The Pokemon Company, Game Freak, and Koei Tecmo have announced Pokemon Pokopia, a cozy life simulation game where players take on the role of a Ditto to build and shape a world with Pokemon. Set for release on March 5, 2026, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2, the game features multi-language support and multiplayer elements. It was revealed during the September 2025 Nintendo Direct.
Announcement and Release Details
Pokemon Pokopia was unveiled at the Nintendo Direct in September 2025, with an extended trailer confirming its March 5, 2026, launch date. Developed by Game Freak and Koei Tecmo Games in collaboration with The Pokemon Company, the game is priced at $69.99 and available for pre-order in a Japanese physical edition with multi-language subtitles, including Japanese, English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean.
Gameplay Overview
Players control a Ditto that transforms into a human-like trainer to rebuild a once-thriving town where humans and Pokemon coexisted. Core mechanics involve learning skills from other Pokemon by transforming into them, using abilities like Bulbasaur's Leafage to grow grass or Squirtle's Water Gun to maintain environments. Activities include crafting furniture and buildings, farming crops, creating habitats to attract Pokemon, swimming or flying across the area, and preparing food for residents.
The game emphasizes a relaxed pace with a day-night cycle, varying weather, and relaxing elements like napping to advance time. Progress allows building larger homes and inviting other Pokemon or players for visits. Additional features confirmed include multiplayer support, character customization, photo mode, and side quests in the form of Pokemon requests. While story details remain limited, the game may incorporate a Pokedex-like feature for tracking encountered Pokemon, potentially drawing from titles like Pokemon Legends: Z-A or Pokemon TCG Pocket.
There are no plans for a Nintendo Switch release, focusing exclusively on the Switch 2.