Pokémon Pokopia promises to shake things up for fans. We’re getting a closer look at this new game, launching exclusively on the Switch 2 on March 5, 2026. In this adventure, players will team up with Professor Tangrowth to revitalize an abandoned island, which involves various tasks—from building structures to caring for Pokémon.
The Extended Trailer reveals gameplay where you can interact with the Pokémon you bring, helping them adapt and fulfilling requests to further develop the island. Your Ditto, for example, transforms into other Pokémon, as shown in the trailer when it became a Lapras and a Dragonite. Lapras lets you navigate the sea, while Dragonite takes you to remote areas.
Gameplay Features and Customization Options
You’ll embark on tasks to recover the island, which includes watering grass and placing rocks and flowers. Plus, players can customize their Ditto avatars with different outfits and hairstyles, adding a personal touch to the game.
Multiplayer is another highlight—up to four friends can work together to rebuild or compare their islands. The game supports GameShare, allowing those with a Switch 1 or 2 to dive into the world together, even if they don’t own the game.
Exciting New Pokémon Forms
A major reveal at the end of the trailer showcased new forms for Pikachu, Snorlax, and Smeargle—renamed Peakychu, Mosslax, and Smearguru. Their specific gameplay roles are still unknown, but they add fresh elements to the franchise.
Here’s a snapshot of the new forms:
- Peakychu (Pikachu)
- Mosslax (Snorlax)
- Smearguru (Smeargle)
Game Release and Publishing Details
The announcement follows a teaser from The Pokémon Company, which stated its March release. Notably, this will mark Nintendo’s first Game-Key Card release in the West, hinting at a shift in how games are distributed.