Today, alongside the release of their first wave of downloadable content (DLC), Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have received a substantial update, introducing numerous new features and enhancing the overall gameplay experience. The best part is that these updates are available to all players, regardless of whether they have purchased the DLC or not.
As reported by Nintendo Life, one notable change is the overhaul of the in-game camera app. Players will now capture photos using the ‘A’ button instead of the Nintendo Switch capture button. Additionally, players can experiment with playing music while taking pictures to observe how nearby NPCs and companion Pokémon react, reminiscent of the mechanics in New Pokémon Snap. Moreover, players who join others in a Union Circle (co-op) can now easily share the pictures they take during the co-op session with each other.

The update also brings significant quality-of-life improvements. For instance, when using TM Machines, players now have the option to display only the moves that their Pokémon can learn. This eliminates the need to waste time scrolling through TMs that aren’t relevant to their Pokémon.
Have you ever been confused by the constantly rotating mini-map while exploring Paldea? If so, you’re in luck! The new update allows you to lock the mini-map in a fixed north-facing position by opening the full map and pressing the right stick twice. This improvement makes it much easier to determine the direction you are heading.
- Advertisement -
Furthermore, when a Pokémon is following you in the overworld, you can now command it to stop moving by pressing the left stick once. This feature proves invaluable for capturing the perfect photos, as it can be challenging to get your Pokémon to stay in the desired position.
The update also includes various bug fixes and minor adjustments. For instance, wild Pokémon with the Titan Mark can now respawn if accidentally knocked out. The descriptive text for some moves has been corrected, addressing a longstanding issue. Additionally, a bug preventing the Itemfinder Mark from being awarded to a Pokémon has been resolved.
Perhaps the most exciting part of the patch notes is the mention of adjustments to the way Pokémon icons are displayed in the Boxes. Preliminary tests indicate that these icons now load faster than before. Players previously experienced significant loading delays when browsing through their Boxes, and this change promises a smoother and more enjoyable browsing experience for captured Pokémon.
In conclusion, the latest update for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet brings a host of improvements and exciting features to enhance the gameplay experience for all players. Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or just starting your journey, these updates are sure to make your adventure in the Pokémon world even more enjoyable.