Pokémon Pokopia is set to receive the first instalment of its three-part expansion pass, Bubbly Basin, this Wednesday, alongside a free update (v2.0.0) that adds new features and quality-of-life improvements. Japan's Famitsu magazine previewed the expansion during development and shared new details, including which Pokémon will be added and how underwater exploration will work, giving players a clearer picture of what to expect from the paid content and the accompanying free update.

Bubbly Basin will add Diglett, Golisopod, Stunfisk and Sharpedo to the Pokédex, with players able to build habitats and befriend them, though they cannot be registered without the expansion. Underwater exploration gets a boost via a craftable blender that upgrades the Surf move with extra speed and the ability to break blocks, while visual indicators have been added to reduce motion sickness while diving. Separately, the free v2.0.0 update launching 5 August introduces a shared storage container, placeable in multiple towns, offering 140 slots accessible from any location to cut down on backtracking.