Animal Crossing-like Pokémon spin-off Pokopia is coming to Switch 2 in next year

Nintendo has unveiled “Pokémon Pokopia,” a spin-off title developed by Koei Tecmo that blends elements of Animal Crossing, Dragon Quest Builders, and Stardew Valley.

The details:

• Announced during the latest Nintendo Direct, Pokopia will be a Switch 2 exclusive and be released in 2026. The game puts players in the role of a Ditto, who has transformed itself into a human and must work with other Pokémon to change the world around them.
• Meeting beloved franchise favorites such as Bulbasaur, Charmander, Pikachu, and Squirtle, Ditto will gain various new moves, allowing you to place grass and keep it watered or even destroy objects using Hitmonchan’s punching move.
• Similar to Animal Crossing, you can create furniture and themed homes for yourself and your fellow Pokémon by collecting materials from all over the world. Based on the short trailer, there are plenty of items to collect and decorate, as well as a number of unique areas, including a sunny beach.
• Pokopia is being developed by Koei Tecmo, which has previously worked with Nintendo on titles such as Hyrule Warriors and Fire Emblem: Three Houses. The Japanese developer also contributed to Square Enix's Dragon Quest Builders 2, from which Pokopia appears to draw inspiration for its visuals and ability to shape the in-game world.

Watch the trailer below: