A surprise hands-on at EUIC could tell us a lot more about the game ahead of Pokémon Day
Pokémon Pokopia launches next month exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s easily one of my most anticipated games of the year. I’ve been eager to learn more ever since its reveal, and while I assumed we’d have to wait until Pokémon Day for new details, it turns out some of us may be getting hands-on impressions much sooner than expected.
While I’m still expecting we’ll get some news for Pokémon Pokopia on Pokémon Day, February 27, a playable demo of Pokémon Pokopia will be available exclusively at the Pokémon European International Championships in London this weekend. While details on what exactly will be playable are still under wraps, the fact that a demo exists at all feels like a strong vote of confidence from Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.
Unfortunately, I won’t be attending the event myself, but it’ll be fascinating to see impressions roll in—and we’ll be keeping a close eye on anything new that comes out of the show floor. I’m expecting and hoping that those in attendance will be able to record gameplay and I’m sure a playable demo will create a lot of chatter about the game.
It’s not currently known what content players will experience in the demo, but hands-on exposure can go a long way in helping fans who are still on the fence make up their minds. I imagine the gameplay will introduce the playable character, along with some early encounters and light crafting. My real question, though: will someone find a shiny Pokémon while playing the demo? As a shiny hunter, getting that confirmation would be everything.
Also playable at the event is Pokémon Legends: Z-A — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Which, sure, is nice. But let’s be honest: all eyes are on Pokémon Pokopia.
The Pokémon European International Championships run February 13–15 in London.
Are you excited to see more of Pokémon Pokopia this weekend?
Does a playable demo make you more confident in the game—or are you still on the fence? Let me know in the comments.
About the Author
Scott (Scotty) Greenhalgh is the founder and owner of Input Lag, an independent Nintendo-focused publication. Scotty brings a player-first perspective informed by years of hands-on experience with Nintendo games to his reviews, rankings, and editorial coverage. His writing focuses on how games feel to play, their long-term value, and the impact Nintendo’s creative and business decisions have on players.
Outside of Input Lag, he also creates Pokémon-focused content online under the name Gr3atScotty.
