The Pokémon Company announced this Tuesday (9) the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass, a paid expansion pass in three parts that expands the cozy life simulator launched in March for the Nintendo Switch 2. Part 1, called Bubbling Basin, arrives in August 2026 with a new underwater city.
Players who purchase the pass immediately receive bonuses like a recipe for Ditto printing pads and dynamic wallpaper, as well as 30 rare Pokémetal ingots via email to use in crafting. The main content will be released gradually, maintaining compatibility with the game’s current save.
Free update benefits all game owners
Alongside the paid DLC, a free Version 2.0 update arrives in August 2026 bringing the Diving movement to all players. Ditto will be able to explore underwater areas, decorate and build with more freedom. To unlock Diving, you must complete the mission “Level up the environment!” at Bleak Beach, in addition to mastering jumping and surfing.
This decision to offer a core mechanic for free expands access to the new layer of exploration, even for those who do not purchase the Expansion Pass.
What’s coming in Part 1: Bubbling Basin
In the aquatic adventure, players visit an underwater city inhabited by sea Pokémon. The update includes new ocean-themed furniture items, additional clothes for Ditto and extra Pokémon, such as Popplio and Mudkip, according to information cross-referenced with official announcements.
Part 2, scheduled for late 2026, focuses on new resources and crafting recipes. Part 3, in 2027, promises another brand new city and more exciting content.
How to redeem pass bonuses
After purchasing from Nintendo eShop:
- For Ditto items: open the menu with the + button, go to Downloadable Content, mark the items and select Receive.
- For 30 Pokémetal ingots: check your Nintendo Account email, use the code in the Mystery Gifts feature. The code must be redeemed by August 31, 2027 and the in-game reward by September 30, 2027.
Pokémon Pokopia, released on March 5, 2026, has already established itself as one of the best-rated titles of the year on Switch 2, combining construction, decoration and interaction with Pokémon in an open world to rebuild. The Expansion Pass arrives at a time when the game has completed around three months on the market, reinforcing post-launch support for a genre that usually receives extended additional content, similar to other life simulators.
