If Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet will not connect or update, first note the exact error code, then check the Switch’s internet connection and the game’s version. Update the game from the HOME Menu, update the Switch system software separately, and use Nintendo’s targeted steps for communication errors 2-ALZXA-0008 and 2-ALZYA-0008. These problems can come from the game version, the console, your Wi-Fi or router, or Nintendo’s online service—not necessarily from the game itself.
Start by identifying what is failing
Write down the full error code and message before changing settings. If the Switch’s connection test fails, it should display an error code and message; use Nintendo’s guidance for that specific code rather than trying unrelated game fixes. Check Nintendo’s support and service information for current network maintenance or operational notices before repeating troubleshooting. Network status and support pages can change.
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Separate the checks into four layers: the game’s software version, the Switch system and connection, your router or wireless environment, and Nintendo’s online service. A successful connection test does not itself confirm the game is up to date, and a game update does not repair an unstable Wi-Fi connection.
Update Pokémon Scarlet or Violet
Check for an update from the HOME Menu
- Return to the Switch HOME Menu and highlight the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game icon without opening the game.
- Press the + or – button.
- Choose Software Update > Via the Internet.
- After installation, check the displayed game version and compare it with the version used by the people you want to play with.
Nintendo says players need the same software version to play together, and that the game update is required for online features. At the time Nintendo’s update page was checked for this guide, it listed Ver. 4.0.0, released June 2, 2025, as the latest update shown; the listing may change, so use the console’s update check and Nintendo’s current update instructions and version history rather than treating that version as permanently current.
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#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Nintendo says save data remains available after downloading the game update. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to use the game’s online features, but membership is a prerequisite, not a fix for a failed internet connection.
If the update will not install
First confirm that the Switch can connect to the internet, then retry the game update. If the console is online and automatic software updates are enabled, Nintendo says game updates can install automatically. If the connection itself fails, follow the error code shown by the Switch before trying again.
Rank #2
- 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.
Update the Switch system software separately
A Switch system update and a Pokémon game update use separate menus. To check the system software, open System Settings > System > System Update. The system version is shown there. Nintendo notes that restarting the console may help if a connection problem prevents a system update; get the console online, try the system update, then return to the game’s update menu. See Nintendo’s system update instructions.
Fix communication errors 2-ALZXA-0008 and 2-ALZYA-0008
Nintendo describes both codes as an interruption in communication with the server. It lists unstable or slow Wi-Fi, wireless interference, network equipment that is not responding, and putting the console into sleep or flight mode during gameplay as possible contributors. Try these steps in order:
Rank #3
- 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
- Restart the Switch: hold the POWER button for three seconds, choose Power Options, then choose Restart.
- Restart your network equipment: power cycle the router and any other network devices, following their instructions.
- Move closer to the router: reduce distance and obstacles between the Switch and the wireless access point, then retry.
Those are Nintendo’s listed first actions for these codes. For more guidance, see its page for 2-ALZXA-0008 and 2-ALZYA-0008.
Use connection tests to narrow down the cause
- Run the Switch’s internet connection test and record any code or message it displays.
- Check whether other devices on the same network can access the internet. If they also fail, the issue may be with the network or service rather than the game.
- If available, test the Switch on another network. A different result can help distinguish a problem with the home Wi-Fi from one that follows the console or game.
- Keep router changes reversible. For router-specific settings, consult your internet provider or the router’s support documentation rather than making broad configuration changes.
These checks help isolate the source; they do not guarantee a fix or establish that Nintendo’s servers are down.
Rank #4
- 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.
Consider a wired connection only after the basic checks
A wired connection can help determine whether a weak wireless link is involved, but it will not resolve server maintenance, an account or membership requirement, an outdated game, or insufficient storage for an update. Nintendo’s connection overview says the Switch OLED dock has a LAN port; other setups may require a compatible USB LAN adapter. Check your console, dock, and accessory compatibility before buying anything. Nintendo’s internet connection guide covers wired and wireless options.
| What to check | Wi-Fi | Wired test |
|---|---|---|
| Connection hardware | Use the Switch’s wireless connection. | The OLED dock has a LAN port; other setups may need a compatible USB LAN adapter. |
| Useful diagnostic | Move closer to the router and see whether the connection improves. | Compare the result with Wi-Fi on the same network. |
| What it can help isolate | Distance, obstacles, or wireless interference. | Whether the wireless link is contributing to the problem. |
| What it cannot fix | Server maintenance, an outdated game, or an online-service requirement. | Server maintenance, an account or membership requirement, an outdated game, or insufficient update storage. |
If purchased DLC is also missing
If the connection or update problem appears alongside inaccessible purchased DLC, Nintendo recommends checking that both the Switch system software and Pokémon game software are up to date. Use the system-update path and game-update steps above; Nintendo’s DLC troubleshooting page covers those checks. Do not delete save data as a troubleshooting step.
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If the connection test or game still fails after the relevant checks, provide support with the full error code and message, the game version, the console system version, whether other online features work, and which network steps you have tried. Nintendo routes questions about settings, internet connections, accounts, and downloaded software to technical support; hardware faults and repair questions go to its service center. Contact details and routes may change, so use Nintendo’s current support contact page.
Quick Recap
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