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What Switch 1 players can—and can’t—do
Pokémon Pokopia released for Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5, 2026, according to Nintendo’s US product page. Nintendo’s GameShare instructions allow a Switch 1 to join as a guest, but they describe shared play in Palette Town—not running the game independently on Switch 1 or sharing the full single-player campaign.
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GameShare supports up to two players. The Switch 2 owner starts the session, and the guest’s access ends when that session closes. Nintendo also cautions that the guest may have limited interactions, even though they can use moves available to the host.
How to GameShare Pokopia locally
Nearby GameShare uses local wireless, with one game and multiple consoles. The Switch 2 host and Switch 1 guest follow different steps.
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- 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
On the Nintendo Switch 2 host
- Start Pokémon Pokopia and reach Palette Town.
- At the Pokémon Center PC, open Link Play, choose Invite Others to Visit, then select GameShare.
- Choose With nearby players and wait for the guest to join.
- Select Start. You can build and play together in Palette Town.
Nintendo describes Palette Town as west of the Pokémon Center in Withered Wasteland, across the water. To end the session, use the Pokédex/session controls or return to Link Play at the PC.
On the Nintendo Switch 1 guest
- From the HOME Menu, select the GameShare icon.
- Choose Join GameShare, then A Local User.
- Select the host user, choose the available session, and select Join GameShare.
- Wait for the host to start the session.
Unlocking Palette Town
If the host has not reached Palette Town, progress in the game first. Complete a habitat that attracts Hitmonchan, then complete Hitmonchan’s request to learn Rock Smash. Nintendo recommends learning more moves before traveling to Palette Town. Nintendo’s multiplayer information also says Link Play becomes available after approximately 30 minutes of play; that is an access note from Nintendo, not a guaranteed timer for every player or session.
Rank #2
- The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
- 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
- Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
- Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***
Can you use GameShare online?
Yes. Nintendo also supports GameShare through GameChat, which connects players online and is limited to two players, like nearby GameShare. All participants must first enter a GameChat session. Nintendo lists a Switch 2 and GameChat for each participant, as well as internet access, a Nintendo Account, and Nintendo Switch Online requirements for online features.
Nintendo notes that GameChat may be available without a membership during an open-access period; access and terms vary by region and can change. Check Nintendo’s current GameChat information for the terms that apply where you play. If the other player is nearby, local wireless avoids the online-service requirements.
Rank #3
- 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
- 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
- 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
- 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
- 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.
GameShare is different from Pokopia’s other multiplayer
GameShare is the one-copy option: the Switch 2 owner hosts and one guest joins in Palette Town. It is not the same as regular multiplayer, where players use their own games and systems to visit a town or play on a Cloud Island.
Nintendo says regular multiplayer supports modes of up to four players. Town visitors normally enter Spectator Mode, with limited moves and options. In Palette Town, Spectator Mode can be turned off so friends can build, craft, discover Pokémon, and make habitats together. Regular online multiplayer requires a Nintendo Account and Nintendo Switch Online; it is a separate setup from GameShare. See Nintendo’s Pokémon Pokopia information for its multiplayer details.
Quick Recap
Which setup should you choose?
- One Switch 2 copy and a nearby Switch 1: use local GameShare to play together in Palette Town.
- One Switch 2 copy and a friend online: use GameShare through GameChat, subject to the current regional and online requirements.
- More than two players or a different multiplayer mode: use regular multiplayer, where participants need their own games and systems and the mode supports up to four.
- Playing Pokopia independently: use a Nintendo Switch 2 with the game; Switch 1 GameShare is guest access, not an independent edition.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
