Can I Use DLC on Both Sword and Shield? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely can use the Pokémon Sword and Shield DLC – specifically The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra – on both versions of the game. However, it’s crucial to understand how the DLC is tied to your Nintendo Account and not the specific game cartridge. This means that if you own both Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, you need to purchase the DLC separately for each game if you want to experience the content on both.
Understanding DLC Ownership and Usage
Think of it this way: the DLC isn’t directly embedded onto your physical or digital copy of the game. Instead, it’s linked to your Nintendo Account. When you purchase the DLC from the Nintendo eShop, it’s registered to your account. When you launch either Sword or Shield on your Nintendo Switch using that account, the game checks if you have the corresponding DLC license. If it finds it, you’re good to go!
Therefore, if you want to explore the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra in both your Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield adventures, you’ll need to purchase the expansion pass twice – once for each game. This can seem a bit frustrating, but it’s the standard approach for most Nintendo Switch DLC. This structure ensures that each game gets its own experience.
Why Purchase the DLC Separately?
The decision to require separate DLC purchases boils down to several factors. Each version of Pokémon typically contains exclusive content, Pokémon, and in-game events. The DLC content interacts differently depending on whether you’re playing Sword or Shield, including version-exclusive Pokémon spawns in the DLC areas. Requiring a separate purchase ensures that the specific DLC features can be tailored to the unique aspects of each game version. This also allows for unique challenges and experiences for both game versions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify how the Sword and Shield DLC works:
1. How do I purchase the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra DLC?
You can purchase the DLC, known as the Expansion Pass, from the Nintendo eShop. Simply navigate to the eShop on your Nintendo Switch, search for “Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass” or “Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass” (depending on which game you own), and complete the purchase. Make sure you buy the correct expansion pass for the specific game.
2. Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play the DLC?
A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required to access and play the core story content of The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra. However, it is required for online features such as trading and battling with other players in these areas.
3. Can I share the DLC with family members on the same Switch?
If you have multiple profiles on the same Nintendo Switch, and they all use the same Nintendo Account that purchased the DLC, then yes, all profiles on that Switch can access the DLC. However, if different profiles use different Nintendo Accounts, each account would need to purchase the DLC separately.
4. If I buy a physical copy of Sword or Shield, does the DLC come pre-installed?
No, the DLC does not come pre-installed on physical copies of Pokémon Sword or Shield. You must purchase and download it separately from the Nintendo eShop.
5. Will the DLC carry over if I upgrade to a new Nintendo Switch?
Yes, as long as you use the same Nintendo Account on your new Nintendo Switch, your purchased DLC will be available for download again. Nintendo Accounts are tied to your purchases.
6. What happens if I start the DLC and then lose my Nintendo Account?
Losing access to your Nintendo Account would mean losing access to the DLC associated with that account. It’s crucial to keep your account information secure and remember your login credentials. Contact Nintendo support immediately if you have lost access.
7. Is there a difference in the DLC content between Sword and Shield?
While the core story and areas are the same, there are version-exclusive Pokémon that appear in both The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra. This means you’ll encounter different Pokémon depending on whether you’re playing Sword or Shield.
8. Can I transfer Pokémon from the DLC areas to other games?
Yes, you can transfer Pokémon caught in The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra to other Pokémon games that are compatible with Pokémon HOME. This requires a paid subscription to Pokémon HOME for cloud storage and transfer capabilities.
9. Does the DLC change the main game’s storyline?
No, the DLC is separate from the main storyline of Pokémon Sword and Shield. You can access the DLC areas after reaching a certain point in the main game, but it doesn’t alter the original story.
10. How much storage space does the DLC require?
The DLC requires a relatively small amount of storage space on your Nintendo Switch. The exact size may vary slightly, but it’s generally around a few gigabytes per expansion.
11. Can I play the DLC even if I haven’t finished the main game?
You can access The Isle of Armor once you reach the Wild Area in the main game. You can access The Crown Tundra after completing a certain point after beginning Isle of Armor. You do not need to beat the Champion to access either, but doing so will increase your level of enjoyment as many Pokemon are more powerful.
12. Are there any special items included with the DLC?
Yes, purchasing the DLC often grants you special in-game items, such as clothing items, that are exclusive to the expansion. These items enhance your customization options.
13. Does the DLC ever go on sale?
Nintendo eShop sales are unpredictable, but it’s possible for the Expansion Pass to go on sale periodically. Keep an eye on the eShop for potential discounts.
14. Can I trade Pokémon between Sword and Shield DLC areas if I only have the DLC on one game?
Yes, you can trade Pokémon between players who own the DLC, even if you only own it on one game. This requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
15. Are there any educational benefits to playing Pokémon Sword and Shield and their DLC?
Absolutely! The Pokémon series, including Sword and Shield, fosters strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and even reading comprehension. The Games Learning Society explores these educational aspects of gaming in depth. Learn more about the connection between gaming and education at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Gaming can greatly impact learning.
In Conclusion
While the need to purchase the Pokémon Sword and Shield DLC separately for each game might seem inconvenient, understanding how Nintendo accounts and DLC licenses function explains the requirement. The unique version-exclusive Pokémon and experiences in each game justify the separate purchase for dedicated players. So, gear up, Trainers, and get ready to explore the captivating regions of The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra – on both your Sword and Shield adventures!
This article provides a clear and concise answer to the initial question while offering comprehensive guidance on the nuances of DLC ownership and usage for Pokémon Sword and Shield.