In 2026, Pokopia will offer us an adorable life sim that shows for every trainer battling it out, there are plenty of 'mon just chilling in the world. It's a charming concept for a game, and it's one I really hope inspires a Pokémon TCG mini set.
If you're unfamiliar with Pokopia, it's basically an Animal Crossing game, but with Pokémon. Instead of playing as a regular trainer, you're actually a Ditto imitating a human. The consequences of such a strange idea have damning effects on the Pokémon world at large, but this Ditto is darned adorable. It's less Skrull, less 'lizards taking over the government', and more of an intriguing take on playing a new character.
Before you say anything, I know - the last time there was a spin-off tie-in expansion, we got the awful Pokémon GO expansion. I know the risk of requesting this may have a similar effect on another small Pokémon set. I'm not a fool (well, I'm not one most of the time).
However, Pokopia isn't more of the same. With a fresh, cute style, it could be a refreshing expansion for the Pokémon TCG.
While the biggest chases in any expansion typically showcase a Pokémon's power, Journey Together proved that it can be really sweet to see cozy artwork make up the card list. I think Pokopia is the perfect opportunity to make adorable chases that emulate that childlike wonder that few franchises can deliver, especially on a multi-generational level.
Imagine a card that shows Squirtle using Water Gun to help some crops grow, or Charmander using his tail to light a fireplace on a frosty day. What about our Ditto-human hybrid partnering up with other cutesy, small Pokémon, working together to build that home and hearth in the first place? All of these capture the heart of the three-decade-old franchise, and capture my imagination about living in this world.
It's easy to get caught up in the intensity of a great Gym battle, the quest to become the Pokémon Master of each region. However, while there have been some sweet-looking chases in the past (Piplup #98 from Phantasmal Flames comes to mind), a mini-set full of them would be amazing. It would also be a really nice break from the Mega Evolution era, considering we'd be roughly four sets into it at that point.
I just feel that it would be a truly beautiful version of the Pokémon we love, translated into a much cozier-feeling set. Speaking of cozy, if you're hoping to chat with other trainers about your adventures, you should join our Wargamer Discord and talk about anything from your favorite 'mon to which set is the best.