When Pokémon Pokopia first debuted in September, it looked very much like Animal Crossing wearing a Pokémon skin. Once news came out that it was being co-developed by Koei Tecmo, it was easy to assume Pokémon Pokopia would feature gameplay mechanics similar to Dragon Quest Builders 2. Earlier this week, Nintendo gave the game a March 5, 2026 release date and a $69.99 price tag, along with confirmation that the physical edition would ship on a game-key card. That means none of the game’s content is actually on the cartridge, so a download is necessary. Physical game collectors aren’t too happy about that, considering Nintendo’s track record of removing games from its digital storefronts.
Game-key card controversy aside, Pokémon Pokopia looks to be a jam-packed title, and if you’ve previously played Animal Crossing or Dragon Quest Builders 2, you’ll know what to expect. Today’s extended trailer is over 10 minutes long, sharing details on what players will be doing as they assume control of a human-like Ditto. After being introduced to Professor Tangrowth, they’ll set off on a series of quests to bring life back to a ruined land full of withered and dry grass and trees. In true Pokémon fashion, Professor Tangrowth hopes to restore the land to a lively place once again overflowing with Pokémon.
On that journey to build a new world, Ditto will have to create habitats to attract Pokémon. This isn’t just a generic build-a-home scenario, though. Since different Pokémon are attracted to different habitats, players will need to create a variety of habitats to suit each Pokémon’s individual preferences. For example, placing a fishing rod and a chair by the seashore will make a Magikarp appear.
Once you make friends with different Pokémon, Ditto will be able to learn moves from them to interact with the land. We saw Squirtle’s Water Gun in the game’s initial trailer, which can be used to revitalize dried-up areas around the world. Many more moves will be available so Ditto can clear paths, till fields, grow vegetables, and more. Some Pokémon, such as Lapras and Dragonite, will also teach Ditto special moves that let it transform, granting easy sea and air travel.
Crafting will also be an important part of the game, as expected of a title so heavily influenced by Animal Crossing and Dragon Quest Builders. The extended trailer previews a variety of furniture, toys, streetlights, and roads. To keep players engaged, Pokémon will have unique requests for Ditto to accomplish. Many of these appear to guide players through progression and exploration. There are also important requests where Ditto will work with other Pokémon to accomplish big tasks, such as rebuilding a Pokémon Center.
Ditto won’t have to do it all on their own, though, as Pokémon will help around town, from lighting campfires to watering plants and helping crops grow. While some will be quick to say this is similar to Palworld, it’s actually a mechanic that existed in Dragon Quest Builders 2. Pokémon can also contribute to building structures, such as large homes and a Pikachu fountain.
Pokémon Pokopia will also include a photo mode, character customization, housing decorations, and multiplayer with up to four friends. Players can also take advantage of GameShare, so someone who doesn’t own the game can play, even on the original Switch.
