Considering we already had a Pokémon Presents just a month ago, I wasn’t expecting to see a new Pokémon game at today’s Nintendo Direct. Yet here we are, learning about a new game called Pokémon Pokopia, and it looks like a cross between Animal Crossing and a farming sim.
In this Switch 2 game, you play as a Ditto who takes on a human form and helps build a space for the local ‘mons. It’s kind of a strange concept, and I actually hate seeing the little beady-eyed Ditto person’s face, but I’m down for more Pokémon games that show this world in a different light. The game will launch in 2026. Check out the reveal trailer here:
Play as a Ditto transformed into a human and shape an empty land into a beautiful home for Pokémon in Pokémon Pokopia, releasing on #NintendoSwitch2 in 2026. #NintendoDirect pic.twitter.com/zTiVcLHAgJ
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 12, 2025
Visually, the game employs something pretty similar to the minimalist, chibi style of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, but really Ditto is the only character that it’s super noticeable with, as the Pokémon just kinda look like they always have. The one advantage of playing as Ditto, however, is that you’ll be able to talk to your fellow Pokémon, so they seem to function like Animal Crossing villagers with their own personalities, desires, wants, and dreams. The trailer shows a lot of different looks for your Ditto human, so you can probably customize them to your liking. There’s also one shot of two players walking around in the same area, so it looks like you’ll be able to visit your friends’ villages, too.
Overall, it looks pretty neat. Animal Crossing-style life sims don’t usually hold my attention for very long, but the Pokémon framing might keep my interest a little bit longer. I’m just a goal-oriented player so games that are just about maintaining something are harder for me to get into. But if you’re looking for something a bit cozier in the world of Pokémon, it looks like Pokopia will deliver that.