An upcoming PlayStation 5 game looks like it will definitely scratch the Pokemon itch for gamers on Sony’s latest home console. Pokemon is the most financially successful entertainment franchise of all time, thanks to the hugely popular video games, the long-running anime, the endless merch, the movies, and more. Pokemon‘s popularity continues to persist to this day, and the franchise shows no signs of slowing down.
Anyone that wants an official Pokemon experience will have to either play Pokemon GO on their mobile phones or shell out the cash for a Nintendo console. Main series Pokemon games are exclusive to Nintendo consoles and always will be, but there are plenty of Pokemon-like experiences on other consoles to help fill the void. One of the most promising new Pokemon-like experiences coming to PS5 is set to release in the very near future, and will offer open world co-op for fans to enjoy.
Aniimo Has Serious Pokemon Vibes
Aniimo is scheduled to release on Tuesday, September 15. Aniimo is a free-to-play experience where players explore an open world in search of Aniimo to add to their roster. Like Pokemon, different Aniimo spawn in different conditions and areas, and they can also evolve. The twist is that instead of simply sending Aniimo out to fight, players are able to “Twine” with their Aniimo, basically fusing with them, so they can then use their unique abilities for combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. It’s a unique take on the creature-collection genre and should make for a fascinating Pokemon-like experience on PS5.
Aniimo fully supports online co-op, but it also has competitive modes and can be played entirely solo if you wish. The fact that it’s free-to-play will likely elicit mixed reactions, however. Some will appreciate it because it means they can try the game out for themselves without paying a dime, but others are understandably skeptical of any free-to-play game and the monetization practices associated with them. Aniimo isn’t a gacha game, so that may earn it some points, but ultimately, we will have to wait to play it for ourselves to see how its monetization compares to other free-to-play titles.
Those interested in Aniimo should note that it’s not just coming to PS5. Aniimo will also be available on PC and Xbox Series X/S consoles when it launches on September 15, so there are a variety of ways to play. However, no Nintendo Switch 2 version of Aniimo has been announced, which is somewhat surprising considering the built-in fanbase of Pokemon fans on the platform.
Aniimo has drawn comparisons to another Pokemon-like game that isn’t on Switch 2 — Palworld. Palworld is an open world co-op survival/crafting game that has found itself the center of lawsuits due to its similarities to the Pokemon franchise. Regardless, Palworld has exploded in popularity, and it will be interesting to see if Aniimo is able to match its success. We will find out when the game launches on September 15 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
- Released
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September 16, 2026
- ESRB
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Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
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Pawprint Studio
- Publisher(s)
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Pawprint Studio
- Multiplayer
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Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
