Pokemon Ultra Sun Update 1.2 -
Yes, unless you rely on an outdated mod. The fixes are minor but meaningful — especially if you trade or battle online. The update is tiny (only a few blocks) and won’t touch your save file.
According to the official patch notes (and community testing), update 1.2 addresses:
No Pokémon stats, moves, or encounter rates were changed. This is strictly a stability and bug-fix patch.
At the time of release, the reaction to Pokémon Ultra Sun Update 1.2 was generally positive but subdued.
Over time, however, legacy opinion has shifted. As preservationists work to keep 3DS games alive, Update 1.2 is now viewed as the definitive version of Ultra Sun. If you emulate or dump your cart, 1.2 remains the gold standard for stability.
Q: Does Update 1.2 add any new Pokémon or formes? A: No. All content (Dusk Lycanroc, Ultra Megalopolis, etc.) was already on the cartridge. 1.2 is purely backend fixes and balancing.
Q: Can I still catch Shiny Poipole after the update? A: Yes. The gift Poipole from the Ultra Megalopolis is not affected. However, the "soft-reset timing" trick to speed up the hunt no longer works post-1.2.
Q: Will my 1.1 save file work on 1.2? A: Absolutely. Your save data is fully compatible. The only caveat is that any battle videos saved in 1.1 will become unviewable after the update.
Q: Is there a Version 1.3? A: No. Version 1.2 was the final update for Pokémon Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon. Nintendo moved all resources to Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu/Eevee! in late 2018.
Have you noticed any other quirks in Pokémon Ultra Sun Update 1.2? Share your experiences below—just don't mention the warstory glitch; it's gone forever.
Version 1.2 update Pokémon Ultra Sun (released February 6, 2018) is a maintenance-focused patch primarily designed to restore competitive integrity. While it doesn't add new content, it is essential for anyone participating in online play or using QR Code events. Key Technical Fixes
The most critical part of this update is the resolution of a game-breaking bug affecting four specific moves. Move Glitch Fixes : Addressed a bug involving Forest's Curse Power Trick String Shot pokemon ultra sun update 1.2
that previously caused the game to freeze during Live Competitions and QR Code events. Competitive Reinstatement
: Due to this fix, these moves—which were temporarily banned from official Play! Pokémon tournaments—are now permitted for use again. Performance Stability
: The update includes "various fixes to improve gameplay," though these are generally minor stability adjustments not detailed in official Nintendo notes. Essential Update Details : The patch requires 539 Blocks (approximately 67.35 MB) of space on your SD card. Online Requirement
install this update to access any online features, including the Global Trade System (GTS), Wonder Trade, and Battle Spot. Battle Video Compatibility
: Once you update, any Battle Videos saved on Version 1.1 or earlier will no longer be playable or shareable. Verdict: A Necessary Maintenance Patch
If you are a competitive player or frequently trade online, this update is mandatory. For casual solo players, the fixes for freezing during specific move animations offer a smoother experience, even if you never intend to battle another player online.
The Version 1.2 update for Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon
, released in late 2017, serves as a critical example of how minor technical refinements can significantly preserve the integrity of a competitive gaming ecosystem. While it did not introduce new story content or Pokémon, the patch was essential for maintaining the balance and functionality of the Alola region's final chapter. Stabilizing the Competitive Meta
The primary focus of Update 1.2 was the resolution of game-breaking bugs that affected high-level play. Most notably, the patch addressed issues with specific moves and Pokémon interactions:
Move Glitches: It fixed a bug where certain moves, such as Ion Deluge, did not function correctly in competitive battles.
Loto-ID Mechanics: It corrected a technical error that occasionally caused the game to crash or behave erratically when interacting with the ID Lottery system. Yes, unless you rely on an outdated mod
Move Tutor Errors: A few instances where Pokémon were unable to learn specific moves they were entitled to via the new Move Tutors in Ultra Sun and Moon were rectified. Enhancing the User Experience
Beyond competitive balance, Version 1.2 aimed to smooth out the general gameplay experience. Players had reported infrequent crashes during the Ultra Warp Ride minigame—a core feature used to encounter Legendary Pokémon and Ultra Beasts. By stabilizing these segments, Nintendo and Game Freak ensured that the hunt for rare "Shiny" Pokémon remained a test of patience rather than a risk of hardware instability. Mandatory Synchronization
As is standard with the Nintendo 3DS era of Pokémon, this update was mandatory for all players wishing to access online features. This included: Global Link: Synchronizing data for online competitions.
Wonder Trade and GTS: Ensuring all traded Pokémon carried legal move-sets and data.
Battle Spot: Preventing "version mismatch" errors where one player’s game might process a bugged move differently than their opponent’s.
In conclusion, while Update 1.2 may seem like a footnote in the history of the franchise, it represented the "polishing" phase of the seventh generation. By addressing these lingering technical flaws, the developers ensured that Pokémon Ultra Sun could stand as a stable and reliable platform for both casual explorers and the world’s top competitive trainers.
The Version 1.2 update for Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon addresses key bugs, including move-induced crashes and evolution issues, while enhancing overall game stability. This mandatory update is required for accessing online features such as Festival Plaza and Battle Spot. For more details, visit the Nintendo eShop.
Pokémon Ultra Sun version 1.2 was a critical patch released by Nintendo and Game Freak to address specific bugs that hindered the gameplay experience shortly after the game's launch. While it did not introduce new Pokémon or story content, it remains a mandatory download for anyone looking to access the game's online features or ensure a stable playthrough. Why the 1.2 Update Was Necessary
The primary goal of version 1.2 was stability. Before this patch, players encountered several "soft-lock" bugs and move-specific glitches that could ruin a competitive match or force a hard reset of the Nintendo 3DS system. By downloading this update, players ensured that their save files remained compatible with the Global Link and the Pokémon Bank. Key Fixes and Improvements The update focused on three major areas of the game:
Move Glitches: Fixed a bug where moves like Wide Guard and Ion Deluge did not function correctly in specific battle scenarios.
Z-Move Stability: Addressed an issue where using a Z-Move could occasionally cause the game to crash or behave erratically. No Pokémon stats, moves, or encounter rates were changed
Online Compatibility: Required for all "Battle Spot" activities, including Rated Battles and Online Competitions, to ensure all players were on the same version. How to Download the Update
Updating your copy of Pokémon Ultra Sun is straightforward. You can follow these steps: Connect your Nintendo 3DS to the internet. Open the Nintendo eShop from the home menu. Search for "Pokémon Ultra Sun Update." Select "Update Ver. 1.2" and tap "Download."
Alternatively, the console may prompt you to update automatically when you launch the game while connected to Wi-Fi. Data and Storage
The update requires roughly 539 blocks of free space on your SD card. It is important to note that after installing version 1.2, any Battle Videos recorded on previous versions (1.0 or 1.1) will no longer be playable. Summary of Changes Fix Status Wide Guard Bug Ion Deluge Bug Online Battles Enabled (Required) System Stability
🚀 Pro Tip: Always keep your 3DS firmware updated alongside the game patch to prevent connectivity errors when trading or battling with friends. If you are having trouble with the update, let me know: What error code are you seeing? Do you have enough SD card space? Are you using a physical cartridge or a digital download? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
As with all major Pokémon patches, dataminers went to work. Here is what they found lurking in the code of Pokémon Ultra Sun Update 1.2:
This is a quality-of-life change rarely discussed. You can now press the "B" button immediately after inputting a Z-Move to skip the long pose animation. The damage still calculates, but the player avatar no longer freezes for 2.5 seconds. This cut online match times by an average of 8 seconds per Z-Move.
When Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon launched in November 2017, they were hailed as definitive versions of the Alola region. However, like any major RPG, Game Freak continued to support the titles with post-launch patches. Among these, Pokémon Ultra Sun Update 1.2 stands out as the most significant.
Released in late April 2018, Version 1.2 wasn't just a routine bug fixer. It was a tactical update that altered online functionality, tied directly into competitive battling events, and quietly changed how players interacted with the Nintendo 3DS servers. This article dives deep into every aspect of the 1.2 update, why it mattered then, and what it means for players revisiting the game today.
If you’re still making your way through Alola — or revisiting it on your 3DS — you might have noticed a small but significant update for Pokémon Ultra Sun (and Ultra Moon). Version 1.2 quietly dropped a while back, and while it doesn’t add new story content, it fixes a few critical things.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 1.2 update.