Pokémon fans are set to be treated well in 2026, the 30th anniversary of the franchise, and Pokopia will make waves when it arrives, with a variety of multiplayer offerings.
Pokopia is set for release on March 5, putting players in control of a humanoid Ditto in a relaxing life-sim game where humans have mysteriously disappeared, leaving a world of Pokémon behind.
If you’re wondering about the multiplayer options for Pokopia, including whether split-screen is supported, Insider Gaming has all the details.
Does Pokémon Pokopia Have Multiplayer?
Yes, Pokopia supports co-op multiplayer in a variety of ways, including the ability to game share with players who don’t own the game themselves.
Pokopia’s sharing feature, which also enables those on the original Switch console to play, brings players who don’t own the game themselves into the fold. However, the host must be online, and a fresh connection is required every time you want to play Pokopia in this way.
Multiplayer options also allow for up to four players to play simultaneously across a selected island, akin to Animal Crossing, which can be conducted via local wireless or online multiplayer. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for the latter.
Additionally, there is also a Cloud Island, a co-op mode where players create a blank town from scratch together, separate from the game’s main story. The main difference is that the host does not need to be online for the island to be accessible, and there’s no limit to the number of players who can join the island, although only four can be online at a time.
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Does Pokémon Pokopia Have Split-Screen Multiplayer?
No, Pokopia does not support multiplayer across a single system, and additional Nintendo Switch consoles are required to play in the same household.
All local co-op is network-based, requiring connection to the same wireless network, or held via online connection, which requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
While this may be frustrating, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, as Pokémon Legends: Z-A and other Pokémon games largely don’t offer split-screen playing, with the exception being Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee.
What are you most excited to see introduced this year to Pokémon? Share your thoughts in the Insider Gaming Discord.
For more from Pokémon Pokopia, read about the Switch 2 exclusivity status, and check out our hands-on preview of the game.
