The Pokémon Company has released Part 1 of the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass, Bubbly Basin, for Nintendo Switch 2, introducing an underwater town, new Pokémon, and gameplay features alongside the free version 2.0.0 update
The Pokémon Company group has officially launched Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass-Part 1: Bubbly Basin, the first paid downloadable content for Pokémon Pokopia on Nintendo Switch 2. This initial expansion introduces a new underwater town, Bubbly Basin, expanding the game's world and offering players additional building, exploration and customisation options. The release coincides with the rollout of the free version 2.0.0 software update, which is available to all players regardless of DLC ownership.
Bubbly Basin Expansion Details
Bubbly Basin is designed as a submerged settlement where Pokémon live beneath the sea. Players can construct buildings at varying depths using buoyant blocks, with Pokémon possessing the Generate specialty able to power bubble machines and activate underwater streetlights. The expansion also introduces new crops, such as watermelons, which can be grown with the help of Water-type Pokémon. Additional features include new outfits, furniture, a wider selection of Pokémon, and a power-up for the move Surf. Players will also have the opportunity to build a Sharpedo submarine, enabling the creation of a room inspired by the Secret Base concept from earlier Pokémon titles.
Version 2.0.0 Update and Access Requirements
The version 2.0.0 update is a free download for all Pokémon Pokopia players and is required to access the Bubbly Basin DLC. This update introduces the Mythical Water-type Pokémon Manaphy, who teaches players the newly added move Dive. Dive is essential for underwater exploration and building within Bubbly Basin. To begin the expansion content, players must complete the "Raise the environment level!" request in Bleak Beach and acquire both the ability to jump and the move Surf. The update also enables the construction of underwater structures and allows players to swim alongside Water-type Pokémon.
Platform, Pricing and Progression
Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass-Part 1: Bubbly Basin is available exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. Access to the DLC requires ownership of the full game, which is sold separately. The expansion is the first of a planned three-part paid content series. Players must ensure their game is updated to version 2.0.0 before starting the new content. The expansion's progression is tied to in-game achievements, with specific requests and move unlocks gating access to Bubbly Basin's features. For those interested in other recent adventure releases, Parco Games and Lidlocks have announced a hand-drawn hide-and-seek title inspired by Japanese daily life, which is set to launch on Steam this August-details can be found in this coverage of Finding Polka's upcoming release.
Downloadable content (DLC) refers to additional game content released after the main game, often expanding the world, adding new features, or introducing fresh storylines. DLC can be free or paid, and typically requires the base game to access. In the case of Pokémon Pokopia, the Bubbly Basin expansion is paid content, while the version 2.0.0 update is free for all players. DLC is now a standard part of many major releases, allowing developers to extend a game's lifespan and offer new experiences without requiring a full sequel.
