Pokémon Pokopia Bubbly Basin Expansion Gets Extended Gameplay Trailer And August 5 Release Date

Nintendo has just unveiled an extensive showcase for Pokémon Pokopia, detailing both the upcoming complimentary Dive update and the robust, paid Bubbly Basin expansion. Both additions are officially slated to launch on August 5.

As previously revealed, the free patch introduces the brand-new Dive ability, taught to Ditto by the newcomer Manaphy. This mechanic grants players the freedom to explore underwater indefinitely, opening up creative building possibilities beneath the waves alongside a variety of aquatic Pokémon companions. To unlock this content, players must first fulfill the “Raise the Environmental Level” objective in Bleak Beach and master the Jump and Surf maneuvers.

Releasing simultaneously, the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass—a three-part paid DLC bundle priced at $34.99—kicks off with Part 1: Bubbly Basin. This chapter transports players to a forgotten, submerged town nestled deep in the ocean. Upon arrival, you will team up with Popplio to craft bespoke habitats, coaxing new Pokémon out to revitalize the sunken settlement. Innovative buoyant materials enable the construction of floating architecture, which can be further customized with maritime-themed furnishings. When night falls, Chinchou steps in, harnessing its natural electricity to illuminate lights and other electronics. The deep, abyssal trenches of Bubbly Basin demand total reliance on luminescent coral for visibility, leaving the ultimate secrets of the ocean floor waiting to be uncovered.

The preview also offers a glimpse into the broader horizon of the Expansion Pass. Part 2 is scheduled to roll out later this year, bringing fresh character accessories and an entirely new settlement, while Part 3 will introduce a third town slated for a 2027 debut. Because these DLC chapters are bundled exclusively, players will need to purchase the comprehensive Expansion Pass to access them. Early adopters will receive the exclusive Dynamic Ditto crafting recipe—accessible via the main menu’s “Downloadable Content” tab—alongside 30 rare Pokémetal ingots. These ingots can be claimed either through a promotional code delivered to the registered Nintendo Account email or directly through the in-game Mystery Gifts feature. Code recipients have until August 31 to claim their email voucher and until September 30 to complete the redemption process.

Pokémon Pokopia is currently available on the Switch 2. Dive into our comprehensive thoughts by reading our official review here.