Pokémon Pokopia features multiple ways to play with friends, from town visits and Palette Town co-op to Cloud Islands and GameShare.
Yes, Pokemon Pokopia supports online and local wireless multiplayer. Normal Link Play sessions support up to 4 players, while GameShare is a one-copy Palette Town option for 2 players total. Online features require Nintendo Switch Online.
Start here if you only need to know whether your session needs Nintendo Switch Online, extra game copies, or GameShare.
| Mode | Players | Game copy | Online requirement | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Link Play | 2-4 | Each player needs the game | Nintendo Switch Online required | Friend visits, shared building, and Link Code sessions |
| Local wireless | 2-4 | Each player needs the game | No Nintendo Switch Online | Nearby town visits on separate systems |
| Cloud Island | 2-4 | Each player needs the game | Nintendo Switch Online required | A shared online island address that can stay available |
| GameShare | 2 | Host owns the game | Nearby: no NSO; online uses GameChat | Letting one guest try Palette Town without owning Pokopia |
Unlock Link Play
Play until the Pokémon Center PC and Link Play are available. Some multiplayer options require additional progress.
Use the Pokémon Center PC
Open Link Play from the PC, then choose whether to invite others or visit a friend.
Choose local or online
Online play requires Nintendo Switch Online. Local wireless works with nearby systems.
Share the session details
Use a Link Code for visits, or share a Cloud Island address when playing on a Cloud Island.
Pokopia supports both online and local wireless multiplayer. Online play requires Nintendo Switch Online; local wireless play uses nearby systems and games. GameShare is a separate one-copy option for 2 players total in Palette Town.
Visitors can explore towns, interact with Pokemon and habitats, collect Pokedex info, and help build in Palette Town or Cloud Islands when Spectator Mode is off. Visitors cannot take items or Pokemon back from another town.
Regular local wireless, online Link Play, and Cloud Island sessions support up to 4 players. GameShare sessions support 2 players total: the host with the game and one guest.
Use the PC at a Pokemon Center, open Link Play, then choose Invite Others to Visit or Visit a Friend. Online sessions use a Link Code; local wireless can use a Link Code or nearby discovery.
Nintendo Switch Online is required for online features, including online Link Play, Cloud Islands, and GameShare via GameChat. Local wireless play and nearby GameShare do not use online play, but they still require separate systems.
