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No—not to play Pokémon Scarlet or Violet on your own. A Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership is needed for the games’ online features, including playing with people over the internet. Nearby multiplayer uses local wireless, which Nintendo lists separately from online play.
Which activities require Nintendo Switch Online?
| Activity | NSO required? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Play alone on one system | No | Nintendo lists single-system play; the membership requirement applies to online features. Nintendo’s Pokémon Scarlet product page gives the game’s play modes and online requirement. |
| Play with people nearby | No membership is identified for local wireless | Local wireless supports 2–4 players. Each player needs a system and a copy of the game. Nintendo distinguishes nearby local communication from internet communication. |
| Play with people over the internet | Yes | Nintendo says online features require an NSO membership and a Nintendo Account. You also need internet access. |
| Battle Stadium | Yes | Nintendo Support explicitly says a membership is required for this mode. |
| Back up Scarlet save data to Nintendo’s cloud | Not available | Pokémon Scarlet does not support Save Data Cloud backup, even though cloud saves are a general NSO benefit for compatible games. |
The same online-feature membership rule appears on Nintendo’s Pokémon Violet product page. Nintendo’s pages list online play for 1–4 players and local wireless for 2–4; these are game specifications, not a guarantee that every activity supports every group size.
| # | 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]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Rl9wUF9CL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Nintendo Pokémon Scarlet Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $59.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Pokémon Scarlet Bundle - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ffg0dePmL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Pokémon Scarlet Bundle - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $94.98 | Buy on Amazon |
Nearby play versus online play
Local wireless is for players physically near one another. To play with people farther away—or to use open online play—use internet communication instead. Nintendo’s multiplayer setup guide for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet covers exploring together, trading, battles, and Tera Raid Battles, and separates Local from Internet communication.
For a broader illustration of the distinction, Nintendo’s November 18, 2022 launch announcement described exploring Paldea with three other friends via local wireless or online play: Nintendo’s launch announcement.
#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.
How to start multiplayer
- Update the game. Nintendo says current software is required for internet features and multiplayer setup. Its update page records an update released June 2, 2025; that date alone does not establish the newest available version today. See Nintendo’s update instructions.
- Reach the first Pokémon Center in Los Platos. The Poké Portal becomes available after this point in the game.
- Open the Poké Portal and choose your communication mode. Choose Local for nearby players, or Internet for remote players and online features.
- For internet play, make sure you have an NSO membership, a Nintendo Account, and internet access. The membership is for online features; the setup guide’s general prerequisite list should not be read as making NSO necessary for local-only play.
Does the Expansion Pack membership tier matter?
Nintendo’s cited product and support information establishes a membership requirement for online play, but does not say that the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier is required. The evidence here does not establish a need for that higher tier.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What about save backups?
Do not subscribe expecting NSO cloud backup to protect a Pokémon Scarlet save: Nintendo explicitly states that Scarlet does not support Save Data Cloud backup. The same limitation is stated on the game’s official product page.
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.
These details reflect official US Nintendo pages accessed October 7, 2026. Membership terms and availability may vary by region.
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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.
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
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.
