 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 typically receive an "E for Everyone" rating.

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This unexpected rating has ignited a wave of speculation, ranging from serious theories to lighthearted jokes. The possibilities are endless: perhaps more intense battle sequences, dialogue hinting at darker themes, or even the introduction of unexpected gameplay mechanics. Reddit users have jokingly suggested everything from hordes of Scrafty ambushing players to entirely new combat systems.

"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 have centered around AZ, a character with a complex history set to appear in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, whose role in Pokémon X and Y involved some darker story elements.

More plausible theories include an increase in the game's "grittier" moments, or the inclusion of a Game Center-style minigame. The darker aspects of Lumiose City itself might also play a more significant role.

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My personal theory centers on the "Fantasy Violence" noted by the ESRB. While unusual for a standard Pokémon game, this aligns with Pokkén Tournament DX, which also received an E10+ rating for "Fantasy Violence." The real-time combat shown in Pokémon Legends: Z-A trailers 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 mystery only adds to the excitement, fueling speculation until we learn more about the game's content and the reasons behind the rating change.

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