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How to Update Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl

In this article, you'll learn how to update Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl.

Important: In order to download the update data for Ver. 1.1.0, around 3 GB of free space is needed in your console’s system memory or on a microSD card. Verify the current amount of storage space on your Nintendo Switch console and free up space if necessary. Please see this page for details about checking memory and managing data.

On 16 March 2022, a new software update for Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl became available for download. Please take a moment to download and install this update while your Nintendo Switch console is connected to the internet. The update contains content that will improve your overall gameplay experience, so please make sure you download the update before playing these games.

Note

This update must be applied in order to use the games' online features.
Save data will still be available for use after downloading the update.
If the console is connected to the internet, the update will download and install automatically. If there is not enough system memory or microSD card storage to download the update, you will first need to expand or free up memory space and then follow the steps below.
All players must be using the same version of the software to play together. Please make sure you have the same software version as the person or people you are playing with.

Complete these steps

Connect the Nintendo Switch console to the internet.
Return to the HOME Menu and launch the game.
The update will be downloaded and installed automatically.
Once the update is installed, the newest version number will be displayed on the title screen.

Update history

Click the version number below for information about the update. Each update also includes all previous updates.

Ver. 1.3.0 (Released 16 March 2022)

Added a tie-in event for Pokémon Legends: Arceus
If you have Pokémon Legends: Arceus save data on your Nintendo Switch console and that save data meets certain conditions, you can enjoy a special event in which you can encounter the Mythical Pokémon Arceus when you launch your copy of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond or Pokémon Shining Pearl.
For more information, see this page.
Added the GWS online trading feature
The GWS, a facility in Jubilife City, now allows you to trade Pokémon with others online.
Note: A paid Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to trade Pokémon online.
Fixed various issues to improve gameplay.

Ver. 1.2.0 (Released 22 February 2022)

Union Room feature expansion
We've expanded the maximum capacity of the Union Room over local and online communication. Also, you can show each other Trainer Cards or ball decorations by selecting "Greeting" or "Capsule Decoration".
Addition of battle feature: Colosseum
By entering the Colosseum on the 2nd floor of the Pokémon Center, you can enjoy battles with other users under a variety of rulesets. In the Colosseum you can set the number and level of Pokémon you use and play single, double and multi battles.
Pokémon trading and battle handling
We have made it so that some Pokémon acquired through unintended methods or by illegitimate customisation can't be used in network trades or network battles.
Fixed various issues to improve gameplay.

Ver. 1.1.3 (Released 22 December 2021)

Fixed various issues to improve gameplay.

Ver. 1.1.2 (Released 2 December 2021)

Fixed some issues that would prevent the game from progressing under certain circumstances.
Some issues have also been fixed for more pleasant gameplay.

Ver. 1.1.1 (Released 18 November 2021)

Optimised Ver. 1.1.0 update data.

Ver. 1.1.0 (Released 11 November 2021)

Note: If you purchase a digital copy of either software from Nintendo eShop, the data for Ver. 1.1.0 will already be included, and there is no need for you to download the update separately.

Addition of Grand Underground, Super Contest Show, Union Room and Mystery Gift communication features
You will be able to enjoy local and online communication features of the Grand Underground, Super Contest Show and Union Room. Additionally, you will also become able to receive gifts using the Mystery Gift feature.
Addition of content after entering the Hall of Fame
Some content that becomes playable after entering the Hall of Fame, including Ramanas Park, will be added in the update.
- Note: even if you have already entered the Hall of Fame before downloading the update, downloading it will allow you to play the additional content.
Addition of some in-game cutscenes and animations
Some in-game cutscenes and animations will be added in the update, including the game’s ending cutscene and the title screen animation that is played when opening the software.
- Note: you can view the title screen animation by starting up the software with existing save data and with the update installed. Even if you have already entered the Hall of Fame before the update is installed, you can view the ending cutscene by entering the Hall of Fame again afterwards.
Other adjustments and corrections were made to improve the gameplay experience.
Regarding a planned update after release
On the release date for the software, up to two players will be able to interact in local and online play in the Union Room, and you will be able to select the “Battle”, “Trade” and “Mix Records” functions. In an update that will be made available after the software releases, the maximum number of players will be increased, and the “Greeting” and “Capsule Decoration” functions will become available.
Additionally, trading using the GWS in Jubilife City and the use of the Colosseum feature inside Pokémon Centers will also be added in a post-release update.