Pokémon Pokopia’s Bubbly Basin DLC and underwater-themed free update is coming as soon as next week

Pokémon Pokopia is receiving its first major paid DLC expansion, Bubbly Basin, confirmed to launch on August 5, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2. The underwater-themed area represents the first wave of content from the game’s newly announced Expansion Pass, priced at $34.99.

Alongside the DLC launch, all players will receive a free software update introducing the Dive ability, obtained from a Mythical Pokémon encounter with Manaphy. This ability allows players’ Ditto avatars to breathe underwater by summoning protective air bubbles, enabling extended exploration and building beneath the sea. Like surface areas, underwater zones support full construction gameplay, with players’ caught Pokémon swimming alongside them during exploration.

The Expansion Pass includes three planned content waves scheduled across 2026 and 2027. Beyond Bubbly Basin, the second wave (launching late 2026) will focus on new accessories, while a third wave in 2027 will introduce an additional town area. The release date was initially confirmed through a now-deleted Japanese video before receiving official confirmation through a comprehensive overview trailer from The Pokémon Company.

Pokémon Pokopia has proven commercially successful as a Switch 2 exclusive since its earlier 2026 release, developed by Koei Tecmo. The game’s combination of creature-collection gameplay with town-building mechanics has benefited from regular free updates alongside the newly announced paid expansion content strategy.

Pokémon Pokopia’s Bubbly Basin DLC and underwater-themed free update is coming as soon as next week

Sources