No official source located for this article verifies that Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet is available as a limited-time free full-game download. Nintendo’s US store lists the games separately from a free Nintendo Switch 2 update, which improves visuals and frame rate for players who own the game. A timed Tera Raid schedule cited by the official Pokémon site ended October 1, 2026, so it is not a current free-game offer.
Is Pokémon Scarlet or Violet free to download right now?
The official listings cited here do not confirm a free download of either full game as of October 8, 2026. Nintendo distinguishes the paid base game from its free Switch 2 update. The update enhances a game you already own; it does not grant ownership of Scarlet or Violet. Nintendo’s US store listing describes the update separately from the game.
Because offers can vary by region and change over time, check your region’s official Nintendo store for any current promotion. The sources cited here establish no dated free full-game offer.
What is the free Switch 2 update?
Nintendo says the free update optimizes visuals for the Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs and improves the frame rate. To get it, connect the Switch 2 to the internet and update the game. Nintendo’s listing shows file sizes of 9.9 GB on Switch and 10.1 GB on Switch 2; those are listing details, not a guarantee that every player will download an update of exactly that size. See Nintendo’s store listing.
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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.
The update is for owners of the compatible game. Nintendo’s support page also notes that a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for the games’ online features; that requirement is separate from receiving a Mystery Gift. Nintendo Switch 2 update support.
How to claim a Mystery Gift
Mystery Gift is an in-game feature for receiving gifts offered over the internet or redeeming a code. Nintendo’s instructions say to reach the first Pokémon Center in Los Platos, then follow these steps:
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- 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
- Connect your Switch or Switch 2 to the internet and open the game.
- Press X to open the in-game menu, select Poké Portal, then select Mystery Gift.
- Choose Get via Internet to search for gifts currently available, or Get with Code/Password to enter a code.
- Save the game after receiving a gift.
Nintendo’s America instructions list a console and internet connection as requirements, but do not list a Nintendo Switch Online membership for Mystery Gift redemption. Nintendo Support: Mystery Gift.
What was the limited-time event?
The official Pokémon announcement cited here describes a Tera Raid series featuring returning fully evolved Pokémon with the Mightiest Mark. Its listed schedule ran from September 25 to October 1, 2026, ending at 23:59 UTC. That was a timed in-game event, not a free download of Scarlet or Violet. Pokémon’s event announcements.
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![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.
The announcement also says that during the event, a featured Pokémon already caught on a save file could not be caught again on that save file, though participating in raids could still yield other rewards.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero included?
No. Nintendo Support lists The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero at $34.99 USD. The DLC is tied to the matching game: Scarlet DLC works with Scarlet, and Violet DLC works with Violet. The story parts are not sold individually. It is a separate paid expansion, not part of the free Switch 2 update. Nintendo Support: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero.
Quick Recap
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- Don the role of a Pokémon Trainer as you travel through Kanto
- Discover a new species of Pokémon with the Pokémon Lets Go series
- Catch Pokémon in the wild using a gentle throwing motion with either a Joy-Con controller or a Poké Ball Plus accessory, which will light up, vibrate, and make sounds to bring your adventure to life
- See the world in style by customizing Pikachu and your Trainer with a selection of outfits
- Connect to Pokémon GO* to transfer caught Kanto-region Pokémon, including Alolan and Shiny forms, as well as the newly discovered Pokémon, Meltan, from that game to this one
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- On the surface of the glossy white dock, the Legendary Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon are displayed in their respective version colors. The bottom-left side of the back of the dock has a Poké Ball motif.
- A special illustration featuring the three Pokémon that you can choose as your first partner in the games, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, adorns the back of the system alongside symbols that appear throughout the games.
- The included Joy-Con controllers have the main colors of Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet and are decorated with the respective crests of the schools from the games, Naranja Academy and Uva Academy.
- Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games sold separately.
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