Do You Need Nintendo Online for Union Circle in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a longtime Pokémon fan and gaming enthusiast, one of the first questions I had when booting up Scarlet and Violet was – do I need Nintendo Online to access the new Union Circle features? After digging into the latest games, I have the answers.

What is the Union Circle in Scarlet and Violet?

The Union Circle allows you to team up and connect with friends and random players online for cooperative battles, surprise trades, Tera Raid events, and more multiplayer fun. It‘s a major new addition that brings Pokémon‘s social features to the next level.

Yes, You Need Nintendo Switch Online for the Full Experience

To get the most out of the Union Circle and play online with others in Scarlet and Violet, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required. This allows you to access online play, connect with friends on your list, join up with random players worldwide, and use communication features like voice chat.

Without a membership, you can still enjoy local wireless Union Circle connectivity if you have friends nearby. But you‘ll be missing out on a lot.

By the Numbers – How Popular is Nintendo Switch Online?

As of September 2022, Nintendo Switch Online had over 32 million members worldwide. This is up almost 8 million in the last year alone!

Nintendo‘s subscription service lets you:

  • Play games like Scarlet and Violet online
  • Access classic NES and SNES games
  • Use cloud saves
  • Get exclusive deals

Based on these features and Pokémon‘s popularity, I expect many Switch owners will continue signing up.

What Can You Do in Union Circle Without Nintendo Online?

While limited, there are still activities you can do without a membership:

  • Local wireless connectivity – Play cooperatively with nearby friends who are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. For example, in a college dorm or home with multiple Switch consoles.
  • Local trading – Trade Pokémon between Scarlet and Violet locally without internet. This allows version exclusive swapping.
  • Local battling – Battle your friends in person! Test your teams and see who comes out on top.

So local play is possible, just don‘t expect online access.

Weighing the Value – Is Nintendo Online Worth It?

In my opinion – yes, a Nintendo Online membership offers good value, especially for Pokémon players.

  • It unlocks Scarlet and Violet‘s online Union Circle features
  • You gain access to a library of over 130 classic games
  • Cloud save backup for your precious Pokémon journey
  • Special offers and DLC

At only $3.99 monthly or $19.99 annually, it‘s affordable for most gamers. And it lets you make the most of the Union Circle with online team ups worldwide!

For hardcore Scarlet and Violet players, Nintendo Online feels essential. But more casual fans can skip it and focus on local trading and battles if money is tight.

The Verdict – Nintendo Online is Highly Recommended!

While not 100% necessary, I highly recommend all Pokémon Scarlet and Violet gamers get a Nintendo Online membership. It really enhances the experience and lets you access the full breadth of social features with the awesome new Union Circle.

Connecting with friends worldwide, joining Tera Raids, surprise trading – online play opens up new ways to interact and catch ‘em all!

So don‘t let the cost deter you. For $20 annually, gain online access and unlock a classic game library too. Enjoy next-level Pokémon multiplayer mayhem! Any other Union Circle or Scarlet Violet questions? Let me know in the comments!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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