What physical game format was used for Pokémon Pokopia?

The physical version of Pokémon Pokopia used a Game-Key Card.

Pokopia was released for Nintendo Switch 2, and its physical edition came on a Game-Key Card rather than a conventional game card containing the full software. A Game-Key Card is used with a compatible Nintendo system to provide access to the game, with the software associated with the card format.

This release detail is historically notable within the Pokémon series. Pokémon Pokopia was the first Pokémon game released on a Game-Key Card for its physical version. The article also identifies it as the first game published by Nintendo to use that format.

Players may confuse the physical edition with the digital version, which was available for pre-order on the Nintendo eShop from November 12, 2025. The physical Game-Key Card version opened for worldwide pre-orders one day later, on November 13, 2025.