In a rather unique take on the Pokémon license, Nintendo announced the spinoff title “Pokémon Pokopia” for Nintendo Switch 2 that practically looks like an Animal Crossing version of the critter collector. Players assume the role of a Ditto that has copied the appearance of a human and takes to fulfilling the desires of various Pokémon on a deserted island. It’s certainly goofy enough to work, but it might also satiate players waiting for Animal Crossing’s return.

Pokopia isn’t strictly a life sim or even cozy farm sim (qualities that Animal Crossing has), but it does combine those elements. The trailer showcased a lot of building, item placement, and mini objectives from various Pokémon. There is, presumably, a campaign of sorts, though it’s still too early to really understand the extent of everything. At the very least, I appreciate that Game Freak is finally being allowed to create Pokémon games that fall outside of the mold of the main series.