Do You Need Nintendo Switch Online to Play Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

No—not to play Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet by yourself. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is needed for the games’ online features, including playing with people over the internet. Nearby multiplayer uses local wireless instead. Nintendo also specifically requires a membership for Battle Stadium.

Which activities require Nintendo Switch Online?

Nearby play and online play are different

Local wireless is for players who are physically nearby; internet communication is for players farther away or for open online play. Nintendo’s launch announcement describes exploring Paldea with up to three other friends through local wireless or online play. Nintendo’s launch announcement

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Pokémon Scarlet - Nintendo Switch - Standard Edition	$53.70	Buy on Amazon
2		Pokémon Scarlet - US Version	$50.99	Buy on Amazon
3		Nintendo Pokémon Scarlet Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]	$59.88	Buy on Amazon
4		Pokémon Scarlet Bundle - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]	$94.98	Buy on Amazon

For local sessions, choose Local communication. To connect over the internet, choose Internet communication; that route requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership, a Nintendo Account, and an internet connection. Nintendo’s setup guide covers exploring together, trading, battles, and Tera Raid Battles.

How to start multiplayer

1. Update the game. Nintendo says the software must be updated to use internet features and set up multiplayer. Its update page records an update released June 2, 2025; that date alone does not establish the newest version. Nintendo’s update instructions
2. Reach the first Pokémon Center in Los Platos. The Poké Portal becomes available after this point, according to Nintendo’s multiplayer setup guide.
3. Open the Poké Portal and select the communication mode. Choose Local for nearby players or Internet for remote players. Internet play has the membership and account requirements described above.

Does Nintendo Switch Online back up Scarlet or Violet saves?

No. Nintendo’s Pokémon Scarlet product page states that the game does not support Save Data Cloud backup. A Nintendo Switch Online membership therefore should not be treated as a way to back up Scarlet save data. Nintendo’s Pokémon Scarlet page

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1

Pokémon Scarlet - Nintendo Switch - Standard Edition

$53.70

Bestseller No. 2

Pokémon Scarlet - US Version

Embark on a new Pokémon adventure

$50.99

Bestseller No. 3

Nintendo Pokémon Scarlet Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]

Embark on a new Pokémon adventure

$59.88

Bestseller No. 4

Pokémon Scarlet Bundle - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]

$94.98

Rank #4

Pokémon Scarlet Bundle - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]

• Only one code for a Hisuian Zoroark can be used in either the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game. Upon purchase of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, an email with your code will be sent to the email address registered to your Nintendo Account. From the in-game menu, go to the Poké Portal, then select Mystery Gift, select Get with Code/Password, and then enter your code.
• The Mystery Gift option can be found within the Poké Portal menu option in the X menu after you unlock the feature in the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game. (This occurs after about 1 to 1.5 hours of gameplay, though individual gameplay time may vary.) An internet connection and a Nintendo Account is required to redeem the item in game. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required. Each item can only be redeemed once.

$94.98

Buy on Amazon

Rank #3

Nintendo Pokémon Scarlet Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]

• Embark on a new Pokémon adventure
• Catch, battle, and train Pokémon in the Paldea Region, a vast land filled with lakes, towering peaks, wastelands, small towns, and sprawling cities
• Choose either Sprigatito, Fuecoco, or Quaxly, to be your first partner Pokémon before setting off on your journey through Paldea
• Embark on an independent study called the Treasure Hunt to gain new experiences, meet new people, and find your very own treasure

$59.88

Buy on Amazon

Rank #2

Pokémon Scarlet - US Version

• Embark on a new Pokémon adventure
• Catch, battle, and train Pokémon in the Paldea Region, a vast land filled with lakes, towering peaks, wastelands, small towns, and sprawling cities.
• Choose either Sprigatito, Fuecoco, or Quaxly, to be your first partner Pokémon before setting off on your journey through Paldea.
• Embark on an independent study called the Treasure Hunt to gain new experiences, meet new people, and find your very own treasure.

$50.99

Buy on Amazon

#1 Best Overall

Pokémon Scarlet - Nintendo Switch - Standard Edition

• New Pokémon to Discover - Learn new details about Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly—the three Pokémon from which you’ll choose your first partner—along with other wonderful new Pokémon, including the Legendary Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon!
• The World of Pokémon Has Evolved - Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet offer an open-world experience that only the Pokémon series can deliver—one welcoming even to newcomers to the series.​
• You can experience a new style of adventure, with a world that you’re free to explore at your leisure and not in an order dictated by the story. You will, of course, journey to hone your skills as a Pokémon Trainer, but many more discoveries and stories await you. Meet a variety of people and Pokémon, and adventure in the world of Pokémon the way you want to.
• A Deeper Experience with Multiplayer* Gameplay - Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet allow multiplayer gameplay with up to four players.​ Along with series staples, such as trading and battling Pokémon, you will be able to explore the various locations of the region in these games with other players. You can discover new Pokémon and explore unfamiliar areas with your friends and family, opening the door to an adventure more precious and fun than ever!
• Meet the characters - As one of the main characters, you’ll set off on your adventure. Your outfit will vary depending on whether you play Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet. Who knows what kind of story awaits you? For the first time in the series, one of two different professors will appear in your game depending on the version you choose to play.

$53.70

Buy on Amazon

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.