It may only be a spin-off, but Pokémon Pokopia has introduced new forms for Pikachu and Snorlax for the first time ever

Nintendo has released a new trailer for its cosy Pokémon spin-off Pokopia, revealing new forms for series icons Pikachu and Snorlax.

Shown at the very end, Pikachu appears to be in ghost form, while Snorlax is made of stone with a flower on its head. Beyond outfits and Gigantamax variants, this is the first time either of these two Pokémon has had a new form.

Nintendo has confirmed these are Peakychu, a “pale Pikachu with drooping ears whose fur is a mysterious colour”, and Mosslax, covered in moss of course. There’s also a new Smeargle called Smearguru, who uses its tail as a brush.

Elsewhere, the trailer goes into detail on Pokopia’s life-sim gameplay that bears resemblance to both Animal Crossing and Minecraft.

You’ll play as a Ditto who transforms into the image of a young girl, though the trailer later confirms you’ll be able to customise the character to your liking.

Ditto is introduced to Professor Tangrowth, who appears as a sort of mentor figure. The professor explains the island used to be home to many humans, but now it’s deserted. It’s Ditto’s job to regenerate the island, using the power of Pokémon of course.

Firstly you’ll need to create habitats to attract Pokémon to the island. That might be as simple as planting tall grass to attract the likes of Charmander, Timburr, or Eevee, while a punching bag will attract Hitmonchan, and a fishing rod will attract a Magikarp.

Ditto can then learn signature moves from Pokémon to further spruce up the island. Yes, you can learn Squirtles Water Gun move to vom up a load of water from Ditto’s mouth to help plants grow. Other moves include Scyther’s Cut and Bulbasaur’s Vine Whip.

Certain Pokémon will also have special moves allowing Ditto to transform. Lapras, for instance, will allow Ditto to swim to new islands, or with Dragonite you can fly.

Ditto can then craft items at a workbench using materials found on the island, like logs and straw beds to make Pokémon more comfortable. And yes, Ditto appears to vomit these items up too.

Appeasing Pokémon requests provides mini quests too, and Ditto can also use the power of Pokémon to help out around the island – Pichu’s electric abilities can light up lamps, for instance.

What’s more, Pokopia can be played with up to four players co-operatively, and uses Game Share to share with friends without the game across either Switch or Switch 2.

Pokémon Pokopia will be out on 5th March, as revealed earlier this week. However, it will also be a Game-Key Card, Nintendo’s controversial physical media.