"Pokémon" made a surprising announcement during the latest Nintendo Direct event as it now takes on "Animal Crossing" with a new simulation game called "Pokémon Pokopia." This will be heading to the Switch 2.
This massive announcement during the Direct event was not expected by fans as there is an upcoming game coming to the Switch platforms later this year, "Pokémon Legends: Z-A." And while the company shared various new updates on "Legends: Z-A," the new "Pokémon Pokopia" title has stolen the spotlight with the latest experiences coming for the franchise.
'Pokémon' Takes on 'Animal Crossing' With New Sim Game
Nintendo Direct's September 12 event had a lot of new game announcements for the Switch 2 console, but one thing stood out for Pokémon fans. Game Freak apparently has a new game brewing, announcing the latest experience in its franchise call "Pokémon Pokopia," which delivers a simulation game that looks to take on "Animal Crossing."
Here, instead of being a human in the world of different kinds of animals, players will be playing as Ditto, getting the chance to live, interact, and be in the presence of different kinds of Pokémon in the game.
And since they are playing as Ditto, they would get the chance to understand the language spoken by Pokémon, at least via dialogue boxes.
"Pokémon Pokopia" also brings an interesting take to the life simulation experiences as users would be able to use the Pokémon's special powers to help them in managing their "Pokémon utopia."
The trailer showed off the many skills or powers they may use, like Bulbasaur's Leafage, which could help in landscaping, Squirtle's Water Gun, which can be copied by players as Ditto, to water plants, and more.
Players would also meet new creature additions to their town, which brings other types of their trade to contribute to building this one-of-a-kind habitat.
'Pokémon Pokopia' Brings You to the World of Pokémon
"Pokémon Pokopia" brings the first life simulation game of the "Pokémon" franchise, with the game coming exclusively to the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. No specific release dates have been announced.
The game centers on a cozy simulation genre that integrates the world of Pokémon into the experience, with players getting a chance to "savor the slow life" in this town-building title.
The game will mostly feature Generation I or Kanto region Pokémon based on the trailer and images shared by The Pokémon Company, but it will not be limited to them. Other inclusions feature the likes of Generation II's Pichu, Generation III's Castform, Lotad, Ludicolo, and Swablu, Generation VIII's Applin, Generation IX's Pawmo, and more.
Originally published on Player One
