Pokémon Pokopia has launched its first paid expansion, Bubbly Basin, introducing an underwater marine world, new Water-type species, and a free Ver. 2.0.0 update that brings the Dive ability to the Nintendo Switch 2 life simulation game.
The first major wave of the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass arrived on August 5, 2026, priced at $34.99 on the Nintendo Store, as reported by GameRant. Developed by Nintendo and released for the Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5, 2026, the base game has now crossed into its Version 2.0.0 milestone alongside the debut of its marine-themed subterranean settlement, according to Gosugamers.
Exploring Bubbly Basin and Underwater Mechanics
Bubbly Basin sets itself apart by taking players almost entirely beneath the water’s surface. In the base game, staying submerged for more than three seconds caused Ditto to drown and respawn on land, making aquatic building nearly impossible. The free Ver. 2.0.0 update introduces the Dive ability—learned through Manaphy—which lets Ditto blow an air bubble around its head to swim, travel, and construct buildings underwater just like on land, according to Nintendoeverything.
Players can hold the ZL button to maintain horizontal positioning while swimming. Expansion Pass owners can befriend Manaphy, while all players gain access to underwater exploration, crop fields for watermelons, and submerged railway tracks that link land and sea towns.
“The sheer size of this area is breathtaking, and it feels as though there are secrets to find around every corner and behind every pile of sand. Add to that the 50 additional Pokémon that are added to the Pokédex, and all the cosmetics and items, and it is truly a large addition to the game…There is so much to do, and so many Pokémon to find.”
ScreenRant, via Nintendolife
Review Scores and Critical Reception
Critics have largely praised the expansion for injecting fresh variety into the life simulation formula.
“The Pokopia Expansion Pass is off to a solid start with Bubbly Basin, with much-needed quality-of-life improvements, new Pokémon to find, and a refreshing new map to explore. If you’ve already completed the other towns (or even if you haven’t), Bubbly Basin offers something else to quench your thirst. In Bubbly Basin, life is the bubbles, take it from me.”
Nintendo Life, via Nintendolife
Not every reviewer found the progression entirely frictionless. A Polygon opinion piece pointed out that clearing overgrown, trash-filled plots of land for Popplio to build a temple can feel tedious when solo, noting that building projects demand significant material gathering while the accompanying Pokémon largely relax or play hide-and-seek, reported Polygon.
Quality-of-Life Upgrades and Free Content Updates
Alongside the paid DLC, the Version 2.0.0 update introduces several permanent quality-of-life improvements accessible to all players, according to Nintendoeverything. Users can now cancel Magnet Rise without confirmation prompts, let Graveler inhale and destroy overworld items like boulders, paint multiple items in one conversation with Smearguru, appraise multiple relics at once with Professor Tangrowth, and place twice as many power generators per world.
Upcoming Expansion Waves in 2026 and 2027
Bubbly Basin represents only the first of three scheduled waves for the Pokopia Expansion Pass. Part Two will launch later in 2026, shifting its focus toward player and Pokémon customisation through wearable accessories, new furniture, and additional Pokémon. Part Three is scheduled to follow in 2027 with another brand-new town, with existing save data carrying over seamlessly across all expansions, confirmed Gosugamers.
Before the wide digital release, Nintendo also offered convention attendees a chance to try a Bubbly Basin demo at its dedicated booth during PokémonXP—held alongside the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco, California, from August 28 to August 30, 2026, reported GameRant.