A Switch ROM for Pokémon Legends: Z-A is floating on the internet, and you shouldn’t download it! Even if you are a die-hard fan of the franchise, just know that doing it has some serious repercussions. Nintendo will stop at nothing to punish those who download the ROM before and after the game’s release on October 16, 2025.
Downloading Pokémon Legends: Z-A‘s Switch ROM Is Illegal
Downloading the leaked ROM for Pokémon Legends: Z-A isn’t just risky, it’s illegal, as well. Since the game is copyrighted by Nintendo, getting it through unofficial sources is a direct infringement of copyright law. It doesn’t matter if the leak came from an internal source or from someone who purchased an early copy; once it’s shared without permission, every installation is an illegal copy of the game.
When it comes to protecting their IPs or games, Nintendo adopts aggressive techniques to tackle the issue. Not only have they used DMCA takedowns to remove leaks, but they have also sued ROM websites for millions in the past. While leakers are always in the red zone, those who download aren’t immune from punishment, too.
Nintendo can ban handhelds, revoke eShop access, and even permanently suspend accounts to punish those who condone piracy of their titles. On top of it, if they can track you down using your official Nintendo account, a legal notice carrying charges for copyright infringement can come your way.
Lastly, downloading Pokémon Legends Z-A from an unreliable source has technical downsides too. The unofficial ROM can come with malware, corrupted files, or spyware. You can render your device unusable if you obtain the leaked game files from an unreliable website or use a Mig Flash cartridge.
Nintendo Might Stop Bringing First-Party Titles to Switch, Here’s Why
Pokémon Legends Z-A‘s Switch ROM leak can force Nintendo to make a strategic shift by putting Switch 1 out of the picture. All the first-party titles, including Zelda, Pokémon, Mario, etc, may not come to the original Switch consoles. The gaming giant may release them for Switch 2, as it’s hard to crack.
The latest Switch 2 has stronger encryption and better anti-piracy measures, making it tough for hackers to leak ROMs created for this handheld. Releasing major titles on Switch 2 may not only help Nintendo protect its IPs but also help in preventing early leaks and encourage players to upgrade.
Long story short, if the leak grows to become a problem for Nintendo, Switch 1 might become a legacy device. Moreover, future first-party titles might even skip this device entirely.
What are your thoughts on the Pokémon Legends Z-A‘s pre-release leak? Let us know about it in the comments below.
