Bubbly Basin & Expansion Pass Guide for Pokopia
Everything announced for Pokemon Pokopia's Bubbly Basin underwater expansion. Release date, the free Dive update, the Expansion Pass, and every new Pokemon revealed so far.
What Is the Bubbly Basin Expansion Pass?
Bubbly Basin is the first part of the Pokemon Pokopia Expansion Pass, an aquatic adventure that adds a brand-new underwater town to develop alongside your main paradise. The Expansion Pass is paid DLC ($34.99) and is available to purchase on the Nintendo eShop now, but the Bubbly Basin content itself unlocks on its release date. It was revealed during the June 9, 2026 Nintendo Direct.
Release Date: August 26, 2026
Both the Bubbly Basin expansion and the free Version 2.0 update launch on August 26, 2026. Two things drop that day: a free update for every player, and the paid Expansion Pass content for owners. You don't need the Expansion Pass to get the new Dive ability — that part is free for everyone.
The Dive Ability (Free v2.0 Update)
Version 2.0 is a free update that introduces a new Dive ability for all players, no Expansion Pass required. Dive lets you and your Ditto travel beneath the surface and explore underwater areas for the first time. It's the traversal change that makes the new undersea content reachable across Pokopia.
New Pokemon in Bubbly Basin
Several water-dwelling Pokemon have been officially revealed for Bubbly Basin, including the Popplio line, the Mudkip line, and the Corphish line. The headline reveal is Manaphy — the Generation 4 Mythical Water-type — which appears to play a central role in the new underwater area. More Pokemon may be confirmed before launch. PokoTraqr's Pokedex will be updated with the new Bubbly Basin Pokemon, their habitats, and their comfort preferences once the expansion goes live.
Ocean-Floor Furniture & Ditto Outfits
Alongside the new town and Pokemon, Bubbly Basin adds ocean-floor-themed furniture to decorate with and new outfits for your Ditto. The new furniture and customisation items will be added to PokoTraqr's Item Database and customisation pages when the content releases on August 26.
The Three-Part Roadmap
The Expansion Pass rolls out in three parts. Part 1 is Bubbly Basin (August 2026). Part 2 arrives in late 2026 with additional features to help develop your paradise. Part 3 is planned for 2027 and adds another all-new town. Bubbly Basin is the start of a long content runway, not a one-off drop.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Pokopia Bubbly Basin expansion release?
Bubbly Basin and the free Version 2.0 update both launch on August 26, 2026.
How much is the Pokopia Expansion Pass?
The Pokemon Pokopia Expansion Pass costs $34.99 on the Nintendo eShop. The Version 2.0 update that adds the Dive ability is free for all players and does not require the pass.
What new Pokemon are in Bubbly Basin?
Officially revealed so far: the Popplio line, the Mudkip line, the Corphish line, and the Mythical Pokemon Manaphy. More may be confirmed before the August 26 launch.
Is the Pokopia Dive update free?
Yes. The Dive ability arrives in the free Version 2.0 update on August 26, 2026 and is available to every player without buying the Expansion Pass.
What is Bubbly Basin in Pokopia?
Bubbly Basin is a new underwater town introduced in Part 1 of the Pokemon Pokopia Expansion Pass, where you develop an undersea settlement and encounter Pokemon that live beneath the sea.