What was the first paid downloadable-content expansion released for a main Pokémon game?

The Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass was the first paid downloadable-content expansion released for a main Pokémon game.

Announced in January 2020, the Expansion Pass added two major areas and story campaigns to Pokémon Sword and Shield. The Isle of Armor launched in June 2020, followed by The Crown Tundra in October 2020.

Earlier Pokémon games commonly received revised editions, sequels, or separate cartridge releases rather than paid downloadable expansions. Sword and Shield therefore marked a significant change in how additional main-series content was delivered.

The Expansion Pass was version-specific: players bought the pass matching Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield. It should not be confused with Pokémon HOME or Pokémon Bank, which are storage and transfer services, or with Scarlet and Violet’s later expansion, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero.