Following the release of an extended trailer for Pokémon Pokopia, fans have theorized that the upcoming cozy Pokémon game is set on a post-volcanic Cinnabar Island from the original Kanto region games. The theory draws on visual clues like a ruined Pokémon Center and a Generation 1 Pokédex, suggesting a darker backstory amid the game's cheerful restoration mechanics. Pokémon Pokopia launches on March 5, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2.
Fan Theories Emerge After Trailer
Pokémon Pokopia was announced in September 2025 as a relaxing title where players control a Ditto in human form, borrowing powers from other Pokémon to transform a deserted island into a sanctuary without battles or a grand story. The extended trailer, released earlier in November 2025, sparked speculation by showing a devastated Pokémon Center as the starting point, alongside ruins of roads and buildings, and no signs of human inhabitants. Professor Tangrowth, the in-game guide, notes he hasn't seen humans in a long time, adding to the mysterious atmosphere.
Connections to Generation 1 and 2 Games
Fans on platforms like Reddit, as reported by Eurogamer and GameSpot, propose the island is Cinnabar Island from Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, which hosted the Fire Gym in Generation 1. In Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, a volcanic eruption destroys much of the island, leaving only the Pokémon Center intact—mirroring the trailer's depiction. The presence of a Generation 1 Pokédex in the trailer supports this timeline, placing Pokopia between the two eras. Ditto, the playable character, originates exclusively from Cinnabar's Pokémon Mansion in the original games, a site of experiments that created Mewtwo, potentially explaining new variants like the ghostly white Peakychu, moss-covered Mosslax, and artistic Smearguru.
Alternate Speculations
While the Cinnabar theory dominates, some fans suggest alternate realities, such as Mewtwo eradicating humans from Kanto or parallels to the human-less Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series. These ideas highlight the franchise's history of multiverse elements. No official confirmation exists, leaving room for speculation until the game's release.