Pokémon Pokopia Bubble Blub Backdrop – Expansion Part I

Pokémon Pokopia's first expansion, the first chapter of a three-part Season Pass, arrived on August 5, 2026. Along with the paid DLC, the free 2.0.0 update unlocks underwater exploration for all players. After evaluating the base version at launch, we wondered whether Bubbleblub Seabed justifies a return to Pokopia.

Underwater mechanics and construction freedom

The new area is accessed via Uggiolina Coast, where, upon learning the move Dive, you'll encounter a Popplio that replaces Dr. Tangrowth in the early stages. The main new feature is three-dimensional mobility underwater, allowing for greater freedom of movement and construction. The 36 new habitats to discover surpass those of the other areas and allow Pokémon to transfer from other biomes: water-type Pokémon adapt without problems, while land-type Pokémon remain confined to dry areas. Some special Pokémon even learn the ability to breathe underwater thanks to the Ditto transformation. The gameplay cycle and system, however, have not been overturned or reworked, but rather improved. It is, essentially, a new area to explore and colonize, with many secrets, new Pokémon patterns, and nothing that changes from the base version. For purists of the cozy game focused on discovery and construction, this is a plus; for others, it may still be an obstacle to truly appreciating this unique spin-off.

The Bubble Blub Backyard roster features 50 new Pokémon, mostly Water-type, spanning Generation I through Paldea: Horsea, Staryu, Starmie, Corsola, Mudkip, Marshtomp, Corphish, Buizel, Lumineon, Stunfisk, and Popplio. The expansion of the National Pokédex is one of the expansion's key strengths, especially considering many of these creatures were absent from the base game. Patch 2.0.0 also introduces watermelon farming, a minor but not uninspiring detail for those who enjoy the daily simulation. Bubble Blub Backyard is exactly what we expected: the reason to return to Pokopia and play as Ditto, so reliving the atmosphere of this unique adventure... is never enough. A new explorable area, new Pokémon, and items to craft are welcome in this spin-off that, in our opinion, still has a lot to offer.

What Koei Tecmo and Nintendo have to offer is enough to justify the price. The Season Pass promises further development, and the success on Switch 2 confirms the wisdom of the Japanese joint venture. Those looking for a revolution in gameplay will clearly not find it with this expansion. In conclusion, Bubble Blub Foundation delivers on its promises and offers a wealth of content for those who already enjoyed the base game (and there are many), even if the innovation is limited to the addition of a new ecosystem rather than a reworking of the foundations. The complete Expansion Pass (three parts) is available in Switzerland for around 68.90 CHF, while the first individual chapter can be purchased on the eShop for around 34.90 CHF. There is currently no dedicated physical version of the DLC, nor separate bundles in Europe. However, the special Switch 2 bundle launched in July is still available, including the console, a physical copy of Pokopia, and a code for the entire Expansion Pass.