New Pokemon Game Lets You Build a Home for Pokemon

A new Pokemon game called Pokopia is coming soon. It's a cozy game where you play as Ditto and help build a nice place for Pokemon to live. You can build homes and garden, but there are no battles.
By Newsroom | Video Games, Nintendo |

Pokemon Pokopia, a new entry in the long-running Pokemon franchise, is poised to offer players a departure from traditional battle-focused gameplay. This life simulation title, scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch 2, centers on building and nurturing a community for Pokemon, with players taking on the role of a Ditto that can transform into other Pokemon to acquire their abilities. The game's announcement has generated interest due to its relaxed pace and Animal Crossing-esque mechanics, though a notable point of discussion surrounds its distribution method.

Pokemon Pokopia is so damn cozy - 1

Game Overview and Core Mechanics

Pokemon Pokopia shifts the player's perspective from that of a Trainer to that of a Pokemon itself, specifically a humanoid Ditto. The primary objective involves rehabilitating a desolate area into a welcoming habitat for Pokemon.

Pokemon Pokopia is so damn cozy - 2

  • Player Role: Players embody a humanoid Ditto who aids in rebuilding and developing land.

  • Transformations: The player character can transform into other Pokemon, gaining one specific skill from each befriended creature, unlike the full movesets seen in mainline Pokemon games. These skills are used for traversal, obstacle navigation, and world manipulation.

  • Activities: Gameplay encompasses crafting, building, gardening, and interacting with Pokemon. Players can create homes for Pokemon and invite both Pokemon and friends to visit.

  • Setting: The game features a "cozy" environment, reminiscent of Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing, with an abandoned Pokemon Center serving as an early point of renovation. Some aspects of the setting bear a resemblance to the Kanto region from the first generation of Pokemon games.

Platform and Release Details

Pokemon Pokopia is confirmed to be an exclusive title for the Nintendo Switch 2. No other platforms have been announced, and historical Pokemon spin-offs have generally remained on Nintendo hardware.

Read More: Arc Raiders Game Is Very Popular After Launch

Pokemon Pokopia is so damn cozy - 3

  • Release Date: Pokemon Pokopia is slated for release on March 5.

  • Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 is the sole confirmed platform.

  • Exclusivity: The game is being developed specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2 and will not be available on the original Nintendo Switch.

Multiplayer and Distribution

Pokemon Pokopia will support multiplayer interactions, including cooperative play. A point of contention has arisen regarding the physical distribution of the game.

Pokemon Pokopia is so damn cozy - 4

  • Online Play: Players can connect with others online, provided they have a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

  • Cooperative Play: The game will feature four-player co-op.

  • Game Share Feature: The Switch 2's game share capability may allow transmission of a game copy to other Switch 2 or regular Switch owners for collaborative play.

  • Physical Distribution: Physical copies of Pokemon Pokopia will utilize a game-key card, meaning the cartridge inserted into the system will not contain the full game data, requiring a download. This approach contrasts with previous Nintendo statements about not using game-key cards for Nintendo-developed titles.

Gameplay Themes and Player Experience

The overarching theme of Pokemon Pokopia is a relaxed, non-combative experience focused on community building and Pokemon well-being.

Read More: New Mario Tennis Game Has Fun New Powers, But Costs a Lot

  • Cozy Life Simulation: The game is described as a "cozy life-sim RPG" and a "cozy life simulation," emphasizing a slower pace and a focus on everyday activities.

  • No Battles: Unlike most Pokemon titles, Pokopia does not feature gyms, leagues, or trainer battles. Gameplay is likened to Pokemon Snap in its absence of combat.

  • Customization: Players can customize their environment, building homes and developing land to create a Pokemon paradise.

  • New Variants: The game will introduce new regional-style variants of existing Pokemon specifically designed for Pokopia's setting and tone, alongside familiar faces.

Development and Similarities

Pokemon Pokopia is developed by Koei Tecmo and Game Freak, with Nintendo and The Pokemon Company as publishers. The game draws clear parallels to other life simulation titles, notably Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley.

  • Development Team: Koei Tecmo, Game Freak, Nintendo, The Pokemon Company.

  • Genre Inspiration: Strong similarities are noted with Animal Crossing in terms of furnishing, decorating, and community building, and with Stardew Valley regarding farming and renovation mechanics.

  • Player Reception: Initial information suggests fans are drawn to the "cozy" aspect, with desires for games that offer relaxation and an alternative to competitive play.

Read More: New Warlock Class Added to Diablo 2: Resurrected After 25 Years

Sources:

Read More: New Game 'Zero Parades' Looks Like 'Disco Elysium', Studio Says It's the Same People

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kind of game is Pokemon Pokopia?
It is a cozy life simulation game where you help Pokemon. You build homes and make the area nice for them.
Q: What do I do in the game?
You play as a Ditto that can change into other Pokemon to get their skills. You will build, garden, and make friends with Pokemon.
Q: Is this game like other Pokemon games?
No, this game is very different. It does not have battles or gyms. It is more like Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley.
Q: What is the release date?
The game will be released on March 5 for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Q: Can I play with friends?
Yes, the game has a four-player co-op mode so you can play with friends.