Pokémon Ultra Sun Version 1.2 Update is the final official software patch for the game, released in February 2018. It primarily serves to fix critical gameplay glitches and is mandatory for any remaining local or wireless features. Nintendo Support Update Overview Release Date:
February 6, 2018 (North America) / February 7, 2018 (Europe/Japan). File Size: Approximately 67.35 MB (539 blocks). Often distributed as a
or region-free CIA, meaning it is compatible with game copies from different regions (EUR/USA). Key Fixes and Changes
The update was designed to address specific technical issues rather than adding new content: Move Glitches: Fixed a bug where using the moves Forest’s Curse Power Trick String Shot
during QR Code events or Live Competitions would cause the game to freeze. Online Stability: Implemented "various fixes to improve gameplay". Battle Videos:
Please note that after installing this update, any battle videos saved prior to version 1.2 cannot be played or shared Nintendo Everything Technical Details for CIA/3DS Homebrew For users on custom firmware (CFW) using tools like , here is how the update works:
Installing the Pokémon Ultra Sun v1.2 World Update on a modded 3DS is a standard procedure, but ensuring it "works" depends on matching your game’s region or using a verified "Region Free" source. Quick Compatibility Check
World CIA: This update is designed to be "Region Free" and should work with copies of Ultra Sun from any region. pokemon ultra sun update 12 3ds world cia work
eShop vs. CIA: While the 3DS eShop is closed for new purchases, you can still download updates for games you own through the Home Menu or eShop "Updates" section. However, if your base game is a CIA, using an update CIA from a reliable source like hShop is often more reliable for compatibility. Step-by-Step Installation Guide 1. Preparation
Ensure your 3DS has Custom Firmware (Luma3DS) and the FBI homebrew app installed.
Check your SD card space; the v1.2 update is approximately 67 MiB. 2. Obtain the Correct File
Download the Pokémon Ultra Sun Update v1.2 (World) CIA. Highly recommended sources include hShop or Ziperto.
Place the .cia file in a folder on your SD card (e.g., /cias/). 3. Install via FBI Open the FBI app on your 3DS. Navigate to SD -> your folder (e.g., cias). Select the update CIA and choose Install and delete CIA.
Once finished, press Home to exit. You may see a "New software added" gift wrap; this is the update data. 4. Verify the Update Launch Pokémon Ultra Sun.
On the game's title screen, look for "Ver 1.2" in the corner. If it still says 1.0 or 1.1, the installation failed or you installed the wrong region's update. Troubleshooting Common Issues Issue "Update Required" loop Pokémon Ultra Sun Version 1
This often means the internal version number of your base game CIA is incorrect. Try installing a clean base game from hShop and then re-applying the 1.2 update. Game Crashes at Launch
Ensure "Enable Game Patching" is on. Hold Select while booting the console to enter the Luma3DS menu, check the box, and press Start to save. Region Mismatch
If the game doesn't recognize the update, the "World" CIA might not be truly region-free for your specific dump. Try an update specific to your region (USA or EUR) instead. Why Update to 1.2? The 1.2 update fixed several critical bugs, including: Updates Region Free - hShop
Pokémon Ultra Sun is an upgraded version of Pokémon Sun, released in 2017 for the Nintendo 3DS. It offers an enriched storyline, new Pokémon, and enhanced gameplay mechanics compared to its predecessor. The game is set in the tropical Alola region, providing a unique Pokémon adventure with a distinct setting and cultural influences.
Distributing or downloading Update 1.2 as a CIA from unauthorized sources infringes on Nintendo’s copyright and violates the DMCA’s anti-circumvention provisions. Even though the 3DS eShop is closed, the patch remains proprietary code. However, for preservationists and players in regions without past eShop access, CIA patching represents the only method to run a fully updated Ultra Sun. From a technical morality standpoint, owning a legal cartridge and dumping your own update (via GodMode9) from a friend’s updated console is legally gray but widely accepted in the modding community.
Source the Pokemon Ultra Sun Update v1.2 World.cia from a trusted ROM library (e.g., Internet Archive, CDRomance, or a scene release from “BigBlueBox” or “3DSCIA”). Check the hash if possible. The file size should be exactly 134,217,728 bytes (128 MB) or similar – if it’s 50 MB, it’s fake.
From a functional standpoint, Update 1.2 CIA works identically to an official eShop patch. Testing on Luma3DS CFW (boot9strap) confirms: Introduction to Pokémon Ultra Sun Pokémon Ultra Sun
Secure Value checks remain intact).However, caveats exist. Installing the wrong region’s update CIA (e.g., EUR update on a USA base game) will cause a black screen on launch. Additionally, because the 3DS’s title database does not expect manual CIAs, a “soft” update prompt may still appear on the home menu if the system detects a mismatched version signature—though this is cosmetic.
You must have the following:
Pokemon Ultra Sun (World).cia already installed and launched at least once.Pokemon Ultra Sun Update v1.2.cia (ensure it is not a "DLC" or "1.1" file).Before we discuss the technicalities, let’s review why Update v1.2 is non-negotiable. Released in late 2018, this patch is massive. It does not add new story content, but it fixes critical bugs and adds compatibility for Pokémon Bank v1.4 and Pokémon Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon connectivity.
Key fixes in v1.2 include:
Without Update v1.2, your World CIA will function, but you will be locked out of modern online features and cross-generation transfers.
If you install the update but the version number doesn't change:
Cause: Official Nintendo 3DS servers are offline as of April 2024. You cannot use official online features anymore. Solution: You need to use Pretendo Network. Install the Pretendo Nimbus tool, then switch your 3DS to the Pretendo server. Update v1.2 is fully compatible with Pretendo’s custom servers for trading and battling.
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