Pokemon Pokopia DLC: Free Update and Expansion Pass in Switch 2
During the Nintendo Direct on June 9, 2026, the team behind Pokemon Pokopia de Switch 2 confirmed that the game keeps growing with new content. There are two routes coming: a free update that everyone receives and a paid Expansion Pass split into three parts. Both of them take the cozy builder under the sea.
Free Update: Dive Into the Ocean Floor
The free update lands on August 26, 2026 and adds the long-awaited diving feature. For the first time you can explore the ocean floor and travel underwater, a mechanic in the same spirit as the upcoming Pokemon Winds and Waves titles.
- Brand new underwater region to explore on foot and by swimming.
- New Pokemon you can meet and recruit for your island.
- Underwater travel so you can move freely across the seabed.
Best of all: this update costs nothing. If you already own Pokemon Pokopia de Switch 2, it will be waiting for you on launch day.
Expansion Pass: Paid DLC in Three Parts
Alongside the free content, Nintendo announced a paid Expansion Pass that will roll out in three chapters. The first one arrives this August, right next to the diving update, while the other two still have their dates to be confirmed.
Part 1: Bubbly Basin
The opening chapter takes you to Bubbly Basin, an underwater town where you will discover even more new Pokemon. It launches in August 2026, together with the free diving mechanics.
Confirmed Pokemon in Bubbly Basin
Nintendo has already revealed some of the Pokemon waiting for you to meet and recruit once you reach Bubbly Basin:
- Popplio
- Mudkip
- Corphish
- Manaphy
| Content | Type | Release |
|---|---|---|
| Diving update (ocean floor) | Free | August 26, 2026 |
| Part 1: Bubbly Basin | Expansion Pass | August 2026 |
| Part 2 | Expansion Pass | To be announced |
| Part 3 | Expansion Pass | To be announced |
What This Means for Your Island
The free update is enough to enjoy the new underwater exploration and meet fresh Pokemon without spending a single coin. The Expansion Pass is aimed at players who want the extra locations like Bubbly Basin and the additional Pokemon tied to each paid chapter.
Either way, your current save carries over, so you can keep building your island and dive into the ocean the moment the content goes live in Pokemon Pokopia de Switch 2.