Pokemon Pokopia’s Price Could Make It a Tough Sell For Its Target Audience

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For a long time, Pokémon fans have wanted a relaxing, laid-back game set in the Pokémon world. Many were excited when Pokémon Pokopia was announced during the September 2025 Nintendo Direct. We’ve since seen longer gameplay videos showing what the game will be like. As the first Pokémon game designed specifically for the Switch 2, it’s scheduled to release on March 5th. Now that pre-orders are available, we know the price, and it’s a bit higher than expected.

As a Pokémon fan, I’ve noticed spin-off games always seem to be priced differently depending on how big they are. Some, like New Pokémon Snap, cost as much as the main series games like Scarlet & Violet. Others, like Detective Pikachu, are a little cheaper because they’re shorter. And then there are the free-to-play games on Switch and mobile, like Pokémon Friends or Café Remix. So, I wasn’t sure what to expect with Pokopia. But now that pre-orders are up at the Pokémon Center, we know it’ll be $69.99. Honestly, that price might turn some people off, especially who the game seems to be aimed at.

Pokemon Pokopia Will Match Pokemon Legends: Z-A In Price, But Will Cozy Gamers Buy In?

Priced at $69.99, Pokemon Pokopia costs the same as the Switch 2 version of Pokemon Legends: Z-A. This appears to be the new standard price for big Nintendo Switch 2 games. While Pokemon fans are generally willing to pay $60-$70 for a main series title, I question whether Pokemon Pokopia‘s new direction will appeal to players who enjoy more relaxing, ‘cozy’ games.

Pokopia is a brand new type of Pokémon game – a life simulation! It’s likely to appeal to two main groups: dedicated Pokémon fans who try every game, and players who enjoy cozy games like Animal Crossing and Minecraft, even if they aren’t familiar with Pokémon. However, the game’s focus on relaxing gameplay and its price might not be ideal for everyone.

Games like Stardew Valley have created a situation where players expect farming and life simulation games to be relatively inexpensive. Stardew Valley itself only costs $14.99, and many players who enjoy relaxing, cozy games aren’t willing to spend much more, even now. This has made it difficult for independent developers trying to create similar games. While a high price doesn’t always deter cozy gamers—Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a very successful game that costs $60 or $65—it’s still a risk. Building excitement can encourage fans to buy more expensive games, but it’s especially challenging for a new and unproven concept like the first Pokémon life simulation game.

Many Pokémon fans will likely still purchase the game, especially since there’s a lot of overlap between Pokémon lovers and those who enjoy life simulation games, like myself. However, I think a lower price might have attracted a wider audience beyond just Pokémon fans, reaching people who enjoy relaxing, cozy games in general. It’s hard to predict how well it will do since the release is months away, and the current price isn’t necessarily a negative thing.

The Price Point for Pokopia Could Be Good News for Its Scope

Despite several previews of Pokemon Pokopia, many players are still wondering how much there is to do in the game. Being the first Pokemon life simulation, its length is uncertain. It could be a shorter, story-focused experience like Tales of the Shire, or it could be a long-term, open-ended game similar to Animal Crossing, potentially offering hundreds of hours of gameplay. While the game appears to be aiming for the Animal Crossing style, we won’t know for sure until players get their hands on it.

While the $70 price tag for Pokopia seems high, it hints at a larger, more ambitious game. It likely offers a similar experience to the main Pokémon series, rather than a smaller, simpler spin-off title. That’s exciting for players hoping for a deep, immersive life simulation game. Though the cost is a bit of a concern, it makes me optimistic that Pokémon Pokopia will offer a lot more content than originally anticipated.

The new Pokémon game, Pokémon Pokopia, is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5th. You can pre-order it now at the Pokémon Center and receive a free Ditto plush. Nintendo is also offering pre-orders with an exclusive Ditto-themed rug for use in the game.

Thinking of pre-ordering Pokemon Pokopia? Or are you waiting for reviews before you decide? Share your thoughts in the ComicBook Forum below!

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2026-01-14 20:15