Pokémon Pokémon Pokopia

[~Kilza~]

Pokémon Pokopia is the latest Pokémon spin-off. Announced a couple of months ago, it's set to be released on March 5th, 2026. It received an extended trailer today:

How are you feeling about what we've seen so far? Is it something that interests you? Is it something you'll get right away, or wait to get further down the road? If you do get it, will you be getting the physical edition despite it using the somewhat controversial Game-Key Card, or just stick to digital?

Personally, I definitely never would've expected a game quite like this, since my first impression of it is that it's Pokémon Minecraft, lol. I'm still waiting to see some more info about it, but I'm definitely leaning towards getting it at some point, since it is rather intriguing and seems like something I'll enjoy. If I do get it, in all likelihood it'll be the physical edition despite it using a GKC, which is definitely a rather odd decision for them to make in my opinion, but what can you do.

 

[Suguri]

This is the one reason why I want a Switch 2 LOL

I'll have to wait till I can get them both tho, cuz I cannot afford 500 ****ing dollars atm ^^; and I dunno, I don't care how I get this game as long as I can experience it, ya know?

 

[dragonair]

I am SO excited for this game, I'm definitely going to get it as soon as it comes out! I buy all of my games digital, especially since I can get the eShop cards discounted, so the GKC thing doesn't really bother me. Also, I'm SO obsessed with Mosslax.

Just look at him!!! So cute!!!

 

[Doo]

I want it, but not so much that I’m gonna get a switch 2 yet. I’m hoping for a switch 2 lite and maybe then I’ll get it. Or I might wait until the next animal crossing to get a switch 2. I do intend to play Pokopia at some point but probably won’t be for a while

 

[Manatee]

Looking forward to this one (I like seeing the non-battling side of the Pokémon world, and I like Ditto).

I don't love that it will only be available on a game key card, though.

 

[Holla]

It’s interesting but I’m on the fence at the moment. I already have a Switch 2 but the full price ($100 CAD plus tax) price tag is brutal. I really dislike game Key cards as well as I prefer physical games with the game on the cart, but would rather get a digital copy in the case of a key card.

If it was $80 CAD and a proper physical game I’d be more likely to get it at launch. As it stands though I will likely get it eventually but I’ll probably wait until it’s older and on sale in the eshop for a more reasonable price.

 

[Romaki]

It was definitely a deciding factor in me picking up a Switch 2 (another was getting a better experience of of PLZA)...

I just hope the gameplay loop works. Something like Minecraft gives you a lot of freedom to explore and find, something like Animal Crossing gives you enough dialog (sometimes) and customization to just have fun with it. My fear is that the "campaign" will be over quick-ish.

Also it's pretty expensive, I guess they'll always ask that for a Pokémon game.

 

[Mattician]

It's Pokemon and elements of Animal Crossing, so it should appeal to me.

But, Ditto transforming into a human is something that I don't like. And it's a major part of the game. Not sure I would be able to look past it.

I might have to pass on this and wait for Gen 10.

 

[stitchmaker]

The first trailer sold the game and plan on buying the digital copy on release date. The game is so cute and I couldn't stop smiling thru both trailers.

 

[Snek]

Looks interesting but I have no plans to get a SW2 at the moment. I like Peakychu and Mosslax. I wonder if they are "regionals" and will be used in future game. They'll probably be exclusive for the game though. As much as I like them giving Pikachu a variant I am still waiting for Gorochu.

 

[Awesome Gamer 2009]

cant wait for this



i say as i might as well not be playing it at all lol

 

[Dunquixote]

It looks kinda interesting but I don’t like the whole thing with the game key card; also, it won’t be available for the switch one and I’m in no rush for a switch 2 since my switch and switch lite are both in new or good condition. There are also other games I’m more interested in or still have on my backlog to finish.

 

[Chris]

I am so hyped for this game. It's the reason I took the plunge and bought a Switch 2. I'll absolutely be buying it day one.

 

[DarthGohan1]

I could see this game being *really* good. Or *really* bad. Super curious to see how people react when it's actually available. I'm totally on the fence if I'll get this one

 

[StoryMaker (Talia)]

I have mixed feelings. Honestly I'm pretty underwhelmed despite it involving Pokemon and resembling other games I like (AC and Minecraft). I rarely play actual Pokemon games (I'm more into the TCG and Showdown) and have a pretty low opinion of their output lately, so maybe that's not surprising. But it is a totally different kind of game, so that should theoretically help. Truth be told, I'm just not sure how fun it will be or if it will just feel like a lesser version of the games it resembles but with Pokemon theming.

Modern Pokemon graphics are consistently underwhelming-to-terrible. This one is at least on the underwhelming side, but that's a bit disappointing consider it's a Switch 2 exclusive. It may be down to art direction more than graphics; everything just looks very flat with the form of lighting they chose. I know Pokemon is a bright and kid-friendly series, and I love bright colors in general, but I think they actually went too far. Everything is bright, so nothing draws my eyes in. It doesn't look bad, but I'd say it has noticeably lower visual appeal than AC:NH for the Switch 1. I hate being a graphics snob, but a major appeal of Pokemon is the creature designs, so I wish they were backed up with actual good graphics.

The premise of playing as a Ditto who transforms into a weird-looking human is creative, but bizarre. Honestly, I'd probably rather play as a human or a Ditto who's content to be a Ditto (or heck, another Pokemon) most of the time. I don't feel excited to play as this goofy psuedo-human. Also, this is extremely picky, but I actually dislike that the idea of Ditto not being able to change its face has propagated across all Ditto in all Pokemon media when it was supposed to be a flaw of a certain Ditto in the anime. I think I would honestly be more excited about his game if I was a Ditto who could accurately transform into different Pokemon and didn't try to be a human.

I feel like I'm being really persnickety. To put things more simply, this doesn't seem like a $70 game. It doesn't seem pretty enough or fun enough to justify that. I can just jump into AC for a (probably superior) cozy life sim experience (with area designing and crafting) or into Minecraft for a (probably superior) building & exploring experience. Honestly, I'm not even sure this will be all that comparable to Minecraft, at least for me, since I always play survival mode and enjoy the tension and sense of adventure, which Pokopia isn't looking to provide. Basically, I'm not convinced Pokopia brings much unique or interesting to the table other than the brand and character designs. We'll see if future information changes that, but as it is, I'm sure there are numerous cozy indie games for a fraction of the price that would give me a comparable amount of fun, if I ever decided to buy another cozy game.

 

[LambdaDelta]

I was mildly intetested in, but it being a game key card release means I just get to save the $70+

so thanks for making that decision easy for me, nintendo!