The gaming community is abuzz as details about Pokémon Pokopia surface, stirring excitement and some controversy. Slated for a March 5, 2026 release, this latest Pokémon title will be available exclusively as a physical Game-Key Card, priced at $70. This revelation has left many Nintendo enthusiasts surprised and eager to learn more.
Game Details and Pricing
Following the official announcement of the game’s release date, store pages for the eagerly awaited Pokémon life simulation have revealed its price and unique format as a Game-Key card. In the U.S., Pokopia is up for pre-order at $69.99, while in Japan, it is priced at 8,980 yen. This positions Pokopia alongside top-tier titles like Mario Kart World, surpassing others such as Donkey Kong Bananza and Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Game-Key Card Mechanics
Nintendo’s Japanese website confirms Pokopia’s physical edition will be a Game-Key card. Although the U.S. pages do not explicitly state this, Nintendo released a YouTube video explaining how “Game-Key Cards on Nintendo Switch 2” operate, using Pokémon Pokopia as an example. The controversy arises because these cards do not contain the full game data, requiring users to download the game online after purchase. This necessitates an internet connection and download time, but unlike digital downloads, Game-Key Cards can be resold or shared, similar to traditional game cartridges.
Nintendo’s Strategy and Future Plans
This move has sparked debate as Nintendo had previously stated it wouldn’t use Game-Key Cards for its first-party titles. However, as the Pokémon franchise is not solely Nintendo-owned, it skirts this declaration. Notably, Nintendo is publishing Pokémon Pokopia, marking it as the first Nintendo-published game offered in this format, despite being developed by Koei Tecmo.
As anticipation grows, Nintendo has announced a new trailer for Pokémon Pokopia, set to premiere on Thursday, November 13, at 6am Pacific, 9am Eastern, or 2pm UK. Fans are eagerly awaiting what is expected to be over 10 minutes of gameplay footage, indicating Nintendo’s confidence in the game. This marks a pivotal moment for Pokémon Pokopia, as it ventures into new territory with the Game-Key Card format, sparking discussions and high expectations among fans.