Pokémon Pokopia Announced, an Animal Crossing Style Cosy Sim

In a turn of events that nobody expected, Pokémon is diving into the farm simulation genre in 2026.

Right now, Nintendo is doing what it does best and hosting its Nintendo Direct showcase, giving us over 60-minutes of exciting game releases.

So far we have seen the next Mario movie announced, as well as the return of Super Mario Galaxy and even a release date for the next The Legend of Zelda entry.

However, in the Pokémon segment of the showcase, one upcoming title in particular has left fans feeling intrigued.

Titled Pokémon Pokopia, this is exactly what you would imagine if you crossed the Pokémon franchise with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and it is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 next year.

In typical gaming sim fashion, you will be in charge of building and growing your very own island.

However, you will be able to use the abilities of your villager Pokémon to help you along the way. Their abilities will help you grow grass from your very fingertips or till the ground so that you can plant delicious vegetables.

The more your island flourishes, the more Pokémon will want to make their home there and, as you can probably guess, this will allow you to use their abilities to unlock more tools, areas and features across Pokopia.

However, your friends will expect something in return and it will be up to you to build them their very own homes if you want them to stay.

As a humanoid Ditto, the island will be what you make it and Animal Crossing: New Horizons fans will definitely notice the similarities when it comes to adorable fruit trees and blocky terrain.

From co-developers Game Freak and Koei Tecmo Games, a Pokémon farming simulator is definitely not what we expected to see during this Nintendo Direct event but it is definitely one that fans will be picking up on the Nintendo Switch when it releases in 2026.

“So if I transform as Charmander, can I light the island on fire? Asking for a friend,” one Twitter user wrote. A reasonable question.

“I will be playing Pokémon Animal Crossing,” another added.

With some fans stating that Pokémon Pokopia will be their “whole personality” when it releases, it seems as though Nintendo has a hit on its hands.

Pokémon Pokopia will be released at retail and digitally on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch 2 worldwide in 2026.