The spin-off game starring a 'weirdo' Pokémon that's got reviewers raving

Source: BBC Technology

What is Pokopia?

Pokopia is a life‑simulation game that blends elements of Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, and Minecraft‑style building. Players assume the role of Ditto, a shape‑shifting Pokémon who appears in a human form. Arriving in the Kanto region, they encounter a cute post‑apocalyptic landscape that must be rebuilt and repopulated with other Pokémon by constructing suitable homes and habitats. Once the Pokémon return, players tend to their needs and desires.

A central mystery drives the narrative: where have all the trainers—the series’ heroes who capture and battle its monsters—disappeared to?

Critical reception

Reviewers have praised Pokopia for its cozy gameplay and inventive premise, awarding it some of the highest scores of 2026.

• “An excellent life simulation game that takes the best bits from the champions of the genre.” – Jordan Middler, Video Games Chronicle (five‑star review)
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• “One of the best Pokémon spin‑offs ever.” – Lottie Lynn, Eurogamer (four‑star review)
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• “I love this little weirdo!” – Rebekah Valentine, IGN (nine out of 10)
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• “Good enough job of mixing its various inspirations without surpassing any of them.” – Stacy Henley, TheGamer (three‑star review)
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Pokopia currently holds an overall rating of 88/100 on Metacritic, making it the best‑reviewed title of 2026 so far, alongside the horror game Resident Evil and indie title Mewgenics.
Metacritic page

Pokémon’s 30th anniversary

The launch of a limited‑edition Pikachu plush generated huge queues at Pokémon Centre stores in Japan, highlighting ongoing fan frustration with scalpers targeting such events. An online release of the black‑and‑white soft toy—modeled on the original Game Boy version of Pikachu—has since been announced. Upcoming releases of new Pokémon trading cards are also expected to be highly sought‑after and difficult to obtain.

Previously, the head of the brand told the BBC it “couldn’t do much” to control the resale market.