Xbox Confirms 2026 Exclusive, Brand's Answer to Pokémon

No, it is not Pokémon and no, it is not Palworld, it is a third thing and it is set to launch on Xbox in the new year.

Aniimo is an upcoming “free-to-play, next-gen, creature-catching, open-world RPG” inspired by the likes of Pokémon and, despite Nintendo’s attempts, Palworld.

Developed by Pawprint Studio, Aniimo was first showcased at this year’s The Game Awards and it is clear to see what the team was aiming for here.

Players will get to explore the vast continent of Idyll, a sky-floating metropolis home to creatures known as Aniimo.

It is here that players will be able to hunt and catch unique creatures, meet fellow Pathfinders, and battle in thrilling competitions that could see you and your Aniimo buddies take home some exciting prizes.

Using Aniipods, you will be able to capture Aniimo and add them to your team but you will have to strategise who you want as certain Aniimo will only appear during particular environment, weather, and phenomena conditions.

Over time, your Aniimo will evolve, growing stronger and more powerful as well as sporting a brand-new design.

Pawprint Studio

Become Your Aniimo.

However, in an exciting twist, you will also be able to ‘twine’ with your Amiibo, meaning that you can become them, adopting both their appearance and powers.

By using their skills to your advantage, you will be able to solve puzzles, win battles, and overcome any obstacle in your way as you see the world from a brand-new perspective.

Set across a vast open-world, Aniimo will see you running, gliding, burrowing and swimming your way across an idyllic land as you embark on PvPvE modes such as Egg Heist.

Egg Heist will task you with joining a 3-player team at any time to engage in real-time searches and battles and so making friends has never been easier.

“Whether you're solo, multiplayer, adventuring, battling, or simply looking to quickly become stronger, here, every challenge is real and instantaneous!” The official synopsis reads.

Aniimo is expected to launch some time in 2026 for the Xbox Series X/S and PC so if you are on the hunt for yet another Pokémon-like, this could be the one for you.

Despite being marketed as an Xbox exclusive, it will indeed be available on Steam which seems to be the general rule for “Xbox exclusives" in recent years.

Nevertheless, the creature-catching RPG is one to add to your wishlist. Both on Xbox and Steam.