If you love Pokémon as much as you love Animal Crossing, Pokémon Pokopia takes elements from both franchises and enhances it into the best life sim experience for all ages. However, this Pokémon game isn’t just any regular life sim game. Rather, it’s one that’s about rebuilding a once-thriving land to make it whole once more.
Here’s everything you need to know about Pokémon Pokopia before you dive in.
When is the Pokémon Pokopia release date?
Pokémon Pokopia comes out on March 5, 2026 — just in time for spring break. When spring break begins and ends depends on your school or job, so whether you plan on getting a physical copy or download the digital version, make sure you plan your gameplay time accordingly!
What platforms will Pokémon Pokopia be available on?
The game is being released exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. If you still have the original Nintendo Switch console and want to play Pokémon Pokopia, you’ll be out of luck until you purchase Switch 2. But hey, if your budget doesn’t allow for a Switch 2 right now, you can always ask your friend to play Pokémon Pokopia on their Switch 2.
What’s the plot of Pokémon Pokopia?
In Pokémon Pokopia, you play as a Ditto who transforms itself into a human after landing in a desolate Pokémon town. It then meets Professor Tangleworth, who tells the story of how the once-thriving land turned into the disaster zone it has since become. From there, the Ditto and Professor Tangleworth work together to build the town back to its former glory.
Think of it like Disney Dreamlight Valley, but make it Pokémon.
How’s the gameplay in Pokémon Pokopia?
When you meet other Pokémon that you attract in the process of reconstructing the town, you can learn their signature moves to make things easier. For example, you can learn Water Gun from Squirtle to water plants and Leafage from Bulbasaur to grow crops and wild grass. You can even transform into other Pokémon to travel long distances, like Lapras for sea and Dragonite for air travel. Some Pokémon will make requests for you to fulfill, such as taking them to different places or creating a habitat that suits their preferences.
Crafting is about the same as it is in Animal Crossing, as you can make things from the materials you gathered, such as hay beds, toy blocks, and tiles to further beautify the town or make Pokémon feel more at home.
If, like all of us here, you’re looking forward to this charming, cozy adventure, keep your eyes peeled for it in March.
