From Ditto-crafting in Pokémon Pokopia to Bellabel Park battles—Nintendo is taking over Boston!
Howdy, everyone! It’s Lilly Hyrule, and I have some major news that has me ready to hop on a plane to Boston! ✈️
Nintendo just dropped the details for PAX East 2026 (March 26–29), and they are bringing the big guns. We aren’t just getting news; we’re getting hands-on gameplay for the Nintendo Switch 2! Here is everything you need to know if you’re attending (or just watching from home like me!):
Mario Wonder Gets a Switch 2 Glow-Up
First up at booth 18019, we have Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park.
- What’s New: They’ve added a brand-new area called Bellabel Park with three plazas full of attractions.
- The Experience: You can try out new co-op and competitive challenges that take full advantage of the Switch 2’s enhanced power. It launches right on the first day of the expo, March 26!
Pokémon Pokopia: The Cozy Game We Needed
Over at booth 18031, Nintendo is showing off Pokémon Pokopia, a Switch 2 exclusive.
- The Twist: You actually play as a Ditto transformed into a human! 🤯
- The Goal: You’ll be using transformation skills and new crafting abilities to restore a withered world. It sounds like the ultimate cozy Pokémon experience, and I am obsessed with the concept of a Ditto protagonist!
Pokémon Champions: For the Battlers
Also at the Pokémon booth is Pokémon Champions for the original Nintendo Switch.
- This is a pure battle-focused game. Think Ranked and Casual online battles using the mechanics we love (Abilities, Types, etc.).
- The Best Part: It’s compatible with Pokémon HOME, so you can bring your partners from past games and Pokémon GO!
Freebies for My Nintendo Members
If you’re heading to the North Lobby, make sure to check in with your My Nintendo account. They are giving away Platinum Points and a super cute Super Mario Bros. Wonder acrylic standee while supplies last. (I need that standee in my life!
Honestly, “starts playing Pokémon Pokopia now” is an understatement. I am so curious to see how the Switch 2 handles the crafting and world-restoration in Pokopia. It feels like a fresh direction for the franchise!
Are you going to PAX East this year? Which game are you most excited to see in action—the new Mario plazas or the Ditto-led Pokémon adventure? Let me know in the comments!