Pokemon Pokopia players will soon get their first chance to explore the game’s upcoming Bubbly Basin expansion, as Nintendo has confirmed that a playable demo will be available during PokemonXP later this summer.
Pokemon Pokopia’s first paid Expansion Pass, priced at $34.99, is being released in three separate parts. The first chapter, Bubbly Basin, is scheduled to launch in August 2026 and introduces a vibrant underwater town filled with new activities, creatures, and locations to discover. The second expansion is planned for later in 2026, while the third and final chapter is expected to arrive sometime in 2027 with yet another new town.
Bubbly Basin Demo Confirmed for PokemonXP
Fans attending PokemonXP, which takes place alongside the 2026 Pokemon World Championships in San Francisco from August 28 through August 30, will be able to try Bubbly Basin before its official release.
The demo will be available at Nintendo’s booth throughout the event. While the demo itself is free to play, visitors will still need a valid PokemonXP ticket to access the show floor. Pokemon Pokopia will also have its own booth at the event, making it one of the featured experiences for attendees.
Nintendo has not announced an exact release date for Bubbly Basin yet. If the expansion launches after PokemonXP begins, attendees could end up becoming the very first players to experience the DLC.
New Pokemon and Underwater Adventures
Bubbly Basin expands Pokemon Pokopia with a brand-new ocean-themed environment centered around underwater exploration.
Several Pokemon have already been confirmed for the expansion, including:
- Popplio
- Corphish
- Mudkip
The reveal trailer also briefly showcased Manaphy, although Nintendo has not yet explained what role the Mythical Pokemon will play in the expansion.
Official artwork has additionally teased cosmetic outfits for creatures such as Peakychu and Snubbull. However, Nintendo has not confirmed whether the dressing-up feature will arrive alongside Bubbly Basin or in one of the later Expansion Pass updates.
Free August Update Arrives Alongside the DLC
Players won’t have to purchase the Expansion Pass to receive everything arriving in August.
A free update launching around the same period will introduce the new Dive ability, allowing players to build and interact beneath the water’s surface, opening up additional construction and exploration possibilities across the game.
Meanwhile, the limited-time Jirachi event remains available until July 8. Players who have restored at least one nearby Pokemon Center can befriend Jirachi and unlock access to a special themed shop featuring exclusive event items.
With a playable demo confirmed, new Pokemon joining the adventure, and free gameplay additions arriving for everyone, August is shaping up to be one of Pokemon Pokopia’s biggest updates since launch.
