Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass Part 1 Launches August 5

Pokémon Pokopia's first Expansion Pass chapter launches on August 5 alongside a free update that adds diving and underwater building, giving players plenty of new reasons to return.

Some games fade away after launch. Others keep finding new ways to pull players back in. Pokémon Pokopia seems determined to be the latter, with Nintendo preparing to roll out its first major Expansion Pass update on August 5. The upcoming release combines a free content update with the first paid DLC, adding fresh gameplay features and a brand-new area to explore.

The reveal came through a short trailer on social media, but one detail left some fans scratching their heads. Was everything included in one package? Not exactly. Nintendo is releasing two separate updates at the same time—one free for everyone and another available through the Expansion Pass.

The free update focuses on expanding player interaction with the world; for the first time, gamers can explore below the surface, going underwater instead of staying on land. Construction is better than ever and is no longer limited to dry ground. There’s also the addition of underwater building, so if you’re a fan of making your own locations, there are additional creative opportunities.

Things get a little more ambitious with the premium Expansion Pass, which adds Bubbly Basin, a whole new village that’s the star of the first DLC chapter. Nintendo has only given a small teaser so far, so there’s a lot of intrigue regarding what the new locale will provide. Will it have special Pokémon, new activities, or hidden secrets to be discovered? They'll find out soon enough.

And that’s just the start of Pokopia’s post-launch roadmap.

The August update will be the first of a larger Expansion Pass, with additional DLC to come in the future. Nintendo doesn’t look like it is going to throw everything at players all at once, but instead is taking a more gradual approach to give gamers reasons to come back throughout the year.

That’s a smart play considering how well the game has been doing. Pokémon Pokopia has quietly become a surprising hit for 2026. It still seems to top the sales charts in Japan, suggesting that the interest hasn’t died down since it was released. Pokopia has managed to maintain its momentum in an industry where many games lose notice just weeks after release.

Could that success lead to even bigger plans? Nintendo’s latest financial reports are due out shortly, and many fans are anxious to see if the firm will talk up Pokopia’s performance. While there is no official confirmation, the game's strong sales and growing player base certainly make it a title worth watching.

For players, though, the focus is on what arrives next week. Free underwater exploration, underwater building, and the new Bubbly Basin expansion should give both returning fans and newcomers something fresh to experience. It's a solid update that adds more life to a game already enjoying an impressive run.

Pokémon Pokopia has already exceeded many expectations, and this first expansion suggests Nintendo isn't slowing down anytime soon. If this is only the first chapter, what else could be waiting beneath the surface in the next wave of DLC?