It’s cozy, it’s different, and I can’t wait to play it
Where has the time gone? Can you believe Pokémon Pokopia releases next month? It feels like the game was announced just yesterday, and now we’re only about 30 days away from its March 5, 2026 launch.
I can’t wait to get my hands on it. The idea of a Pokémon life sim where you’re building a metropolis for Pokémon sounds incredibly cozy, and everything shown so far leans hard into that comforting, slow-burn vibe.
I’m also hopeful that Pokémon Pokopia is well received. Early reactions feel divisive — players either seem genuinely excited or completely uninterested. I think this largely stems from the game’s overall atmosphere. While some fans are excited for what appears to be an Animal Crossing-style Pokémon experience, others aren’t convinced it’s for them. Still, I’m rooting for it to find its audience when it launches.
One of the things I’m most excited about is seeing which Pokémon can live in the city I build. I’m also really hoping shiny Pokémon make the cut. Can you imagine stumbling across a shiny Pokémon just casually living on your island? If shinies are confirmed, I already know I’ll be shiny hunting endlessly.
There’s also a lot of mystery surrounding this title, especially when it comes to its lore. What happened to the people? Why is the land abandoned and in ruins? Is it possible this ties into the long-rumored war referenced in earlier Kanto-era games? And then there are the characters — what’s the deal with Peakychu, Mosslax, and Smearguru? Are there more Pokopia-exclusive characters we haven’t seen yet?
Game Freak and Koei Tecmo have been unusually quiet about Pokémon Pokopia, and honestly, that mystery works in the game’s favor. It makes the world feel more intriguing and gives players a reason to jump in and discover things for themselves.
One thing is certain: I can’t wait for this game. It looks charming and full of personality, and for me, it’s absolutely a day-one purchase. What about you? Are you picking up Pokémon Pokopia? What are you most excited — or concerned — about?
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.
