The Pokémon Company, together with co-developers GAME FREAK and KOEI TECMO GAMES, has revealed new details about upcoming content for Pokémon Pokopia, the town-building game for Nintendo Switch 2. The announcement, delivered through an extended trailer titled "Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass | Extended Trailer," covers the first chapter of the game's three-part paid DLC as well as a free software update arriving the same day.

The first installment of the paid Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass, subtitled Bubbly Basin, launches Wednesday, August 5, 2026 — the same day as the free Version 2.0.0 software update. Players will be able to continue using their existing save data when the new content goes live.

The Expansion Pass will roll out in three separate waves. Part 1, Bubbly Basin, introduces a brand-new underwater town alongside additional Pokémon and furniture. Part 2, planned for later in 2026, will add accessories along with more Pokémon and furniture but will not include a new town. Part 3, slated for 2027, brings another new town along with further Pokémon and furniture additions. The full Expansion Pass, encompassing all three parts, is available for purchase now through the Nintendo eShop, the Nintendo Store, and the official Nintendo Store app.

To access Bubbly Basin, players must first install the free Version 2.0.0 update, complete a request called "Raise the environment level!" in an area called Bleak Beach, and learn a newly introduced move called Dive.

Bubbly Basin centers on an underwater town that players develop alongside Popplio and Ditto by completing requests from Pokémon they meet along the way. Several new mechanics are tied to the setting:

Watermelon farming: A new crop, watermelon, can be grown in underwater fields. Water-specialty Pokémon, such as Mudkip, must cover seedlings with bubbles so they can grow, while Pokémon with the Grow specialty can speed up the process as usual.

Buoyant blocks: These let players construct buildings that float at varying underwater depths, enabling three-dimensional town layouts unique to the underwater setting.

Bubble machines: Pokémon with the Generate specialty, such as Chinchou, can power underwater devices like streetlights and bubble machines.

New underwater-themed furniture will also be available, including the option to build a Sharpedo submarine that functions like a Secret Base. Beyond town-building, players can explore a dark underwater cave reachable through a hole in the sea floor, guided by glowing coral, and can unlock a Dream Island — accessible by obtaining a Starmie doll — where players can swim and play together in multiplayer. The update will also add new outfits, new Pokémon, an upgraded Surf move, and a new prepared food: smoothies.

Looking ahead to Part 2 of the Expansion Pass, the update will introduce accessories that let players and their Pokémon dress up together, along with additional furniture and Pokémon. Unlike Part 1, Part 2 will not add a new town.

Buyers of the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass receive two bonuses:

Dynamic Ditto print recipe — A craftable recipe for Ditto-print blocks and wallpaper, claimable immediately through the in-game Downloadable Content menu. This requires the Version 1.1.0 update and roughly 30 minutes of playtime to unlock workbench access.

30 rare Pokémetal ingots — Available via a serial code emailed to the purchaser's Nintendo Account after buying the Expansion Pass by August 31, 2027. The code can be redeemed through the in-game Mystery Gifts feature and is valid through September 30, 2027. It can only be used once per code, and redemption requires an internet connection and a linked Nintendo Account, though no paid Nintendo Switch Online membership is needed. These items can also be obtained through normal gameplay.

The free Version 2.0.0 update introduces Dive, a move that lets players move freely underwater. It is taught by Manaphy, who can be befriended during the Bubbly Basin DLC, once players complete the "Raise the environment level!" request and already know Surf and how to jump.

With Dive learned, players can build underwater relaxation spots and crop fields, and even lay railway tracks connecting land to underwater areas that can be traversed by handcar — opening up sustained underwater town development that wasn't previously possible.

A seasonal in-game event, "Fetching Scales for Feebas," runs from Thursday, August 13, at 5:00 a.m. (UTC+9) through Friday, August 28, at 4:59 a.m. (UTC+9). During the event, players collect prism scales, which can be exchanged for swimming-themed furniture used to build habitats that attract and befriend Feebas and Milotic.

To take part, players need the Version 2.0.0 update installed, must complete an in-game request to rebuild the Pokémon Center, and must have their Nintendo Switch 2 system's date and time set correctly while connected to the internet. The event will not trigger if the system clock falls outside the event window.