Pokémon Pokopia Hands-On Debut at 2026 Pokémon Europe International Championships on Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has officially confirmed that attendees of the 2026 Pokémon Europe International Championships (EUIC) in London will have the world-first opportunity to demo Pokémon Pokopia, the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive title.

The event, scheduled from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 February 2026, will be hosted at the city’s renowned Excel London exhibition and convention centre, solidifying its place as a prime location for major Pokémon and Nintendo community showcases. Pokémon Pokopia is the latest project from the collaborative efforts of Game Freak and Koei Tecmo Games, marking a fresh direction for the beloved Pokémon gaming franchise.

This innovative title puts players in the shoes of a Ditto who transforms into a human, embarking on a journey to create a new life surrounded by familiar Pokémon companions.

Using unique abilities acquired from befriended Pokémon—such as Bulbasaur’s ability to spur plant growth with Leafage, or Squirtle’s skill in reviving plants with Water Gun—players expand their skill set and transform the world around them. During a recent statement, Nintendo highlighted the key creative features that set Pokémon Pokopia apart.

Players will collect materials, cultivate vegetables, craft furniture, and construct cozy homes for Pokémon, building their own vibrant community from the ground up.

Over time, this gentle, "slow life" gameplay loop evolves into full town management, where players not only develop their own town but can also invite friends or other Pokémon to visit and interact, enhancing the social experience. Pokémon Pokopia is also set to immerse players with a fully-realized day-night cycle tied to real-world time, along with ever-changing in-game weather dynamics and multiple distinct biomes, each offering unique challenges and opportunities for resource gathering and exploration.

The developers, Game Freak and Koei Tecmo, have previously been recognized for their work on iconic franchises such as Pokémon and the Warriors series respectively, and the partnership suggests a blend of creative innovation and seasoned technical expertise. Global fans won’t have long to wait after the EUIC debut — Pokémon Pokopia launches worldwide on 5 March 2026, both physically and digitally via the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo Switch 2.

The title is expected to join the lineup of high-profile exclusives shaping the future of Nintendo's next-generation hardware. With its compelling blend of community-building, adventure, and signature Pokémon charm, Pokémon Pokopia is poised to be one of the most significant releases on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Stay tuned for more updates following player impressions and official news from the Pokémon Europe International Championships in London.