Nintendo has announced that attendees of the 2026 Pokémon Europe International Championships (EUIC) in London will have the opportunity to play Pokémon Pokopia earlier than expected. The event will run from February 13 to February 15, giving fans a chance to experience the game nearly three weeks before its official release on March 5, 2026.
A New Life-Simulation Pokémon Experience
Originally revealed during the September 2025 Nintendo Direct, Pokémon Pokopia introduces a life-simulation gameplay style similar to popular titles like Animal Crossing and Harvest Moon. Players will take on the role of a Ditto that has transformed into a human. Their main goal is to develop and customize an island, turning it into a welcoming and thriving home for local Pokémon.
Throughout the game, players will gain special abilities inspired by the Pokémon they encounter. For example, Squirtle’s Water Gun and Bulbasaur’s Leafage can be used to help improve the island’s environment and expand gameplay possibilities.
Playable Demo Confirmed for EUIC 2026
Ahead of the event, Nintendo confirmed that the 2026 Pokémon EUIC will feature one of the first public playable demos of Pokémon Pokopia. While Nintendo has not revealed specific details about the demo’s content or length, it will provide fans with an early hands-on look at the upcoming title.
In addition to Pokémon Pokopia, the event will also feature a playable demo of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the show floor.
New Gameplay Features and Pokémon Forms Revealed
The most recent detailed look at Pokémon Pokopia came during a gameplay deep-dive presentation in November 2025. The presentation showcased the game’s Habitat-based gameplay loop, where players create unique environments designed to attract specific Pokémon species.
New transformation abilities for Ditto were also revealed, including the ability to become Lapras for ocean travel and Dragonite for aerial exploration. The showcase also teased expanded customization options for both players and their island, along with features such as Photo Mode, four-player cooperative gameplay, and Nintendo Switch 2 GameShare support.
The presentation also introduced new forms for three fan-favorite Pokémon: Peakychu (Pikachu), Mosslax (Snorlax), and Smearguru (Smeargle).
More Activities and Rewards at the EUIC Event
Visitors attending the London-based championship will also be able to watch and participate in competitive matches across multiple Pokémon titles, including Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon Unite.
New players interested in the Pokémon Trading Card Game can visit the Play Lab area, where they can learn the basic rules through guided demos and receive promotional rewards.
The event will also feature a Pokémon Center pop-up store offering exclusive merchandise, including a special Pikachu plush holding a display case.
Fans Can Still Join Through Livestreams
Although tickets for the 2026 Pokémon Europe International Championships have already sold out, fans can still watch the event through official YouTube and Twitch livestreams.
Viewers who tune in will have opportunities to earn in-game rewards across several Pokémon titles. For instance, watching the official EUIC Twitch stream for 60 minutes will reward players with four Mega Evolution – Ascended Heroes booster packs in Pokémon TCG Live. Additionally, passwords revealed during the broadcast will unlock rare illustration cards and grant Pokémon Scarlet & Violet players a special Hisuian Typhlosion inspired by competitive player Yuma Kinugawa, who reached the top of the Masters Division at the 2026 Latin America International Championships.
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