Pokemon fans floored by Nintendo Direct announcement they've 'waited years' for

Pokémon is one of the biggest franchises in gaming. Not only does the main series of video games boast over 30 titles, but there are over 120 games across the entire franchise, and more than 489 million copies have been sold worldwide. The franchise also has a popular trading card game, anime series, and a successful mobile game, Pokémon Go, that has over 1 billion downloads.

In 2026, the Pokémonfranchise is set to expand its remit even further. During the latest Nintendo Direct earlier this week, it was announced that a brand-new Pokémon game would be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 console next year, and it's nothing like any title in the franchise you might have played before.

The game is titled Pokopia, and it's Pokémon's first-ever life simulation game. In it, you play as a Ditto that has transformed to look like a human. You can collect wood, rocks, and other crafting materials to make a cosy home and decorate your own little island and build a Pokémon paradise.

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Other Pokémon will join your island over time and will help you with tasks like watering crops and shaping the landscape to suit your needs as you continue to explore and play.

Following Nintendo's announcement this week, fans of the franchise have been left floored, with many saying they've been "waiting years" for a game that perfectly blends the world of Pokémon with life simulation games such as Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley.

In a TikTok video from a woman named Abbey, she said: "Having a slice of life Pokémon game was definitely not on my 2025 bingo card, but I am so glad we are getting this. It looks really cute and the art style is adorable.

"This is the most excited I've been about a game trailer in such a long time, but this game is honestly a dream come true."

Abbey asked commenters if they'd be picking the game up when it releases next year, and many said the same thing - that they can't wait to get their hands on the title.

One person said: "I've been waiting for a game like this for years. Very excited."

Another added: "It kinda sounds like Pokémon and Animal Crossing had a kid, and I'm here for it."

A third excitedly wrote: "This is actually all I ever wanted from Pokémon. I have been looking for a fangame like this, but an official one is a different story."

However, not everyone was happy with the announcement. The game will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 console, which came out earlier this year, meaning anyone who still has the old Switch console won't be able to play it.

Someone lamented: "Can't afford a new console. Gutted it's not for the original Switch."

Another person shared: "I need it, but it's only on Switch 2 and I'm not buying a console for 1-2 games."

Pokémon Pokopia releases for the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.