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Release dates by platform
Fictions and Game Freak's official July 14 announcement confirms August 4 at 00:00 UTC in all regions. Steam shows August 3 in the Americas because that single worldwide moment falls on the previous calendar day there.
| Platform | Release date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PC (Steam) | August 4, 00:00 UTC | Steam may display Aug 3 in American time zones |
| PlayStation 5 | August 4, 2026 | Check the console timer for the final local display |
| Xbox Series X|S | August 4, 2026 | Day one on Game Pass |
| Nintendo Switch / Switch 2 | Not releasing | Despite Game Freak's Nintendo history, no Nintendo version exists |
Confirmed unlock time by region
The launch is simultaneous worldwide. These are direct conversions of August 4 at 00:00 UTC:
| Region / Time zone | Local unlock time |
|---|---|
| Pacific (PT) | 5:00 PM — August 3 |
| Mountain (MT) | 6:00 PM — August 3 |
| Central (CT) | 7:00 PM — August 3 |
| Eastern (ET) | 8:00 PM — August 3 |
| Brazil (BRT) | 9:00 PM — August 3 |
| UK (BST) | 1:00 AM — August 4 |
| Central Europe (CEST) | 2:00 AM — August 4 |
| China (CST) | 8:00 AM — August 4 |
| Japan / Korea (JST/KST) | 9:00 AM — August 4 |
| Australia East (AET) | 10:00 AM — August 4 |
| New Zealand (NZST) | 12:00 PM — August 4 |
Console unlock times (PS5 & Xbox)
Both console storefronts list August 4. The publisher's all-regions statement gives 00:00 UTC as the global launch target, while your PS5 or Xbox library may render that moment in local time. Use the countdown shown on your purchased edition as the final store-specific signal. On Game Pass, the game becomes playable when the catalog entitlement goes live.
Review embargo schedule
Reviews publish August 3 at 5:00 PM PT, which is the same moment as the confirmed 00:00 UTC worldwide launch. If you're deciding between buying at $59.99 or playing through Game Pass, expect reviews to appear as access begins:
| Time zone | Reviews go live |
|---|---|
| PT | 5:00 PM — Aug 3 |
| ET | 8:00 PM — Aug 3 |
| BST | 1:00 AM — Aug 4 |
| CEST | 2:00 AM — Aug 4 |
| JST | 9:00 AM — Aug 4 |
Can you preload? What is the download size?
Steam now lists 45 GB of available space and requires an SSD. A store's preload button can appear at different times by platform and purchase state, so check the library page for your edition rather than relying on a generic schedule. On Xbox or the PC Xbox app, search the Game Pass catalog entry and use Preinstall if it is offered.
Sources
- Steam — store page (Aug 3 PC date; checked Aug 2, 2026)
- Fictions & Game Freak — official Steam announcement (Aug 4 at 00:00 UTC in all regions; July 14, 2026)
- Xbox.com — official page (Aug 4 console/Game Pass date; checked Aug 2, 2026)
- Insider Gaming (review embargo: Aug 3, 5PM PT)
- Steam official announcement — "Preload Now Available" (launch: August 4 @ 00:00 UTC; July 30, 2026)
Now that it's out
- Check the official PC system requirements and dial in the best settings for your GPU.
- Read how the unusual hybrid combat system works before the first boss — then take on Rangifer, the first Nushi.
- Hitting problems? The fixes & performance page tracks launch-week issues live.
- Still deciding? Compare the Standard and Deluxe editions or play it day one on Game Pass.