Nintendo revealed plans to expand Pokémon Pokopia with both paid and free content during Tuesday's Nintendo Direct livestream. The cozy life simulation crafting game will receive a free August update that lets players explore and build underwater in existing towns—a feature fans have been requesting since the game's March launch on Nintendo Switch 2.

For players wanting more substantial additions, an Expansion Pass DLC will roll out in three parts. Part 1 arrives in August with the new Bubbly Basin town, bonus in-game items including a Dynamic Ditto print recipe and Rare Pokémetal, plus new Pokémon species. Nintendo teased the legendary Pokémon Manaphy as a highlight addition. Part 2 will bring additional features in late 2026, followed by another town in 2027.

Pokémon Pokopia launched earlier this year using Nintendo's Game-Key Card format—physical cartridges that unlock digital versions rather than containing the game itself. The title introduced new Pokémon variants including Peakychu, Mosslax, Smearguru, and Professor Tangrowth, adding fresh takes on familiar favorites to the franchise.

Koei Tecmo developed the game, which focuses on relaxation and creative building rather than traditional Pokémon battling. The announcement comes as Nintendo continues filling its 2026 schedule with various Pokémon projects. The company also confirmed that Pokémon Champions, a battle-focused mobile game, launches on iOS and Android on June 17 with pre-registration already live.

Looking ahead, players can expect the new Pokémon Winds/Waves games to arrive for Nintendo Switch 2 worldwide in 2027, giving the handheld system its next mainline Pokémon adventure after the successful Pokémon Legends Z-A launched last October.