How to Set Up a Local or Online Multiplayer Game (Pokémon Sword / Pokémon Shield)

Complete these steps

1. Launch Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield from the Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch HOME Menu.

What do you want to do?

• Trade Pokémon
  1. Press the Y Button at any point during gameplay to access the Y-Comm Menu.
     • Y-Comm Menu is not available

       The Y-Comm Menu becomes available after you receive the Dynamax Band in the game.

  2. Press the + Button to toggle between Local or Internet communication.
     • The current communication mode appears in the upper-right corner of the screen (“Local Communication” or “Internet”).
  3. Select Link Trade.

  1. Do you want to trade with a friend or trade with anyone?

     Friend Anyone
  2. 1. Have both players:
        1. Check the upper-right corner to make sure that you’re each set to the same communication type – “Local Communication” or “Internet.”
        2. Select Set Link Code and enter the same eight-digit code.
        3. Select OK Aceptar OK OK .
        4. Select Yes to trade using the Link Code.
     2. The console will search for another local player that has entered the same code while you continue with your adventure. When another player is found, the trade menu will open.
     3. Choose the Pokemon you want to trade. The other player’s Pokemon will appear on the screen.
     4. Each player must select Trade it to complete the trade.

     1. Select Start trading.
     2. The console will search for another player to trade with as you continue your adventure. When another player is found, the trade menu will open.
     3. Choose the Pokemon you want to trade. The other player’s Pokemon will appear on the screen.
     4. Each player must select Trade it to complete the trade.
• Battle Another Player
  1. Press the Y Button at any point during gameplay to access the Y-Comm Menu.
     • Y-Comm Menu is not available

       The Y-Comm Menu becomes available after you receive the Dynamax Band in the game.

  2. Press the + Button to toggle between Local or Internet communication.
     • The current communication mode appears in the upper-right corner of the screen (“Local Communication” or “Internet”).
  3. Select Link Battle.

  1. Do you want to battle a friend or battle with anyone?

     Friend Anyone
  2. 1. Have all players:
        1. Check the upper-right corner to make sure that you’re each set to the same communication type – “Local Communication” or “Internet.”
        2. Press the + Button to select Set Link Code.
        3. Enter the same eight-digit code, then OK Aceptar OK OK .
        4. Everyone must choose the same type of battle (Single Battle, Double Battle, Multi Battle.)
           • Single Battle and Double Battle are two-player battles; Multi Battle is a four-player battle.
     2. The console will search for other local players that have entered the same code as you continue your adventure. When the players are found, the battle will begin!

     1. Choose the type of battle you want to play (Single Battle, Double Battle, Multi Battle).
        • Single Battle and Double Battle are two-player battles; Multi Battle is a four-player battle.
     2. The console will search for other local players as you continue your adventure. When the players are found, the battle will begin!
• Online Ranked Battles (Battle Stadium)

  Important: A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to use Battle Stadium.

  1. Press the X Button during gameplay to access the in-game menu, then select VS.
     • VS option is not available

       The VS option becomes available after you receive the Dynamax Band in the game.

  2. Select Battle Stadium.
  3. Choose the type of battle you want to play:
     • Casual – Battle other trainers around the world for fun
     • Ranked Battle – Compete in serious battles to for a high ranking
     • Online Competitions – Participate in ongoing competitions
  4. Read through the information about the type of battle you’ve chosen, then follow the onscreen directions to begin.