Pokopia Breaks Metacritic Records
Pokopia is now officially the highest-rated Pokémon game on Metacritic. Meanwhile, massive contests are running for Pokopia Day — @NintendHOME's giveaway hit 1,298 likes and 72k views, with the draw on March 12.
With a Metacritic score of 89, *Pokopia* has surpassed the long-held franchise record of 87. This previous score was shared by several critically acclaimed titles, including *Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver*, *Pokémon Black/White*, and *Pokémon X/Y*. The game is a significant departure from the series' traditional "defeat gym leaders" formula, instead offering a cozy life-simulation experience. Critics have described it as a polished blend of genres, combining the creative freedom of *Minecraft* with the charming town-building of *Animal Crossing*. Development was a collaboration between Game Freak and Koei Tecmo's Omega Force. Omega Force was specifically brought on for their experience with the sandbox genre, having previously developed *Dragon Quest Builders 2*. The initial concept for the spin-off came from *Pokémon Scarlet and Violet* director Shigeru Ohmori. *Pokopia* was released worldwide on March 5, 2026, as an exclusive title for the Nintendo Switch 2. In the game, players control a Ditto that has transformed into a human, tasked with cultivating a desolate world to attract and befriend various Pokémon. The game features a roster of 300 Pokémon selected from the first nine generations. It also includes a real-time day and night cycle, which affects the appearance of different Pokémon and other in-game elements. The first in-game event, titled “More Spores for Hoppip,” is scheduled to run from March 9 to March 24, 2026. During this event, players can befriend Hoppip, Skiploom, and Jumpluff and collect special materials to craft exclusive picnic-themed furniture. Players who purchase and play the game early can also receive a special in-game Ditto rug. This bonus is available via the Mystery Gift feature until January 31, 2027.
