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How to Update Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield

In this article, you'll learn how to update Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.

On 12 May 2021, a new software update for Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield became available for download. Please take a moment to download and install this update while your Nintendo Switch console is connected to the internet.

Note

This update must be applied in order to use the game’s internet 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.

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. 1.3.2 (Released 12 May 2021)

Fixed the issue where some Pokémon icons were not properly displaying during online or local wireless battles.
Several issues have been fixed to improve gameplay experience.

Ver. 1.3.1 (Released 22 December 2020)

Fixed a number of issues so that gameplay is more enjoyable.

Ver. 1.3.0 (Released 23 October 2020)

Part 2, The Crown Tundra, has been released as downloadable content
- Customers who have purchased the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass or Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass can now explore The Crown Tundra
Additional Pokémon now appear
- Even if you have not purchased the expansion pass, you can find additional Pokémon through online gameplay.
Other updates
- Fixed a number of issues so that gameplay is more enjoyable.

Ver. 1.2.1 (Released 8 July 2020)

A bug regarding the number of digits for password settings has been fixed
- With regard to the passwords that can be set for Y-Comm and Max Raid Battles, we fixed the bug where players could be matched with others whose entered passwords were not the same.
Additional updated content
- We fixed several other issues to improve gameplay experience.

Ver. 1.2.0 (Released 17 June 2020)

Part 1, The Isle of Armor, has been released as downloadable content
- Customers who have purchased an Expansion Pass can now enjoy adventures on the Isle of Armor.
- You can learn more about the Isle of Armor here: https://swordshield.pokemon.com/en-gb/expansionpass/the-isle-of-armor/
Additional Pokémon now appear
- Even without purchasing an Expansion Pass, customers can use network connections to play and have additional Pokémon appear.
Link Codes are now 8 digits long
- Link Codes used in the Y-Comm or set for Max Raid Battles are now 8 digits instead of 4.
Battle regulation marks
- Pokémon carried over from other regions via Pokémon HOME can now participate in online competitions and ranked battles. A battle regulation mark can be replaced on the Pokémon at the Battle Tower in order to participate in online competitions and ranked battles.
- Please check game news for more information.
Addressed issue with online battles
- We’ve fixed an issue with online battles where the battle results could be arbitrarily invalidated.
Additional updated content
- Fixed various issues to improve gameplay.