Just days after its release, the latest installment in the beloved Pokémon franchise, Pokémon Pokopia, is experiencing widespread stock shortages across France, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The game, which celebrated the franchise’s 30th anniversary last month, launched on March 5th exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, and demand has quickly outstripped supply.
Pokémon Pokopia distinguishes itself with a unique physical edition. Rather than a traditional game cartridge, the boxed version includes a “Game Key Card” which initiates a download of the title onto the console. While functionally similar to purchasing the digital version, many collectors are eager to acquire the physical edition for their collections, driving up demand. The game blends elements of popular titles like Minecraft, Animal Crossing, and Dragon Quest Builder, offering a “cozy game” experience focused on building a world for Pokémon, eschewing traditional capture and combat mechanics – a significant departure for the series.
The scarcity of Pokémon Pokopia is causing frustration among fans. One user on X (formerly Twitter) lamented, “I wanted to buy Pokopia in ‘box’, I went to Auchan, Carrefour, Leclerc… Sold out everywhere. Even Micromania, at 80 euros, sold out.” Another expressed regret at not skipping class to secure a copy. The situation is impacting retailers across the board.
Limited Availability Across Retailers
Currently, obtaining a physical copy of Pokémon Pokopia is proving extremely tricky. Fnac stores in the Île-de-France region have limited stock, with only the Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt and Saint-Lazare locations in Paris reportedly having a few remaining copies. Home delivery options are limited, with a minimum wait time of March 12th. Fnac has not provided further information regarding stock levels when contacted by Le Figaro.
Carrefour’s website lists Pokémon Pokopia as unavailable for both delivery and in-store pickup. Micromania also shows limited stock, available in only a handful of stores throughout France. CDiscount is similarly affected, with deliveries not expected until March 24th. Amazon, where the game was the number one best-seller the day after launch, is currently out of stock.
Global Shortages and Price Increases
The stock issues aren’t confined to France. In the United States, the physical version of Pokémon Pokopia is largely unavailable at major retailers, including Nintendo’s official store. Amazon is currently the primary source, but has increased the price to $79.99, a $10 increase from the initial retail price, according to reports.
The United Kingdom is facing similar challenges. Christopher Dring, creator of the video game newsletter The Game Business, reported that supply has been “gravely insufficient” at retailers, contributing to the rapid sell-outs. He noted that the number of Pokémon Pokopia copies available is roughly half the stock allocated for the launch of Pokémon Legends: Z-A in October 2025.
Nintendo’s Response and Future Availability
Speculation is mounting regarding whether Nintendo intentionally limited the physical stock of Pokémon Pokopia, anticipating a shift towards digital purchases. Still, when questioned by Le Figaro, the French branch of Nintendo declined to comment on the matter.
The high demand for Pokémon Pokopia highlights the enduring appeal of the Pokémon franchise and the growing popularity of “cozy games.” The game’s unique gameplay, focusing on world-building rather than traditional Pokémon battles, has resonated with players seeking a more relaxed and creative experience.
As of March 9, 2026, the availability of Pokémon Pokopia remains limited. It remains to be seen whether Nintendo will address the supply issues and restock retailers in the coming weeks. Players interested in acquiring a physical copy are advised to continue checking retailer websites and local stores for updates.
What impact will these initial stock shortages have on the long-term sales of Pokémon Pokopia? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
