Here’s what other sites have said about Bubbly Basin so far. We’ll add more reviews and impressions when they surface.

ScreenRant – 10/10 “The sheer size of this area is breathtaking, and it feels as though there are secrets to find around every corner and behind every pile of sand. Add to that the 50 additional Pokémon that are added to the Pokédex, and all the cosmetics and items, and it is truly a large addition to the game…There is so much to do, and so many Pokémon to find.”

Polygon (opinion) “Even if it’s a retread of what came before, Bubbly Basin is a net positive for Pokopia. It’s great to have another blank slate to build up, and one that has tons of vertical space and hidden nooks to work with. I just wish I could get to the sandbox joy faster after already spending 50 hours learning the ropes. Is each expansion going to require me to learn how to use a new kitchen appliance in a multipart quest? Will I have to learn how to grow a new fruit as if it’s a foreign concept? When Bubbly Basin lets your creativity loose, it reminds you why Pokopia is still one of 2026’s most pleasurable experiences.”

Game Informer (first impressions) “It may be an underrated aspect of the overall Pokopia package, but Bubbly Basin is aesthetically pleasing…It also seems like the new biome cuts down on the wait times for construction projects…I haven’t yet completed Bubbly Basin, but the handful of hours I’ve already put into it reminded me just how much I like Pokémon Pokopia”

Game8 – 88/10 “Pokémon Pokopia’s Bubbly Basin DLC is a charming DLC that greatly enhances the already smooth gameplay experience given by the base game, a delightful additional town to grow and love along with the rest. While the core of the story is nothing to write home about, it makes up for it with new content everywhere else—crafting, building, and exploration. It sets a pretty good standard for the next two DLCs to come in the expansion pack.”

As a reminder, a free update also released alongside this new paid DLC, bumping the title up to Version 2.0.0. It includes the new move Dive and much more. Part Two of the Expansion Pass arrives later this year, and Part Three will follow in 2027.