Playable Pokémon Legends: Z-A Switch ROM appears, likely leading to a flood of more leaks

Ahead of the Pokémon Legends: Z-A release date, some gamers obtained retail copies of the Switch game. That has resulted in a series of leaks, including screenshots, videos, and information about Mega Evolutions. However, with a Switch ROM now floating around, very little of the first-party Nintendo title may be a mystery on October 16th.

Nintendo has filed lawsuits against individuals who sell or distribute Switch ROMs. Downloading these copies of games is illegal and considered copyright infringement. Nevertheless, the files remain readily available. Because they are playable in emulators or with the MIG Flash cartridge, gamers now have unlimited access to the new Pokémon game.

Even before a downloadable copy of the game surfaced, Pokémon Legends: Z-A leaks have spoiled the excitement for some fans. Mega Evolutions play a large role in the adventure, granting tamed creatures temporary superpowers. Players have obsessed over which transformations would reappear from older games and what new abilities would debut.

With pre-loading for the Switch game available, dataminers also quickly compiled a list of moves and items. Nintendo Everything posted a long list of options, which gamers avoiding spoilers should steer clear of.

Physical Switch games often appear in the wild early

ROMs and early copies shipping for anticipated Nintendo titles have been a regular occurrence. At their own risk, broadcasters are playing Pokémon Legends: Z-A on major streaming sites. In the past, Nintendo sued Jesse "EveryGameGuru" Keighin for sharing gameplay of unreleased Switch games.

Nintendo can take some solace in the fact that the Switch 2 has not yet been cracked. The gaming giant has gone to great lengths to prevent piracy, even banning consoles using modding tools. These gamers will need to wait until the Pokémon Legends: Z-A release date to experience the improved graphics.