Awarded gamesGames of the Year
Grand Award / Award for excellencePokémon Pokopia
General Description
| Title | Pokémon Pokopia |
|---|---|
| Release | 2026/03/05 |
| Price | 8,980yen(tax included) |
| Platform | Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Distributor | The Pokémon Company |
| Publisher | The Pokémon Company |
| Developer | This title is planned and co-developed by The Pokémon Company, GAME FREAK inc., and KOEI TECMO GAMES. |
| URL | https://www.pocoapokemon.jp/ |
| Copyright | ©2026 Pokémon. ©1995–2026 Nintendo / Creatures Inc. / GAME FREAK inc. ©2026 KOEI TECMO GAMES Pokémon and Nintendo Switch are trademarks of Nintendo. This title is planned and co-developed by The Pokémon Company, GAME FREAK inc., and KOEI TECMO GAMES. Screenshots and game footage are from a product in development and not final. |
Grand Award / Award for excellence Reason
This is the franchise's first slow-life sandbox game.
This game shows a new way to enjoy the franchise through a slow-life and sandbox experience, moving away from core Pokémon game systems like trainer perspectives and battles. It is completely up to the player whether to use the moves of the Pokémon the player meets to develop the town, grow vegetables to cook, or simply play with his/her Pokémon.
Set in a world synchronized with real-world time, this game offers a carefree, slow-life experience where players can enjoy interacting with various Pokémon. It received overwhelming support from both Pokémon fans and the wider gaming community—with many calling it 'soothing' and 'addictive'—leading to its well-deserved Grand Prize win.
By the way, in general votes, it won votes from 5 to 79 years old.
Work Introduction
This is the first slow-life sandbox game in the Pokémon series, jointly planned and developed by the Pokémon Company, Game Freak, Inc. and Koei Tecmo Games Co., Ltd. Ditto, known in Japan as Metamon, is a main character of this game and has transformed into a human, working together with other Pokémon to enrich town from scratch. You can create a wonderful town of your own by creating tools from wood and stone, collecting and sharing nuts and berries with your Pokémon at your own relaxed pace.
On August 5, 2026, we started the delivery of Bubbly Basin, the first delivery of Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass. You can go to “Bubbly Basin” in the water by using a new skill “diving,” which you can learn through a free update to dive into the water.
Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass, released worldwide on March 5, 2026, has globally sold 5 million copies in about 4 months and is enjoyed all over the world.
Comment of the game producer
We started the development of Pokémon Pokopia, hoping to create a game that brings out the best in each and every Pokémon with a different approach from a different angle, distinct from the traditional RPG genre or battles seen in previous Pokémon games.
We are highly honored and happy that not only many players enjoy building a slow-life town and leading a slow life with Pokémon but also we receive such a wonderful award.
Every player can enjoy this game in his/her own way. We will keep on offering seasonal events and bringing new encounters with new plays, towns and new Pokémon through paid downloadable content.
No problem if you have never played before. This game is packed with fun for everyone, regardless of your age or Pokemon experience. Why not pick it up, meet your favorite Pokémon, and enjoy a relaxing life together.
Takanori Sowa
Executive Corporate Officer, Producer, Senior Executive Officer, Head of Development Produce Division,
the Pokémon Company
Ohmori Shigeru
Development Director,
Game Freak, Inc.
Hisashi Koinuma
Chairman (Representative Director) & President (Representative Director),
KOEI TECMO WAVE CO., LTD.