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Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl (Switch): Software updates (latest: Ver. 1.3.0)

On this page, you will find all there is to know about the various Software updates for Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl on Nintendo Switch (originally released on November 19th 2021 in Europe, North America, and Japan)!

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Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl – Ver. 1.3.0

  • Release date: March 15th 2022 (North America) / March 16th 2022 (Europe, Japan)
  • Patch notes:
  • Added an event related to Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
    • If a user on a Nintendo Switch system has save data from Pokémon Legends: Arceus that meets set requirements, that player can take part in a special event to meet the Mythical Pokémon Arceus when playing the Pokémon Brilliant Diamond or Pokémon Shining Pearl games.
  • Added a network-trading feature at GWS.
    • It is now possible to trade Pokémon online at the GWS in Jubilife City.
    • Note: A Nintendo Switch Online membership (paid service) is required to trade Pokémon online.
  • Some issues have been fixed for more pleasant gameplay.
  • List of changes:
  • adds the Azure Flute item
    • To find Arceus, you’ll need to have a Pokémon Legends: Arceus save file on your Nintendo Switch system with all the main missions completed. You’ll also need to enter the Hall of Fame and obtain the National Pokédex in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond or Pokémon Shining Pearl. Once all the conditions have been met, return to your room in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond or Pokémon Shining Pearl, where you can get the Azure Flute item. Then, go to the Spear Pillar at the top of Mount Coronet, and Arceus will reveal itself. Be ready to battle this powerful Pokémon!

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl – Ver. 1.2.0

  • Release date: February 21st 2022 (North America) / February 22nd 2022 (Europe, Japan)
  • Patch notes:
  • Union Room functions have been expanded.
    • The maximum number of players you can play with via local or internet communication in Union Rooms has been increased to eight. Also, by selecting Greeting or Capsule Decorations, you can show each other your Trainer Cards or Capsule Decorations.
  • Additional Colosseum battle feature has been added.
    • Enter the Colosseum on the 2nd floor of a Pokémon Center to battle with other players using custom rulesets.
    • In the Colosseum, you can set rules, such as the number of Pokémon to send into battle as well as their levels, and play Single Battles, Double Battles, or Multi Battles via local or internet communication.
  • Pokémon Trading and Battles
    • Some Pokémon acquired via unintended methods or illicit modification now cannot be used in Link Trades or Link Battles.
  • Fixed some issues for more pleasant gameplay.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl – Ver. 1.1.3

  • Release date: December 21st 2021 (North America) / December 22nd 2021 (Europe, Japan)
  • Patch notes:
  • Fixed some issues for more pleasant gameplay.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl – Ver. 1.1.2

  • Release date: December 1st 2021 (North America) / December 2nd 2021 (Europe, Japan)
  • Patch notes:
  • Fixed some issues that would prevent the game from progressing under certain circumstances.
  • Some issues have also been fixed for more pleasant gameplay.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl – Ver. 1.1.1

  • Release date: November 17th 2021 (North America) / November 18th 2021 (Europe, Japan)
  • Patch notes:
  • Optimized Ver. 1.1.0 update data.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl – Ver. 1.1.0

  • Release date: November 11th 2021 (North America, Europe, Japan)
  • File size: 3GB
  • Patch notes:
  • 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.
  • Additional notes: this update is already included if you pre-load the game from the Nintendo eShop.
  • Source: Nintendo

How to download updates for Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl for the Nintendo Switch?

To download the updates for Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl, you have three options:

  • let the console do its thing if you have automatic downloads activated, and didn’t completely turn it off

If not…

  • try to launch the game from the Home Menu while being connected to the internet. You should get a prompt when doing so: simply follow the instructions on screen;

OR

  • select the game > press either + or – to go to the Options page > select Software update > select Via the Internet.

To check that you have the latest version installed, simply select the game on the Home Menu, and press – or + to go to the Options: the version number is displayed just below the game title.

Lite_Agent

Founder and main writer for Perfectly Nintendo. Tried really hard to find something funny and witty to put here, but had to admit defeat.