| If you… | Recommendation | |---------|----------------| | Want to play offline with QoL improvements and don’t mind unofficial changes | Yes, but verify the source | | Play online or value save integrity | No – stick with official 1.1 | | Are curious but new to 3DS hacking | No – learn Luma patching first |
The “Pokémon Ultra Sun – Update 1.2” isn’t a lost Nintendo release – it’s a fan-made enhancement pack wrapped in the CIA format. For offline players looking to breathe new life into Alola, it’s an interesting curiosity. But for purists or online battlers, it’s best left in the realm of homebrew experiments.
Have you encountered a custom “1.2” update? What features did it include? Share your experience in the comments – and as always, back up your save first!
Disclaimer: This post is for educational and archival purposes. Modifying game files may violate terms of service. Always dump your own game copies and patch locally.
The Pokémon Ultra Sun Update 1.2 is a critical software patch for the Nintendo 3DS title released to address specific gameplay-breaking bugs and maintain online compatibility. For players using customized hardware, this update is often found in the CIA (CTR Importable Archive) format, which allows for manual installation via homebrew tools like FBI or through emulators like Citra. Key Fixes in Update 1.2
The primary goal of version 1.2 was to resolve technical glitches that hindered both casual play and competitive tournaments.
Move-Induced Freezing: The update fixed a critical bug where using the moves Curse, Forest’s Curse, Power Trick, or String Shot could cause the game to freeze during Live Competitions. Because of this, these moves were briefly banned from official Play! Pokémon tournaments until the patch was released.
Ion Deluge: A glitch that caused the move Ion Deluge to stop functioning entirely was corrected.
Online Access: This update is mandatory for players wishing to access any of the game's online features, including the Global Trade System (GTS) and Battle Spot.
Battle Videos: Be aware that after installing version 1.2, any Battle Videos saved on previous versions can no longer be played or shared. File Specifications Pokemon Ultra Sun: Update 1.2 3DS (WORLD) CIA ... - Ziperto
Pokémon Ultra Sun Update 1.2 is the final official software patch released for the Nintendo 3DS titles Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon. Update Details Release Date: February 6, 2018. File Size: Approximately 539 blocks. Key Fixes:
Resolved a bug where the move Ion Deluge did not function correctly.
Fixed a freezing issue occurring in Live Competitions when using the moves Curse, Forest's Curse, Power Trick, or String Shot. Applied various minor gameplay improvements and bug fixes.
Requirement: This update is mandatory for all online features, including Trading, Battle Spot, and Live Competitions. Technical File Information (CIA) In the context of 3DS homebrew and emulation:
The Pokémon Ultra Sun Update 1.2 for the Nintendo 3DS is a vital patch released to stabilize competitive play and resolve several critical bugs. Weighing in at approximately 539 blocks (about 67 MiB), this update is mandatory for accessing any online features, including the Global Trade Station (GTS) and Live Competitions. Key Bug Fixes in Version 1.2
The primary focus of this update was addressing game-breaking freezes related to specific moves during high-stakes battles.
Move Stabilization: Fixed a major glitch where moves like Curse, Forest's Curse, Power Trick, and String Shot would cause the game to freeze during Live Competitions. These moves were temporarily banned from official play until this patch was released. Pokemon Ultra Sun- Update 1.2 3DS -WORLD- CIA -...
Ion Deluge Fix: Resolved an issue where the move Ion Deluge would fail to function entirely.
Pokédex Registration: Fixed a bug that sometimes prevented Pokémon received via Mystery Gift from being registered in the Pokédex. Managing CIA Files and Installation
For users managing their 3DS library via CIA files, there are specific technical considerations:
If you are looking to get your copy of Pokémon Ultra Sun up to speed, Version 1.2 is a critical patch for both performance and competitive play. Released in early 2018, this update remains the standard for anyone wanting to access online features or maintain game stability. Update 1.2: Core Fixes & Features
The primary focus of this update was resolving several high-profile move-related glitches that caused the game to freeze or crash during battles. Move Stability: It fixed a critical bug where using moves like Forest’s Curse Power Trick String Shot would cause the game to freeze during Live Competitions. Ion Deluge Fix: Resolved an issue where the move Ion Deluge failed to function correctly. VGC Re-entry:
These fixes allowed the moves mentioned above to be unbanned from official Video Game Championship (VGC) tournaments. Online Access: This update is
for all online functionality, including the Festival Plaza, GTS, and Wonder Trade. Technical Breakdown (CIA & 3DS)
For users managing their games through a Custom Firmware (CFW) setup, here is what you need to know about the Update 1.2 file: The update takes up approximately 539 blocks (roughly 67 MB) on your SD card. Version Tag:
Once installed, you will see "Ver. 1.2" on the game’s title screen. World / Region Free: Many CIA repositories like the
list these updates as "WORLD" or "Region Free," meaning the update file is often compatible across different regional versions of the base game (USA, EUR, JPN). Battle Videos:
Be aware that installing this update will make any Battle Videos recorded on older versions (1.0 or 1.1) unusable. Common Issues & Troubleshooting
If you are seeing an "Update Required" prompt even after installing the CIA, consider the following:
Update 1.2 for Pokémon Ultra Sun (and Ultra Moon) is a critical performance and stability patch primarily released to resolve game-breaking bugs that affected both competitive play and general gameplay. Key Patch Highlights Move Glitch Fixes:
The primary focus of Update 1.2 was fixing a bug where using Forest's Curse Power Trick String Shot
could cause the game to freeze during Live Competitions or QR Code events. Competitive Unbanning:
Due to these freezes, those four moves were temporarily banned from official Play! Pokémon tournaments; the 1.2 update successfully lifted these bans. Ion Deluge Fix: Resolved an issue where the move Ion Deluge failed to function correctly. Mystery Gift Registration: Disclaimer: This post is for educational and archival
Fixed a bug that sometimes prevented Pokémon received via Mystery Gift from being registered in the Pokédex. Battle Video Compatibility: Note that after installing this update, any Battle Videos
saved on previous versions can no longer be played or shared. Technical Details for 3DS Users
Update 1.2 Pokémon Ultra Sun (released February 7, 2018) is a technical patch primarily focused on fixing critical bugs that affected competitive and online play. It is a mandatory update for anyone wishing to use the game's online functionality. Key Features & Bug Fixes Move Stability : Fixed a major glitch where using the moves Forest’s Curse Power Trick String Shot
during QR Code events or Live Competitions could cause the game to freeze. Ion Deluge Fix : Resolved an issue where the move Ion Deluge did not function correctly. Tournament Re-entry
: Due to the fix for move-related crashes, the moves Curse, Forest's Curse, Power Trick, and String Shot were officially unbanned from the Video Game Championships. Battle Video Compatibility
: After installing this update, any Battle Videos saved before Version 1.2 can no longer be played or shared. General Stability
: Included "various fixes" intended to improve the overall gameplay experience and system stability. Technical Details
The Pokémon Ultra Sun Version 1.2 update is a critical maintenance patch for Nintendo 3DS owners, primarily aimed at fixing game-breaking glitches that occurred during competitive play. This "World" or "Region Free" update ensures that your game is compatible with online features regardless of your local region. Key Patch Notes for Version 1.2
The update mainly addresses freezing issues during Live Competitions and QR Code events.
Move Stability: Fixed a glitch where using Curse, Forest's Curse, Power Trick, or String Shot could cause the game to freeze during battles.
Ion Deluge Fix: Resolved an issue where the move Ion Deluge was not functioning correctly.
Online Access: This update is mandatory for all online functionality, including the Festival Plaza, GTS, and Wonder Trade.
Battle Videos: Unlike some previous patches, this update was noted by some users as being minor enough to not break existing battle videos. Update Details Size: Approximately 539 Blocks (approx. 67 MB). Platform: Nintendo 3DS family of systems. Availability: Released on February 6, 2018. Installation for Different Users
Updating Pokemon Ultra Sun Region Free version : r/3dspiracy
Pokémon Ultra Sun Update 1.2 is a mandatory patch required for all online features. Released in early 2018, it primarily addresses game-breaking glitches during competitive play and QR Code events. Key Changes & Fixes
The update fixes several specific bugs that previously caused the game to freeze during Live Competitions or QR events: If you are using a physical cartridge or a base 1
Move Glitches: Fixed a major bug where using Curse, Forest's Curse, Power Trick, or String Shot could cause the game to freeze. These moves were unbanned from tournaments following the patch.
Ion Deluge: Resolved an issue where the move Ion Deluge would no longer function correctly.
Online Stability: Required for all online functionality, including the Festival Plaza and Link Battles.
Battle Videos: Note that after installing, Battle Videos saved prior to the update may no longer be playable or shareable. How to Install the 1.2 Update
The update requires approximately 539 Blocks of space on your SD card. Method 1: Official Nintendo Update (Recommended) Ensure your Nintendo 3DS is connected to the Internet. Open the Nintendo eShop from the Home Menu.
Search for "Pokémon Ultra Sun Update" or find it in the "Settings/Other" -> "Updates" section. Select the Version 1.2 update and download it.
Once finished, launch the game; "v1.2" should appear on the title screen. Method 2: For Custom Firmware (CFW) Users
If you are using a modified 3DS and cannot access the eShop, you can install the update as a .cia file:
via FBI: Transfer the Update 1.2 [WORLD].cia file to your SD card and install it using the FBI Homebrew app.
via hShop: You can download and install the update directly using the hShop/3hs app on your 3DS.
Troubleshooting: If the game continues to prompt for an update after installation, ensure the update region matches your game's region (e.g., a "WORLD" update for a "WORLD/USA" game). If it still fails, use FBI to delete the existing update and ticket before reinstalling.
Having trouble with multiple Pokemon Ultra Sun CIAs : r/3dspiracy
Disclaimer: This guide is intended for educational purposes and for users who wish to back up and update games they legally own. Downloading or distributing copyrighted ROMs or CIA files you do not own a physical license for is illegal.
If you are using a physical cartridge or a base 1.0 ROM, you are missing significant changes. The 1.2 update (approximately 600–800 MB in unpacked size) introduced:
Some users mistakenly believe Update 1.2 adds new Pokémon, areas, or story content – it does not. That confusion leads to unnecessary downloading.
As of 2026, no official source exists for 3DS updates. The -WORLD- CIA files have been hash-verified by the “No-Intro” and “3DS Scene” groups, ensuring they are 1:1 byte-for-byte copies of the eShop data. They function as time capsules.
