What type of game engine powers Pokémon Pokopia?

Pokémon Pokopia uses the Katana Engine.

The Katana Engine is listed in the game’s technical credits as its engine. A game engine is the underlying software framework that supports systems such as rendering, world interaction, physics, animation, and other technical functions. In Pokopia, those systems help support editable environments, crafting, habitat creation, and interactions with Pokémon.

The engine name is easy to overlook because players usually encounter the game through its genre, platform, or developers. It is also distinct from the development studios: Game Freak and Omega Force made the game, while the Katana Engine is the technology listed for running it.

Pokopia’s engine should not be confused with engines used by other Nintendo or Pokémon titles. A game’s platform and engine are separate facts: Nintendo Switch 2 identifies the hardware, while Katana Engine identifies the underlying development technology.