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If Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet cannot connect, first identify whether the problem is the game version, the Switch’s internet connection, your Wi-Fi network, or Nintendo’s online service. Record the full error code, check Nintendo’s service status, then work through the reversible checks below. Updating the game does not delete its save data, according to Nintendo.
Start by identifying what is failing
Write down the complete error code and message before changing settings. If the Nintendo Switch connection test fails, the console displays an error code and message; use Nintendo’s guidance for that exact code rather than trying unrelated game fixes. Check Nintendo’s support and service information for current maintenance or operational notices before repeating troubleshooting. Service status and support pages can change.
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Online play also has prerequisites: Nintendo says the game must be updated, players need the same software version to play together, and online features require a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Membership is a requirement for those features, not a repair for a failed internet connection. See Nintendo’s Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet update guidance.
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Update the game from the HOME menu
- Connect the Switch to the internet and return to the HOME menu.
- Highlight the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet icon without launching the game.
- Press the + or – button, then choose Software Update > Via the Internet.
- After the update finishes, launch the game and check its displayed version. Anyone playing together should be on the same version.
Nintendo’s update page listed Ver. 4.0.0, released June 2, 2025, as the latest version shown when it was checked on October 7, 2026. That listing may change; use the console’s update check to see whether a newer version is available. Nintendo says save data remains available after downloading the game update. It also says automatic installation is available when the console is online and automatic software updates are enabled. Details are on Nintendo’s update page.
#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.
Update the Switch system separately
A system update and a game update are separate operations. In the Switch HOME menu, open System Settings > System > System Update. Nintendo says the system version appears in this menu. If a connection failure prevents the system update, restart the console and try again after restoring its internet connection. The path and restart advice are documented by Nintendo Support Japan.
Fix error 2-ALZXA-0008 or 2-ALZYA-0008
Nintendo describes these codes as communication with the server being interrupted. Possible contributors include unstable or slow Wi-Fi, wireless interference, unresponsive network equipment, or putting the console into sleep or flight mode during gameplay. Nintendo lists these first steps:
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.
- Restart the Switch: hold the POWER button for three seconds, choose Power Options, then Restart.
- Power-cycle the router and other network equipment: turn them off, wait briefly, then turn them back on and allow them to reconnect.
- Move the Switch closer to the wireless router, ideally with fewer walls or other obstacles between them.
These codes and actions are covered in Nintendo Australia’s error-code article.
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- Check whether other devices can access the internet on the same network.
- If possible, test the Switch on another network. This can help distinguish a home-network problem from an issue that follows the console, but it does not by itself prove a Nintendo outage.
- Retry the Switch connection test near the router. If the test fails, note the displayed code and follow Nintendo’s instructions for it.
If the issue persists, keep router changes reversible and ask your internet provider for help with router-specific settings rather than guessing at advanced configuration.
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
Try a wired connection only as an optional test
A wired connection can help determine whether a weak wireless link is involved, but it is not a required fix. Nintendo’s connection overview says the Switch OLED dock has a LAN port; other setups may require a USB LAN adapter. Check compatibility for your console and dock before buying an accessory. A cable will not resolve server maintenance, an account or membership requirement, an outdated game, or insufficient storage for an update. See Nintendo’s Nintendo Switch internet-connection overview.
| Check | What it can tell you |
|---|---|
| Move closer to the router and retry Wi-Fi | If the connection improves, distance or obstacles may be affecting the wireless link. |
| Check another device on the same network | If it also cannot get online, the problem may involve the network or internet service rather than the game alone. |
| Test another network, if available | A different result can help isolate the home network; it does not establish that Nintendo’s service is down. |
| Try Ethernet, if your setup supports it | This can help test the wireless link. The required port or adapter depends on the console and dock. |
If purchased DLC is missing
If the connection or update problem also affects access to purchased downloadable content, check that both the Switch system software and Pokémon game software are up to date. Use Software Update > Via the Internet from the game icon’s + or – menu for the game update. Nintendo’s DLC guidance covers these software checks: Unable to Access DLC in Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet. Do not delete save data as a troubleshooting step.
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.
Contact Nintendo with useful details
If the Switch connection test or the game still fails after the relevant checks, provide Nintendo support with the full error code, game version, system version, whether other online functions work, and the network steps you have tried. Nintendo routes connection, settings, account, and download-software questions to technical support; hardware faults and repairs go to its service center. Find current contact options at Nintendo Support Contact.
Quick Recap
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