Entertainment news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Pokémon Pokopia’s first DLC comes to Switch 2 on August 5
Nintendo has confirmed that the first paid DLC for Pokémon Pokopia, the popular Switch 2 exclusive, will launch on 5 August. Called Bubbly Basin, the expansion adds a new underwater area resembling the ruins of Cerulean City, accessible via a new Dive move that lets players explore submerged parts of the game world. The move itself will be available free to all players, though the wider expansion is a paid addition, extending the appeal of a title that has already become a system seller since its March release.
Bubbly Basin introduces buoyant blocks enabling three-dimensional underwater builds, new decorative and furniture items suited to seafloor life, a hidden area teased as "a deep, dark hole," a new watermelon crop, and an additional Dream Island. The DLC is only available as part of the £/$35 Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass, which also unlocks two further major DLC drops plus bonus recipes and 30 rare Pokémetal ingots, meaning the game plus expansion pass totals around $105. Pokémon Pokopia itself blends elements of Pokémon, Minecraft, Stardew Valley and Dragon Quest Builders, casting players as a Ditto rebuilding the world after a cataclysmic event.
In short
- Pokémon Pokopia's Bubbly Basin DLC launches 5 August on Switch 2
- Adds underwater area, Dive move (free) and new building mechanics
- Only bought via $35 Expansion Pass, taking total cost to ~$105
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Expansion Pass could offer good value for players who have already invested in Pokopia and want substantial new areas, building options and content over time. Making the Dive move free also lets every player access the core underwater exploration mechanic, while paid additions help fund further development.
The case against
Requiring a £/$35 pass to access Bubbly Basin may feel steep, particularly when players cannot buy this expansion on its own and the total cost with the game reaches around $105. Some may also question paying upfront for two future drops whose contents are not yet specified, especially when the Dive move itself is free.
Explained simply
Pokémon Pokopia is an exclusive title for Nintendo Switch 2 that combines mechanics from Pokémon, Minecraft, Stardew Valley and Dragon Quest Builders into a single game. In the game, players assume the role of a Ditto and rebuild the world after a catastrophic event, blending exploration, building and farming gameplay. Since launching in March, it has become exceptionally popular and driven strong sales of the Switch 2 console.
Nintendo will release major new additions to the game as paid expansions rather than for free. The expansion pass, costing £/$35, provides access to multiple expansions alongside bonus items and recipes. Players seeking the full experience will need to spend considerably more than the cost of the base game alone.
The company's decision to offer paid expansions reflects the game's exceptional commercial success and perceived long-term appeal. By releasing new material gradually over time rather than all at once, Nintendo can sustain player interest and continue driving Switch 2 sales. This strategy has become common among major publishers with hit titles.