Pokemon Ultra Sun Update 1.2 Updated -
The Pokémon Ultra Sun Version 1.2 update was released on February 6, 2018, primarily to fix critical bugs that caused the game to freeze during competitive play. Key Patch Details
Release Date: February 6, 2018 (North America) / February 7, 2018 (Europe and Japan).
File Size: Approximately 539 blocks (about 67.35 MB) of space on the Nintendo 3DS SD card.
Requirement: This update is mandatory for accessing all online features, including Link Battles and the Global Trade System (GTS). Major Bug Fixes
The primary focus of this patch was resolving a glitch where specific moves would cause the game to crash or freeze during Live Competitions and QR Code events. Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Version 1.2 Patch
Title: The Final Patch: Analying the Significance of Pokémon Ultra Sun Update 1.2
In the modern era of gaming, the relationship between a developer and a player does not end at the point of purchase. Through the ubiquity of internet connectivity, video games have evolved into living platforms, subject to tweaks, balances, and fixes long after they have shipped. Within the context of the Pokémon franchise, few updates were as pivotal yet understated as Version 1.2 for Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Released in late 2017, this update was not merely a series of bug fixes; it represented the final bridging of the gap between the seventh-generation titles and the then-upcoming Pokémon Sword and Shield, securing the legacy of the Nintendo 3DS era.
To understand the gravity of Update 1.2, one must first recognize the state of the franchise at the time of its release. Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon were the swan songs of the main series on the Nintendo 3DS hardware. They were dense, feature-rich games that pushed the aging handheld to its limits. However, they were released into a changing ecosystem where the concept of "Game as a Service" was taking hold. The earlier Version 1.1 update had already laid the groundwork for online functionality, but Version 1.2 was the essential finishing touch required to integrate these titles into the broader Pokémon ecosystem, specifically regarding connectivity with the Pokémon Global Link (PGL) and the Pokémon Bank.
The primary functional significance of Update 1.2 was its role in maintaining competitive viability. The Pokémon Global Link was the central hub for competitive players, hosting Rating Battles and Online Competitions. Without this update, players would have been locked out of participating in official online events. This update ensured that the metadata exchanged between the game cartridge and Nintendo’s servers was accurate, allowing for the proper sanctioning of battles. In a franchise where the competitive "meta" is constantly shifting, an update that fails to synchronize with the central server renders the game obsolete for a significant portion of the fanbase. Thus, Version 1.2 was a necessary lifeline for the competitive community.
Furthermore, the update was critical for the preservation and migration of Pokémon, a core tenet of the series' appeal. It introduced full compatibility updates for the Pokémon Bank, the cloud-based storage system that allowed creatures to be transferred between generations. As the bridge between the 3DS era and the impending Nintendo Switch era, Ultra Sun needed to be fully functional to ensure that players' collections—some of which spanned back over a decade—could be moved forward. By patching potential data transfer errors and ensuring bank compatibility, Version 1.2 safeguarded the continuity of the player’s personal history.
Beyond the technical infrastructure, Update 1.2 served a vital quality-of-life function. Like its predecessor updates, it addressed software bugs that could hinder progression or crash the game. In the intricate code of Ultra Sun, which featured complex mechanics like Ultra Wormhole rides and the Battle Agency, the potential for glitches was high. By resolving these stability issues, the developers ensured that the single-player experience remained immersive and frustration-free. This is particularly important for Ultra Sun, a game praised for its post-game content; an update that stabilizes the "post-game" ensures the title retains replay value long after the credits roll. pokemon ultra sun update 1.2
However, the update also highlights a point of contention in modern gaming culture: the necessity of patching. The fact that a player purchasing a physical cartridge of Pokémon Ultra Sun today cannot access all online features or transfer Pokémon without first downloading a separate patch serves as a reminder of the ephemeral nature of modern software. While the update fixed problems, it also cemented the idea that the "definitive" version of a game no longer exists solely on a physical cartridge, but rather in the combination of that cartridge and the downloadable data stored on Nintendo’s servers.
In conclusion, Pokémon Ultra Sun Update 1.2 was far more than a routine maintenance check. It was the crucial infrastructure update that stabilized the final main-series entry on the Nintendo 3DS. By enabling seamless connectivity with the Pokémon Global Link and ensuring compatibility with Pokémon Bank, it allowed the game to serve its purpose as a bridge between hardware generations. While it addressed necessary bug fixes, its true legacy lies in how it preserved the competitive integrity of the title and ensured that the collection of digital creatures players had grown attached to could survive the transition into the future of the franchise.
Here’s an interesting, concise piece tailored for “Pokémon Ultra Sun Update 1.2” — focusing on its hidden legacy, since this update is relatively obscure today.
Title: The 1.2 Ghost: Pokémon Ultra Sun’s Most Overlooked Patch
When players think of Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon updates, they remember Version 1.1—the mandatory patch that added the Mythical Zeraora and fixed online connectivity. Version 1.2, released quietly in early 2018, barely registered. No new Pokémon. No new moves. Yet, for dataminers and competitive veterans, it told a fascinating story.
What 1.2 actually did:
- Stamped out the “DNS Exploit” – A clever trick that let players retrieve old Event Pokémon via fan-run servers. 1.2 didn’t remove the Pokémon you’d already claimed, but it permanently blocked the backdoor.
- Patched the “Festival Plaza Cloning Glitch” – A convoluted but popular method to duplicate rare items (Golden Bottle Caps, Lucky Eggs). Gone overnight.
- Minor Battle Spot adjustments – Behind the scenes, it tweaked matchmaking logic for Ultra Series rules, but no official patch notes ever detailed this.
The real intrigue?
Data miners found unused placeholder data for three unreleased Event distributions—including a shiny Poipole (later given out, but with a different Wonder Card ID) and a mysterious “Z-Crystal slot” that never went live. Many suspect 1.2 was supposed to enable a final Global Mission or tie into Pokémon GO connectivity, but those plans were scrapped when development shifted to Let’s Go, Pikachu/Eevee.
Why it matters today:
If you own a physical cartridge of Ultra Sun still on Version 1.0 or 1.1, you’re sitting on a time capsule. Updating to 1.2 permanently locks you out of those old glitches—but also breaks compatibility with certain fan-run online servers. For purists, staying on 1.1 is the ultimate flex. For historians, 1.2 marks the exact moment Game Freak closed the book on Alola, leaving behind ghost data of what could have been.
Verdict: Not exciting for casual players. Fascinating for archivists.
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Update 1.2 was primarily a bug-fix patch released on February 7, 2018, to resolve critical game-freezing issues during competitive play. www.pocketmonsters.net Key Fixes & Changes Move Glitch Fixes : Fixed a bug where using the moves Forest’s Curse Power Trick String Shot The Pokémon Ultra Sun Version 1
could cause the game to freeze during Live Competitions or QR Code events. Competitive Unbans
: Due to the fix, these four moves were officially unbanned from Play! Pokémon video game tournaments. Ion Deluge : Resolved an issue where the move Ion Deluge would fail to function correctly. Online Requirement
: This update is required to access any of the game's online functionalities. Battle Videos
: Once the update is installed, any Battle Videos saved in previous versions (v1.1 or earlier) can no longer be played or shared. www.pocketmonsters.net Technical Details Download Size : Approximately 539 blocks of space on your SD card. Availability : Downloadable via the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. www.pocketmonsters.net
For a complete history of all technical adjustments and minor patches, refer to the Serebii Update Archive installing this update on a specific device, or are you interested in competitive strategies for the moves that were unbanned? Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Version 1.2 Patch
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
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 Title: The 1
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.
C. Festival Plaza Sorting
The VIP list no longer randomly deletes friends after a local wireless communication drop. Additionally, the "Facility Ranks" for shops like the Lottery and Kitchen became easier to view without hitting dead-end dialogue.
7. Community Reception: Was It Worth It?
At the time of release, the reaction to Pokémon Ultra Sun Update 1.2 was generally positive but subdued.
- The Pros: It fixed game-breaking bugs, enabled the final VGC season, and made Zeraora usable. Competitive players called it "essential."
- The Cons: Casual fans were disappointed. Many hoped for additional post-game episodes (like the Rainbow Rocket episode in the base game) or new Ultra Wormhole legendary Pokémon. The patch added no new story content.
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.
Should You Update?
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.
Pokémon Ultra Sun Update 1.2: A Complete Breakdown of Changes, Secrets, and Legacy
When Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon launched in November 2017, they were hailed as definitive editions of the Alola region—richer stories, tougher challenges, and the introduction of the terrifying Ultra Necrozma. However, like any modern RPG, the games required post-launch support. Enter Version 1.2, the final major patch for the 3DS titles.
For many casual players, the Pokémon Ultra Sun Update 1.2 might have seemed like a minor bug-fix. But for competitive battlers, shiny hunters, and speedrunners, this patch was monumental. Released in early 2018, it fundamentally altered the game's balancing, fixed infamous exploits, and shifted the meta for online play.
Below, we dissect every aspect of Update 1.2—from the mundane to the game-breaking.