Yes—a Nintendo Switch 1 can join a local Pokémon Pokopia GameShare session, but it cannot host one. A player with a Nintendo Switch 2 and a copy of Pokopia starts the session; the Switch 1 joins as a guest in Palette Town. The guest does not install or own the game, and can play only while the host’s session is active.
What you need before you start
- A Nintendo Switch 2 with Pokémon Pokopia to host the session. Nintendo says a Switch 2 can share supported games locally with either a Switch 2 or a Switch console; a Switch 1 can only receive a local share from a Switch 2. Nintendo’s compatibility details.
- Access to Palette Town in Pokopia. To reach it, complete a habitat to attract Hitmonchan, then complete Hitmonchan’s request to learn Rock Smash. Nintendo recommends learning more moves before traveling there. Nintendo’s Palette Town instructions.
- Link Play unlocked at the Pokémon Center PC. Nintendo estimates about 30 minutes of play before it becomes available and requires Environment Level 2; the time is an estimate, not an exact unlock timer. Nintendo’s multiplayer instructions.
- The same Pokopia software version on both consoles. Nintendo’s update history lists version 2.0.1, released September 7, 2026, and says players need matching versions to play together. Nintendo’s update instructions.
Nintendo describes this mode as local wireless play using one game on multiple consoles, for up to two players. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is not identified as a requirement for this nearby-player procedure.
Start GameShare on the Switch 2 host
- Start Pokémon Pokopia and press A at the title screen.
- Travel to Palette Town.
- At the Pokémon Center PC, select Link Play. Read and acknowledge the information if prompted.
- Select Invite Others to Visit, then GameShare.
- Select With nearby players and wait for the Switch 1 guest to appear.
- When the guest appears, select Start. Press B to close the Link Play menus and begin playing together in Palette Town.
Join from the Switch 1
- On the HOME Menu, select the GameShare icon.
- Choose Join GameShare.
- Select A Local User, then choose the user profile to use.
- Let the console search for nearby sessions. Select the Switch 2 host’s session, then choose Join GameShare.
- Wait for the host to start the session.
What the Switch 1 guest can and cannot do
The shared session takes place in Palette Town; Nintendo’s instructions do not describe the Switch 1 guest following the host through other towns in the main story. The guest has access to the host’s moves, but Nintendo warns that some interactions may be limited without listing every restricted action.
GameShare is temporary access, not a game download or a permanent license: Nintendo’s terms say a recipient can play shared software only during the session in which it was shared. The Switch 1 therefore does not run Pokopia independently.
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#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Leave or end the session
- Guest: Press HOME on the Switch 1 and select Close.
- Host: End the session using the Pokédex session controls or the Pokémon Center PC’s Link Play menu.
Local GameShare is not GameChat sharing
For a nearby Switch 1 guest, use With nearby players and the local join steps above. Nintendo also documents sharing through GameChat, but that is a separate online route: Nintendo’s store terms require a Switch 2 and GameChat for each user using GameShare via GameChat, and Nintendo says internet access and Nintendo Switch Online are needed for online features. Those online requirements should not be confused with the local wireless Switch 1 procedure. Nintendo’s Pokopia product and service terms.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
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