Pokémon Sword and Shield (Switch): Software updates (latest: Ver. 1.3.2)

On this page, you will find all there is to know about the Software updates for Pokémon Sword and Shield on Nintendo Switch (originally released on November 15th 2019 in Europe, North America, and Japan).

Click here for more Software updates! Looking for updates for Pokémon Home? Click here! As for Pokémon distributions, check out this page instead!

Pokémon Sword and Shield – Ver. 1.3.2

• Release date: May 11th 2021 (North America) / May 12th 2021 (Europe, Japan)
• Patch notes:

• 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.

• Additional notes: none.
• Source: Nintendo

Pokémon Sword and Shield – Ver. 1.3.1

• Release date: December 21st 2020 (North America) / December 22nd 2020 (Europe, Japan)
• Patch notes:

• various bugs and issues were addressed to create a more enjoyable gaming experience.

• Additional notes: none.
• Source: Nintendo

Pokémon Sword and Shield – Ver. 1.3.0

• Release date: October 22nd 2020 (North America) / October 23rd 2020 (Europe, Japan)
• Patch notes:

• 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.

• List of changes:

• adds contents related to The Crown Tundra DLC

• Additional notes: none.
• Source: Nintendo

Pokémon Sword and Shield – Ver. 1.2.1

• Release date: July 7th 2020 (North America) / July 8th 2020 (Europe, Japan)
• Patch notes:

• A bug in regards to the number of digits for password settings has been fixed.
  • In regards 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 passwords were not coinciding.
• Other updated content
  • We fixed several other issues to improve game play experience.

• Additional notes: none.
• Source: Nintendo

Pokémon Sword and Shield – Ver. 1.2.0

• Release date: June 17th 2020 (North America, Europe, Japan)
• Patch notes:

• 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-us/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
  • In addition, various issues were addressed to create a more enjoyable gaming experience.

• List of changes:

• adds contents related to The Isle of Armor DLC

• Additional notes: none.
• Source: Nintendo

Pokémon Sword and Shield – Ver. 1.1.1

• Release date: March 17th 2020 (North America) / March 18th 2020 (Japan)
• Patch notes:

• Fixed various issues to improve gameplay

• Additional notes: this update fixes an issue caused by hacked Pokémon received via trade, causing the game to stop. If you were impacted before it was released, this update will allow to resume playing.
• Source: Nintendo

Pokémon Sword and Shield – Ver. 1.1.0

• Release date: January 9th 2020 (North America, Europe) / January 10th 2020 (Japan)
• Patch notes:

• Added a feature to jump to the eShop
• Added a bonus for Expansion Pass purchasers
• Additional Pokémon will be added
• Fixed various issues to improve gameplay

• Additional notes: none.
• Source: Nintendo

Pokémon Sword and Shield – Ver. 1.0.0

• Release date: October 30th 2019 (North America, Europe, Japan)
• Patch notes:

No patch notes available.

• Additional notes: this is the base version of the game, that you get by pre-ordering the game on the Nintendo eShop or buying the game at retail at launch.
• Source: Nintendo

How to download updates for Pokémon Sword and Shield for the Nintendo Switch?

To download the updates for Pokémon Sword and Shield, 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.