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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesPokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet let two to four players explore together, trade Pokémon, battle, and take on Tera Raid Battles. Use Union Circle for shared exploration; use link codes or online matchmaking for other activities. The games support these shared activities, but Nintendo’s multiplayer guide does not describe friends sharing one save or jointly advancing a campaign.
What multiplayer lets you do
Nintendo supports groups of two to four players, connecting either through local wireless when players are nearby or over the internet. Each participant needs a copy of Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet and a compatible Nintendo Switch system. The activities Nintendo documents are:
- Explore together: Join a Union Circle group and set out in the game world.
- Trade Pokémon: Use Link Trade, including a shared link code, or trade within a group.
- Battle: Arrange Link Battles or use Battle Stadium for online matchmaking.
- Take on Tera Raid Battles: Host or join raids through open postings or Link Codes.
These are multiplayer activities, not evidence of a shared campaign. Nintendo’s setup guide explains how to join and play together but does not document shared story or save progression. Don’t assume that one player’s story progress advances another’s save.
What each connection method is for
| Method | Best for | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Union Circle | Exploring together and group activities | A host creates a group and shares its Link Code; others join, then the host selects “Set out together.” |
| Link Trade or Link Battle | Trading or arranging a battle with specific players | Players choose the same communication mode and enter the same link code. |
| Battle Stadium | Online matchmaking | Choose Casual, Ranked, or Online Competition modes. |
| Tera Raid postings | Joining a raid through open listings or a private invitation | Use available postings or a Link Code; event-specific eligibility may apply. |
Nearby players should select local communication. For distant friends or access to online play, select internet communication. Online play requires an internet connection and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. Nintendo also specifies the membership requirement for Battle Stadium.
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- 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.
How to start a Union Circle
The Poké Portal becomes available after reaching the first Pokémon Center in Los Platos. Once it is available, follow these steps:
- Open the in-game menu and choose Poké Portal.
- Press the L button to switch between local and internet communication, choosing the option that matches where your group is playing.
- Choose Union Circle. One player forms a group and shares the displayed Link Code; the others join using that code.
- After everyone has gathered, the host selects Set out together. The other players appear in the host’s game.
A Union Circle group contains two to four players. Each player still uses their own game copy and Switch system.
Rank #2
- Catch, battle, and trade Pokémon on an all-new adventure in the Galar region
- Choose from three new partner Pokémon and encounter never-before-seen Pokémon
- Unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta!
- Team up with other Trainers to participate in Max Raid Battles***!
- Battle wild Dynamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles and try catching them***
How battles, trades, and raids differ
Trading and player battles
For a Link Trade or Link Battle, all participants need to use the same communication mode and enter the same link code. Link Battles support Single and Double formats for two players, and Multi Battle for four players. Battle Stadium instead offers Casual, Ranked, and Online Competition matchmaking.
Tera Raid Battles
Players can host or join raids using Link Codes or open postings. While you are in a Union Circle, the raid postings shown are limited to raids posted by other players in that group. Some limited-time raids require the latest Poké Portal News; event rules may also require a player to have completed particular story or postgame content before hosting.
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Rank #3
- The Nintendo Switch – OLED Model Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Edition console features art inspired by the upcoming Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games (sold separately). The Legendary Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon are featured on the glossy front side of the white system’s dock, and a design inspired by the series’ iconic Poké Ball is featured on the back.
- The Nintendo Switch OLED Model features a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, a wide adjustable stand, a dock with a wired LAN port, 64 GB of internal storage, and enhanced audio. Play anytime, anywhere, with anyone. Nintendo Switch can transform to suit your situation, so you can play the games you want, no matter how busy life may be.
- Pick it up and play with the Joy-Con controllers attached. Nintendo Switch OLED model includes a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen with a slimmer bezel. The large screen's vivid colours and high contrast deliver a rich handheld and tabletop gaming experience, bringing games to life whether you're racing at top speed or squaring off against enemies.
- Flip out the stand and hand a controller to another player to share the screen and enjoy competitive or co-operative multiplayer, anytime and anywhere. Nintendo Switch (OLED model)'s wide adjustable stand can be set to your preferred viewing angle for comfortable gameplay in tabletop mode.
- Gather around a big screen and enjoy gaming with a crowd. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. The dock included with Nintendo Switch (OLED model) features two USB ports, an HDMI port for connecting to a TV, and a new wired LAN port, allowing for more stable online play when playing in TV mode. Save games to your system with 64 GB of internal storage & Enjoy enhanced audio from the system’s onboard speakers.
Check the in-game event details and current Poké Portal News when joining a limited-time raid: event availability and eligibility can vary.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What you need before playing
- A Nintendo Switch system and a copy of Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet for each player.
- Local communication for nearby play, or an internet connection and active Nintendo Switch Online membership for online play.
- For limited-time Tera Raid Battles, the latest Poké Portal News; some events have additional story or postgame requirements for hosts.
Nintendo’s official multiplayer guidance covers the supported activities and connection methods: Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet multiplayer support. Play Nintendo also summarizes playing with friends: How to play Pokémon Scarlet and Violet with friends. Online features and event requirements can change with updates, so check the in-game menu for current options.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- If you purchase either the physical or digital double pack, you will receive a 200 Poké Ball bonus via download codes* that can be entered in the Mystery Gift** feature in your game!
- The packaged version of the double pack includes 1 physical Pokémon Scarlet game and 1 physical Pokémon Violet game
- 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
Rank #4
![Pokémon Scarlet/Pokémon Violet Expansion Pass: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero (Retail Version) Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51n-a8y2QXL._SL160_.jpg)
- 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.
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.
