Ever wondered what it’s like to be a Ditto? No? Well, catching up on the Pokopia news might make you curious.
In this upcoming sandbox Pokémon tie-in, you’re going to find yourself becoming a farming Ditto in human cosplay. Because of course.
From here, you’ll find yourself bumping elbows with Bulbasaurs (if they even have elbows), growing delicious crops, and learning all kinds of skills from your new Poképals.
Even though Pokopia isn’t due to come out for another few months, we know quite a few things about it already. Here’s what we know so far.
Pokopia release date
Pokopia is set to launch on March 5th, 2026.
If you just can’t wait that long, then you can pre-order it right away. Pre-orders come with a fuzzy, Ditto-inspired rug that’s bound to make your own Ditto feel right at home.
We’re also expecting a new trailer to drop on November 13th, 2025.
Is Pokopia a key-card game?
Based on Pokopia’s Japanese-language site, it seems like the Pokémon life sim is going to be released as a “key-card” (kikādo). The site refers to this as the “Package Edition,” with a “Download Edition” listed separately.
The Pokopia pre-order listing on the Nintendo US and UK storefronts doesn’t mention any kind of physical release or alternative editions that could be available. However, the official news bulletin revealing Pokopia’s pre-order bonus does mention that you can claim your items by picking up a digital or physical copy.
So, right now, it’s kind of hard to say. If you’re buying Pokopia in Japan, then yes, it’s most likely to be a key card game. But if you’re buying it elsewhere, then you might have to wait and see.
Why do people care if Pokopia is a key-card game?
Previously, Nintendo had stated that it “currently [had] no plans to use game-key cards for Nintendo-developed games” (Thanks, NintendoLife). As a result, some fans aren’t too happy to see that Pokopia could be delivered on a cartridge.
However, there are two things worth noting about this situation. First, Pokopia isn’t actually developed by Nintendo – it’s developed by Koei Tecmo’s Omega Force. Nintendo is just publishing it.
Second, that quote was from back in May, 2025 – and it uses a very diplomatic “currently.” Plans change, so it’s perfectly plausible that Pokopia’s physical release could mark a shift in tactics on Nintendo’s behalf.
What kind of game is Pokopia?
Pokopia is a cosy, Pokémon-themed life-sim-meet-farming game. Think somewhere between Animal Crossing: New Horizons, MySims, and Minecraft, with a huge splash of the Pokémon IP.
The aim of the game is to lure Pokémon to your island, get to know them, and use your Ditto abilities to make the most of their skills to build the perfect paradise.
It’s a very different take on your standard Pokémon fare, with no battling or catching of them all involved. Instead, you can expect to grow veggies, terraform, explore, and get to know the local Squirtles, Snorlaxes, and Scythers.
Transform your Ditto
What are Dittos best known for? Transforming. In fact, they were originally called “Metamon” pre-localisation, as a nod to “metamorphosis” – y’know, like what a caterpillar does. Or that one Kafka story.
Get ready to use those metamorphic powers to figure out how to maintain and perfect your island. You’re going to spend a lot of time watching other Pokémon using their movesets to grow, water, and cut your crops down as necessary. No HMs needed.
Images shared to Pokopia’s Japanese website also confirm that your Ditto can have two different appearances: one with pigtails and a sunhat, the other with short hair and a baseball cap. Based on the trailer, it looks like you’ll be able to customise their appearance further.
They’re both referred to as the “transformed form”, which makes me wonder if you might be able to roll around your island as a regular old Ditto, too…
Decorate and craft to your heart’s content
If you’re anything like me, then you were probably obsessed with Hoenn’s secret bases (or Sinnoh’s mine camps). It looks like they’re finally making a comeback outside of the region, but this time, as a snug den for your Ditto to call home.
You can expect to enjoy decorating your homes and islands with all sorts of Pokémon decor. It looks like you’ll even be able to craft some of your own goodies – which makes sense, since I doubt there are any furniture stores out there on a desolate Pokémon-riddled island. But, you never know…
Who knew Dittos were such good carpenters?
Form a Ditto Hoard with up to four players
Pokopia is generally one-player, but if you have a Nintendo Switch Online Pass, you can explore your island with up to three friends. Alongside your neighbourhood Eeveelutions, that is.
We don’t know loads about how multiplayer Pokopia is going to work. But, the prospect of another multiplayer cosy game a la Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing is a pretty exciting thought.
How much will Pokopia cost?
Pokopia will be £58.99 in the UK, or $69.99 in the USA. Or, if you feel like making sure you get the key card, you can get it for ¥8,980 in Japan.
Make sure you put a little extra aside to cover your Switch Online subscription if you’re planning on playing with pals, too.
