Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass Brings Underwater Town in August 2026
Omega Force announces three-part DLC for Switch 2 simulation game, with free Dive update coming to all players.
Nintendo and Omega Force unveiled the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass, a three-part downloadable content series for the Switch 2 simulation title. The first chapter, Bubbly Basin, arrives in August 2026 and introduces an underwater town to explore.
Free Dive Update Arrives Alongside DLC
All players will receive a free Version 2.0 update in August, adding the 'Dive' move that enables underwater exploration. This functionality is not locked behind the Expansion Pass paywall—anyone owning the base game can access the diving mechanic once the update ships.
The Expansion Pass went on sale June 9, 2026, the same day the DLC was officially announced.
Three-Part Rollout Through 2027
Bubbly Basin represents only the first chapter of the Expansion Pass. Part 2 is scheduled for late 2026 and will add new features without introducing a new town area. The third and final chapter is planned for 2027 and will include another new town location.
This staggered release model mirrors content strategies seen in other Nintendo-published titles, spreading major updates across multiple calendar years rather than delivering all DLC at once.
Omega Force Continues Switch 2 Push
Pokémon Pokopia marks Omega Force's continued work on Nintendo's next-generation hardware. The studio, best known for the Dynasty Warriors franchise, has partnered with Game Freak on development, while Nintendo handles publishing duties.
The base game focuses on simulation and town-building mechanics rather than traditional Pokémon battle systems. The upcoming DLC expands on this foundation with underwater environments and additional customization options.
What Remains Unconfirmed
While promotional artwork has sparked speculation about Shiny Pokémon variants potentially appearing in the Expansion Pass, The Pokémon Company has not officially confirmed Shiny mechanics in Pokopia. Multiple sources indicate Shiny Pokémon are not currently verified in the base game.
Release date specifics also remain somewhat fluid. While August 2026 is the confirmed window for Bubbly Basin, the specific day has not been officially locked in. Some secondary sources citing insider leaks suggest August 5, 2026, while a US Nintendo Store listing showed October 31, 2026—though this appears to be a placeholder date contradicted by official Pokémon Company communications.
The Expansion Pass represents a significant monetization shift for the Pokémon franchise's simulation spinoffs, testing whether players will invest in multi-year DLC for a cozy building game rather than traditional RPG content.