When is Pokémon Pokopia arriving on Switch 2? Start dates, rewards, how to play and more

Pokémon has announced the launch date for Pokémon Pokopia on Nintendo Switch 2. The game has already been rated very highly and has garnered a Metascore of 88 on Metacritic, making it not only among the highest-rated games this year but also the highest-rated Pokémon game ever.

There will also be special limited-time in-game events in Pokémon Pokopia, the first of which is called “More Spores for Hoppip,” and will run from 9 March, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. to Tuesday, 24 March, 2026, at 12:59 p.m. (Pacific Time).

During the event period, users will be able to befriend Hoppip, the Cottonweed Pokémon. They will also be able to collect special cotton spores that can be exchanged for picnic-themed furniture items.

Pokémon says users will be able to befriend Skiploom and Jumpluff by using cotton spores to create habitats. The company notes that these Pokémon cannot be encountered outside of this limited-time event. However, players should be aware that this event will only be available in towns with a rebuilt Pokémon Center and will not be accessible on Cloud Islands.

Throughout the adventure, users will collect materials and craft items to create a cozy home for themselves while building a welcoming environment to attract various Pokémon friends.

The game was co-developed by Game Freak and Omega Force. It comes with support for four players in both local wireless and online multiplayer modes.

This early-purchase bonus can be claimed until 31 January, 2027, and is available for both the physical (game-key card) and digital versions of the game. Pokémon noted that it takes approximately 30 minutes of initial gameplay before the Mystery Gifts menu becomes accessible.