Pokopia supports multiplayer, allowing you to explore the game with friends by visiting their world or inviting them into yours. Even better, it is possible to play Pokopia with someone using a Nintendo Switch 1.
However, there is an important limitation. Switch 1 players cannot run Pokopia directly. Instead, they must join a session hosted by a friend who owns the game on Nintendo Switch 2 using the GameShare app.
This guide explains:
- Whether Pokopia works on Nintendo Switch 1
- How GameShare multiplayer works
- How to host a GameShare session (Switch 2)
- How to join a GameShare session (Switch 1)
- The limitations of GameShare in Pokopia
Can You Play Pokopia on Nintendo Switch 1?
Yes and no.
You cannot play Pokopia directly on Switch 1, but you can join a multiplayer session hosted by a Switch 2 player using GameShare.
This means a friend who owns Pokopia on Nintendo Switch 2 must start and host the session. Once the session is active, Switch 1 players can connect locally using the GameShare app.
GameShare Limitations in Pokopia
Playing Pokopia through GameShare comes with several restrictions.
| Feature | Available on Switch 1 via GameShare |
|---|---|
| Visit Palette Town | ✅ Yes |
| Visit host's full world | ❌ No |
| Craft at the Workbench | ❌ No |
| Access the Pokémon Center PC | ❌ No |
| Use Pokédex or Habitat Dex | ❌ No |
| Customize your Ditto avatar | ❌ No |
| Keep collected items permanently | ❌ No |
What Happens to Items You Collect?
Any items collected during a GameShare session are not permanently kept. When the session ends, all collected items are automatically placed into the Lost and Found section of the PC.
Even with these limitations, GameShare still allows Switch 1 players to:
- Explore Palette Town
- Help friends terraform the environment
- Pick up and place objects
- Interact with Pokémon
If you want to hang out with friends and explore together, GameShare still offers a fun way to experience Pokopia.
How to Use GameShare to Play Pokopia
To start a GameShare session, one player must host on Nintendo Switch 2, while the other joins on Nintendo Switch 1.
The steps differ slightly depending on which console you are using.
How to Host a Pokopia GameShare Session (Switch 2)
If you own Pokopia on Nintendo Switch 2, you can host a GameShare session for your friend.
Follow these steps:
- Travel to the PC in Palette Town.
- Select Link Play.
- Choose Invite Others to Visit.
- From the dropdown menu, select GameShare.
Your console will now open a GameShare connection, waiting for another Switch to join.
Important Notes
- Switch 1 players must be nearby because GameShare works locally for them.
- Switch 2 players can connect online, but Switch 1 guests must be in the same room or building.
Once the session is open, your friend can connect from their Switch 1.
How to Join a Pokopia GameShare Session (Switch 1)
After the host starts the GameShare session, the Switch 1 player can join.
Follow these steps:
- Turn on your Nintendo Switch 1.
- Select the GameShare icon from the bottom menu bar.
- It appears as a teal rectangle with three wave lines.
- Select your Nintendo profile.
- Choose Join GameShare.
- Wait a few seconds for nearby sessions to appear.
- Select your friend's Pokopia session when it appears.
- Press A to join.
Once connected, your character will automatically be transported to your friend's world in Palette Town.
What You Can Do in GameShare Mode
While playing Pokopia through GameShare on Switch 1, you can still participate in several activities.
You can:
- Use Moves to terraform the environment
- Pick up and place objects
- Explore Palette Town
- Talk to Pokémon
- Help your friend modify the environment
However, some features remain unavailable.
Features Not Available to Switch 1 Guests
- Using the Workbench
- Accessing the PC
- Viewing the Pokédex
- Viewing the Habitat Dex
- Changing your character appearance
These limitations exist because the game is streamed from the host console rather than running locally.
Final Thoughts
Playing Pokopia on Nintendo Switch 1 through GameShare is limited, but it still provides a fun way to explore the game with friends.
As long as a Switch 2 player hosts the session, Switch 1 players can:
- Join locally
- Explore Palette Town
- Help terraform and interact with the world
If you want the full Pokopia experience, including crafting, customization, and full world access, you will need to play the game directly on Nintendo Switch 2.
Until then, GameShare is a great way to enjoy multiplayer Pokopia with friends.