Released in March 2026, Pokémon Pokopia is Pokémon's first slow-life sandbox game.
The release of Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass—paid DLC that allows players to enjoy the game even longer—alongside a free update was announced during the recently broadcast Nintendo Direct 6.9.2026
Having been granted early access to Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass, we bring you our early hands-on review!
Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass Early Hands-On Review!
The Nintendo Switch 2 title, Pokémon Pokopia, is Pokémon's first slow-life sandbox game.
Playing as Ditio transformed into human form, players create Habitats favored by Pokémon to meet new Pokémon, grant Pokémon requests to improve livability, and develop the town.
What You Can Do in the Free Update (ver. 2.0.0)
In the free update (ver. 2.0.0), players can encounter Manaphy at Bleak Beach and learn the move Dive.
By using Dive, players can explore underwater areas previously out of reach.
Players can bring any Pokémon capable of swimming from land into the water.
Underwater, players can also use moves like Leafage and Cut (excluding Glide).
Astonishingly, players can use Rototiller as well!
You can also grow existing seeds like beans and tomatoes underwater.
While enjoying the ocean via Dive, something swirling appears in sight.
This is a new element equivalent to Sparkling Ripples—Whirlpools—which randomly yield items or recipes when investigated.
In addition, as motion sickness prevention settings, players can now display a Cross or Dot at the center reticle, and Square or Brackets on the border frame.
While underwater adventure offers great freedom and fun, players prone to motion sickness may want to exercise caution.
Take moderate breaks and enjoy a wonderful Pokopia life!
Experiencing Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass Part 1: Bubbly Basin!
Bubbly Basin, featured in Part 1 of the paid DLC Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass, is an underwater town explored using the move Dive.
Guided by Popplio, Ditio is asked to make it a sparkling, shiny town that everyone wants to live in.
Building the Habitat Sandy Basin Tall Grass on the ocean floor...
Corphish appears!
You can encounter new aquatic Pokémon that haven't appeared previously.
On the seabed, using Floating Blocks makes it possible to build structures floating underwater.
The new building Sharpedo Submarine allows you to live together with Pokémon.
New items Sea Grapes and Watermelon also make their appearance.
Drinking a Smoothie made using the Blender item obtained in Bubbly Basin powers up the move Surf.
In addition to swimming faster underwater in Lapras form, you will be able to break blocks using the move Whirlpool.
Proceeding along the seabed reveals a pitch-black deep sea.
You can't see anything as it is, but...
Placing a Lantern illuminates the surroundings.
Since we confirmed requests asking to find lost items in this darkness, securing a good number of Lanterns before setting out on your adventure seems wise.
...And that's just a tiny glimpse of the early story we experienced today.
In the full release, new encounters with even more Pokémon await.
Part 1 of Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass, Bubbly Basin, launches Wednesday, August 5, 2026!
Part 2 is scheduled for Winter 2026, and Part 3 for 2027.
| Title Overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass |
| Release Date | Wednesday, June 10, 2026 |
| Distribution Schedule | Ditto All Over Pattern: Released Wednesday, June 10, 2026 Part 1 Bubbly Basin: Scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026 Part 2: Scheduled for Winter 2026 Part 3: Scheduled for 2027 |
| MSRP | 4,400 yen (tax included) |
| Genre | Slow Life Sandbox |
| Format | Add-on Content (Digital Download) |
| Supported Languages | Japanese, English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean (Language selection is available in-game even when playing on Japanese domestic Nintendo Switch 2 models.) (Spanish supported in this software refers to European Spanish.) |
| CERO | A |
| Planning & Development | The Pokémon Company, GAME FREAK inc., KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. |
| Publisher | The Pokémon Company |
New Pokémon Pokopia Merchandise Items Also Arrive!
In addition, new merchandise items for Pokémon Pokopia go on sale at Pokémon Center stores.
Square pouches modeled after in-game blocks, Peakychu MASCOT plushies, and more will be available for purchase.
(Images are for illustrative purposes. Colors and designs may differ from actual products.)
Items Available Across All Pokémon Center Stores and Pokémon Center Online
- Carabiner MASCOT Pokémon Pokopia Peakychu: 1,540 yen (tax included)
A Peakychu carabiner MASCOT plushie with a cute tail.
- Plushie Pokémon Pokopia Ditto Hat Ditto Color: 3,300 yen (tax included)
- Plushie Pokémon Pokopia Ditto Cap Ditto Color: 3,300 yen (tax included)
Includes a cute Ditto tag on the headwear!
2 plushie variations featuring Ditto transformed into human form are in the lineup!
- Carabiner Square Pouch Pokémon Pokopia Ditto: 1,980 yen (tax included)
- Carabiner Square Pouch Pokémon Pokopia Ditto (Lapras Transform): 1,980 yen (tax included)
- Carabiner Square Pouch Pokémon Pokopia Ditto (Dragonite Transform): 1,980 yen (tax included)
- Carabiner Square Pouch Pokémon Pokopia Mosslax: 1,980 yen (tax included)
- Carabiner Square Pouch Pokémon Pokopia Peakychu: 1,980 yen (tax included)
- Carabiner Square Pouch Pokémon Pokopia Chef Dente: 1,980 yen (tax included)
- Carabiner Square Pouch Pokémon Pokopia Stereo Rotom: 1,980 yen (tax included)
Square pouches modeled after blocks from Pokémon Pokopia.
In-game Pokémon are designed across the top section.
- Masking Tape Pokémon Pokopia Ditto: 550 yen (tax included)
- Masking Tape Pokémon Pokopia Ditto & Drifloon: 550 yen (tax included)
2 masking tape designs featuring Ditto and Drifloon.
- Squishy Stickers Pokémon Pokopia Ditto Hat: 440 yen (tax included)
- Squishy Stickers Pokémon Pokopia Ditto Cap: 440 yen (tax included)
- Squishy Stickers Pokémon Pokopia Ditto (Lapras Transform): 440 yen (tax included)
- Squishy Stickers Pokémon Pokopia Ditto (Graveler Transform): 440 yen (tax included)
- Squishy Stickers Pokémon Pokopia Ditto (Dragonite Transform): 440 yen (tax included)
- Squishy Stickers Pokémon Pokopia Ditto (Magnemite Transform): 440 yen (tax included)
- Squishy Stickers Pokémon Pokopia Mosslax: 440 yen (tax included)
- Squishy Stickers Pokémon Pokopia Peakychu: 440 yen (tax included)
- Squishy Stickers Pokémon Pokopia Chef Dente: 440 yen (tax included)
- Squishy Stickers Pokémon Pokopia Stereo Rotom: 440 yen (tax included)
10 squishy sticker designs featuring Ditto and uniquely styled Pokémon forms.
Check the Pokémon Official Website for details on each product.
