Animal Crossing is seemingly dormant for now, with no concrete news of a New Horizons successor in sight. The recent September 2025 Nintendo Direct could have been the venue to reveal this next chapter in the long-running franchise, but that didn't wind up happening. Animal Crossing fans don't need to fret, though, as they may have a more than suitable alternative in Pokemon: Pokopia.
One of the Direct's more unexpected reveals, Pokemon: Pokopia offers an ingenious mash-up, blending the low-stakes cozy gameplay of Animal Crossing with the supernatural whimsy of traditional Pokemon. Pokopia puts players in the shoes of a Ditto—the shapeshifting Pokemon—as they attempt to make a home in a wild, unconquered land. It looks to have the social simulation elements that are characteristic of the cozy genre, although the NPCs are Pokemon rather than humans, as well as the constant expansion and customization of Animal Crossing, Palworld, and the like. Indeed, Pokemon: Pokopia is shaping up to be a treat for cozy gamers and Pokemon fans alike, and just might be enough to tide Animal Crossing fans over as they continue their interminable wait for more sequel news.
Pokemon: Pokopia Is a Startlingly Fresh Take on the Pokemon Formula
Pokopia Is a Strange but Potentially Genius Concept
For a long time now, audiences have been expressing their fatigue with the Pokemon franchise. Of course, it's still a consistent bestseller, and its hardcore fans don't seem to have much of an issue with its latest releases, but it's hard to deny that it's gotten a bit long in the tooth. Breakout competitors like the legally dubious Palworld, and even more conservative alternatives like Cassette Beasts, are proof enough that Pokemon players are looking elsewhere; the success of these more inventive alternatives is a clear sign that Pokemon is in need of a shakeup.
Pokemon: Pokopia is especially interesting in the context of Palworld's release, as it looks to have more than a little bit in common with Pocketpair's contentious survival game.
Pokemon: Pokopia isn't just "Animal Crossing with Pokemon," but that's a good thing. It clearly borrows from the AC playbook, with a colorful cast of non-human characters and a gameplay loop that revolves around customization rather than combat, but it is also firmly rooted in Pokemon history. How well Pokopia translates classic Pokemon tropes and mechanics will surely be a determining factor in its overall quality and reception.
Pokemon: Pokopia Is Introducing Pokemon Powers to an Animal Crossing-Esque Formula
The most promising element of Pokopia is its incorporation of Pokemon powers. Players are assuming the role of a Ditto, after all, so they have access to an ever-growing suite of moves courtesy of their Pokemon compatriots. These powers take the place of tools, allowing the player to propagate new plant life, terraform the surrounding landscape, chop down trees, and more. As the player continues to steward this new land, Pokemon life will flourish, leading to even more abilities.
This progression model sounds like a clever blend of typical cozy staples and the RPG mechanics of the mainline Pokemon games. In this way, Pokemon: Pokopia has a chance to be more than a mere Animal Crossing clone, instead presenting a nuanced and captivating experience that's adjacent to traditional Pokemon RPGs. How well the game executes this quirky crossover remains to be seen, of course, but the mere fact that Nintendo is trying it should excite Animal Crossing fans. Maybe it's not a proper replacement for a new Animal Crossing—precious few games can fill that void—but its charming art style, low-stakes gameplay, and focus on customization might just make it a perfect stopgap.
OpenCritic Reviews
- Released
- March 5, 2026
- ESRB
- Everyone / Users Interact, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
- Koei Tecmo, Game Freak
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
WHERE TO PLAY
Play as a Ditto and build a new life with Pokémon—from the ground up!
Create a cozy space to delight your Pokémon friends. Learn new moves from your fellow Pokémon to further customize your surroundings, like Bulbasaur’s Leafage! Use it to add a touch of green to your environment, or learn Squirtle’s Water Gun to refresh thirsty plants.
Build a Pokémon paradise
Create a charming world built alongside your Pokémon friends. After a satisfying day of crafting, building, and gardening, relax in your very own paradise or invite Pokémon and your friends to visit. The choice is yours!
- Franchise
- Pokemon
- Genre(s)
- Life Simulation, Simulation
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch 2
