The Pokemon Pokopia release date has just been revealed, months after it was announced earlier in 2025, and we're now even more excited for 2026 to come around. A life sim that seems to lean into building a town for Pokemon (while playing as Ditto, because of course), Pokemon Pokopia is one of the most exciting upcoming Switch 2 games we've got to look forward to, and it's just a few months away.
Though September's Nintendo Direct set high expectations for Pokemon Pokopia, thanks to a recent extended trailer, we now know a ton more details. From new gameplay information, and plenty of news and details to unpack, the new Pokemon spin-off looks to be a dream. So if you're joining us in counting down the days until you can build a thriving Pokemon village, here's everything we know about Pokemon Pokopia.
Pokemon Pokopia release date
Nintendo has confirmed that Pokemon Pokopia is launching on March 5, 2026.
This release date was revealed on November 11, 2025, and an extended trailer was dropped a few days later to confirm that pre-orders are now live as well. It's a welcomed update for any cozy gamers out there as Pokemon Pokopia was a highlight of September's Nintendo Direct, along with Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave.
Hopefully, no delays will happen, but we'll keep you posted on any and all updates as they come.
Pokemon Pokopia platforms
Pokemon Pokopia will launch on the Nintendo Switch 2, with no other platforms confirmed. As it's a Pokemon game, though, don't expect to see it arrive anywhere but the Switch 2.
Pokemon Pokopia trailers
Above is the first trailer for Pokemon Pokopia. It gives us our first look at Ditto transforming into a human trainer and helping out his Pokemon friends. However, below is the extended Pokemon Pokopia trailer, which offers a closer look at gameplay.
In the clip we see that Ditto is tasked to revitalise a town where humans and Pokemon once co-existed. We also see a number of different Pokemon that Ditto can turn into as they unlock abilities and build up the town. Exciting stuff!
Pokemon Pokopia gameplay
As seen in the above trailer, Pokemon Pokopia will focus on creating a cozy environment for Pokemon to live. You'll need to create habitats that will also need to meet certain requirements if you want to attract specific Pokemon to your town. Crafting and decorating play a big part in this aspect.
However, once you meet different Pokémon, you'll also get access to new abilities that will let you expand your town and decorate. This includes using moves to do things like grow wild grass for Pokemon, collect supplies to make grander furniture and buildings, using moves to fly or swim to new areas, and even grow food for residents.
On top of rebuilding your town and getting more Pokemon as residents, you'll have to complete Pokemon requests, helping critters out of jams and making sure they are comfy and happy. Multiplayer, photo mode, and character customization have also been confirmed, so it's looking to be a very laid-back but well-rounded experience, folks.
The trailer also places an emphasis on taking things slow, so Pokemon Pokopia seems to be a slow-burner in the vein of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which even after all this time remains one of the best Switch games around. That's all to say: a cozy life sim set in Pokemon's world? Yes please!
Pokemon Pokopia story
While we know that Pokemon Pokopia follows a Ditto who is tasked with rebuilding a town for Pokemon and humans to live, we're yet to see if a broader story will be told through the game. There's a chance it will, as protagonist Ditto is seen breaking out of an abandoned Poke Ball and dusting sand off a mysterious Pokedex – which conveniently has their trainer's face covered up.
Perhaps we'll learn more about Ditto's backstory, or it could be the case that Pokopia's story is less direct and focuses solely on the town as it's built – think of the way Animal Crossing: New Horizons slowly developed and fleshed out each day. There's been no mention of a story from Nintendo or The Pokemon Company's side, though, so we'll have to wait and see to learn more.
If you're jumping into Pokemon Legends: Z-A or have already completed it, fill up your Pokedex with the best Pokemon games you can play right now.
