What was the first physical release format used for Pokémon Pokopia?

The physical version of Pokémon Pokopia was released on a Game-Key Card. This format stores a key that allows the Nintendo Switch 2 to download the game data rather than containing the complete game on the card itself.

Pokémon Pokopia was notable because it was the first Pokémon game released in this physical format. It was also identified as the first Nintendo-published game to use a Game-Key Card, making the release important beyond the Pokémon series.

The digital edition was available separately through the Nintendo eShop. Physical pre-orders for the Game-Key Card version began worldwide on November 13, 2025, one day after digital pre-orders opened.

A Game-Key Card should not be confused with a standard cartridge containing the full software. Both can be associated with a physical retail package, but the card’s purpose is to authorize downloading the required game data.