Poko a Pokemon DLC Bubbly Basin Scores 89 on Metacritic
The high review score for the first DLC wave suggests the expansion pass model is resonating with critics, potentially sustaining sales momentum for a game that already sold over 5 million units in four months.
Key Facts
- Poko a Pokemon DLC Bubbly Basin received a Metacritic score of 89 based on 12 reviews.
- Bubbly Basin was released on August 5, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2.
- The base game Poko a Pokemon surpassed 5 million units worldwide in about four months after its March 5 release.
- The Expansion Pass includes three waves, with the second planned for winter 2026 and the third for 2027.
- MonsterVine gave Bubbly Basin a perfect 100/100 score.
Reporting from 2 sources: Automaton, Game Spark.
The first paid DLC for the slow-life sandbox game Poko a Pokemon, titled Bubbly Basin, has received a Metacritic score of 89 based on 12 reviews, according to Game Spark. The DLC, released on August 5, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2, introduces a new underwater town where players can encounter Water-type Pokemon, along with new furniture and outfits. Critics praised the expansion for its exploration elements, new Pokemon roster, and quality-of-life improvements. MonsterVine gave it a perfect 100, calling it a bar-raiser for the remaining two DLC areas. Nintendo Life scored it 80, noting the new map feels fresh and the town offers daily pleasures. The DLC is part of the Poko a Pokemon Expansion Pass, which includes three waves total. The second wave, adding accessories, Pokemon, and furniture, is planned for winter 2026, and the third wave, adding a new town, is planned for 2027. The base game, developed by The Pokémon Company, Game Freak, and Koei Tecmo Games, surpassed 5 million units worldwide in about four months after its March 5 release, as announced by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company on August 14.
The Bubbly Basin DLC adds a sea town that becomes accessible after the main game, featuring underwater Pokemon encounters and new crafting opportunities. Reviewers highlighted the variety of new Pokemon, objects, and elements, with Metro GameCentral calling it an excellent piece of additional content that easily exceeds expectations. What's It Like? noted the DLC follows the established formula but is carefully crafted as a natural extension, packed with elements that make players want to return. Video Chums praised the new game mechanics and content, while Loot Level Chill described it as a delightful underwater area offering hours of sea play with favorite Water-type Pokemon.
The DLC is the first of three waves in the Expansion Pass. The second wave is scheduled for winter 2026, adding accessories, Pokemon, and furniture, and the third wave, adding a new town, is planned for 2027. The base game's sales milestone of 5 million units was announced on August 14, following an earlier report of 2.2 million units in four days. The game is available on Nintendo Switch 2, and the DLC is available to Expansion Pass owners.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.