The latest title from The Pokémon Company, Pokémon Pokopia, is less than a month away from release.
It was announced during Nintendo Direct 9.12.2025, and its unique atmosphere for a Pokémon title caught our eyes.
We had the chance to experience Pokémon Pokopia a little early, so here is our early review!
The First Pokémon Slow-Life Game Pokémon Pokopia
The Nintendo Switch 2 software Pokémon Pokopia is the first Pokémon slow-life sandbox game.
Of course, the protagonist is a Trainer...
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...not! It is actually a Ditto transformed into a human!?
This Ditto, with its very relaxed expression, progresses through the game by cooperating with Pokémon that have slightly unusual appearances.
The one speaking so casually is Professor Tangrowth.
Let's work together with the knowledgeable Professor Tangrowth to make the empty land flourish.
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Even though it has transformed into a human, a Ditto is still a Ditto.
It can learn moves by watching the Pokémon it meets.
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Use the moves you've learned to grow grass, break rocks, and more.
By creating the habitats that Pokémon prefer, you might encounter Pokémon you've never seen before.
When we created the Green Grass habitat, a Charmander showed up!
Thanks to Charmander, who is great at burning things, the campfire is complete.
In this way, you develop the town and meet even more new Pokémon by utilizing the moves Ditto has learned and the things the Pokémon you meet are good at.
By fulfilling the requests of the Pokémon...
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...it is also important to improve their living comfort.
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The Pokédex, where the Pokémon you've become friends with are registered, also contains information on what they are good at, their favorite environments, and things they like.
Understand each of their preferences and aim to build a town that is comfortable to live in!
We Also Experienced Online Play!
In Pokémon Pokopia, you can enjoy multiplayer for up to four people via internet or local communication.
Furthermore, with a Nintendo Switch 2 and a single copy of the software, it supports GameShare, allowing up to two people to play even if one doesn't own the game.
This time, we experienced GameShare play, where four people can play freely.
Efficiency Increases When Four People Cooperate!
Rapidly create various habitats and discover various Pokémon.
Just in this experience, we confirmed Pokémon such as the following:
- Machop
- Tyranitar
- Makuhita
- Drifloon
- Exeggutor
- Magikarp
- Scizor
- Skwovet
- Arcanine
- Espeon
- Umbreon
- Eevee
Rebuilding the Pokémon Center
While continuing our exploration, we found a broken Pokémon Center.
To rebuild it, let's enlist the help of a Pokémon that is good at construction.
We brought over a Machop that had obtained its own home and...
Please!
Rebuilding takes actual time, so after waiting for a while...
The Wasteland Pokémon Center is complete!
Save Memories with the Camera Function
Ways to play expand significantly in online play.
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Utilize various blocks to create your very own town!
In this experience, we confirmed furniture such as washing machines, fans, and TVs, as well as utility poles and power lines.
It seems quite modern town-building is possible.
There Is Also So-Called Character Creation
By the way, it is possible to freely change Ditto's appearance.
There are various options ranging from face, hairstyle, and hair color to accessories and bags.
Coordinate them to suit your mood!
A Very Relaxing Atmosphere
It was an early experience for a very limited time, but we were able to feel the system and atmosphere of this game.
The first thing we thought was that the Ditto transformed into a human is adorable in every way.
Not just its expressions, but we could feel the attention to detail in the animations, such as its arms getting tangled when you spin it around or momentarily returning to its Ditto form when falling from a high place.
While Pokémon battles are the best part of the Pokémon series, we were told that they are not included in this title.
It seems we will be able to fully enjoy a slow life in a world centered around Pokémon.
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Also, pay attention to the Pokémon with slightly unusual appearances.
In addition to Professor Tangrowth, Pokémon such as Peakychu, Mosslax, and Smearguru appear.
Please check the retail version to see how they relate to the story!
| Title Overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Pokémon Pokopia |
| Release Date | Scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026 |
| Suggested Retail Price | Physical Version (Key Card): 8,980 yen (tax included) Download Version: 8,980 yen (tax included) |
| Genre | Slow-Life Sandbox |
| Distribution Format | Physical Version (Key Card), Download Version |
| Supported Languages | Japanese, English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Korean (Language selection is possible in-game even when playing on a Nintendo Switch 2 Japanese/Domestic model. (The Spanish supported by this software is European Spanish.) |
| CERO | A |
| Planning and Development | The Pokémon Company, Game Freak Inc., Koei Tecmo Games Co., Ltd. |
| Release and Sales | The Pokémon Company |
Release Commemoration Goods Also Appearing!
Saiga NAKTo coincide with the release of Pokémon Pokopia, goods are appearing from the Pokémon Center!
The protagonist Ditto transformed into a human and the unique Pokémon with slightly unusual appearances have already been made into goods!
(Exclusively in Japan.)
(The photos are for illustrative purposes. Colors and designs may differ from the actual products.)
Goods Available at All Pokémon Centers, All Pokémon Stores, and Pokémon Center Online
Saiga NAK- Pokémon Pokopia Ditto Yellow Plush: 3,300 yen (tax included)
- Pokémon Pokopia Ditto Blue Plush: 3,300 yen (tax included)
- Pokémon Pokopia Peakychu Plush: 2,750 yen (tax included)
- Pokémon Pokopia Mosslax Plush: 6,600 yen (tax included)
- Pokémon Pokopia Professor Tangrowth Plush: 6,600 yen (tax included)
- Pokémon Pokopia Cheese-In Snacks: 1,100 yen (tax included)
Goods Available at All Pokémon Centers and Pokémon Center Online
Saiga NAK- Pokémon Pokopia Teru Teru Castform Mascot: 2,200 yen (tax included)
- Pokémon Pokopia Peakychu LED Light: 4,950 yen (tax included)
- Pokémon Pokopia Cushion: 4,400 yen (tax included)
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- Pokémon Pokopia Acrylic Stand Collection (Variations: 6 in total/Random): 880 yen
Saiga NAK- Pokémon Pokopia B6 Size Notebook: 1,210 yen (tax included)
- Pokémon Pokopia Block Memo Pad: 990 yen (tax included)
- Pokémon Pokopia Ditto & Peakychu Standing Sticky Note Set: 660 yen (tax included)
- Pokémon Pokopia Ditto & Professor Tangrowth Standing Sticky Note Set: 660 yen (tax included)
Saiga NAK- Pokémon Pokopia 3-Marker Set with Case: 1,650 yen (tax included)
- Pokémon Pokopia A4 Clear File 2-Piece Set: 550 yen (tax included)
- Pokémon Pokopia Die-Cut Masking Tape: 880 yen (tax included)
- Pokémon Pokopia 6-Sticker Set: 770 yen (tax included)
- Pokémon Pokopia Ditto Sticker Set: 550 yen (tax included)
- Pokémon Pokopia Ditto Yellow Hand Towel (Selectable): 660 yen (tax included)
- Pokémon Pokopia Ditto Blue Hand Towel (Selectable): 660 yen (tax included)
Please check the Pokémon Official Website (Japan) for details on each product.
