To play Pokémon Legends: Z-A early, the best method is to create a new Nintendo account set to the New Zealand or Australian region, since these regions get the game earlier due to time zone differences. After creating the account, you purchase and download the game on that account. This approach can let you play up to a day before the official release in your local timezone. Here are the detailed steps:

• Create a new Nintendo account with the region set to New Zealand or Australia.
• Link this new account to your Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 console.
• Purchase Pokémon Legends: Z-A from the New Zealand or Australian Nintendo eShop using appropriate payment methods (such as region-specific vouchers or cards).
• Download and play the game early as it will release at midnight in those time zones, which is earlier than in most other regions.

Be aware:

• You have to pay again for the game on the new account.
• Some payment methods may not work if you are outside those regions.
• Online services may require an additional subscription on the new account.

This "New Zealand trick" is the currently known and legal way to play Pokémon Legends: Z-A early before the official release in your own region.