Complete guide to Pokemon BDSP update 1.1.3 changes, patch notes analysis, and practical installation tips
Understanding the December 21 Update
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl received their third post-launch patch on December 21, delivering update 1.1.3 to Nintendo Switch players worldwide. This maintenance release arrived just before the holiday season, following the previous 1.1.2 update by approximately three weeks. While Nintendo’s official documentation remains characteristically brief, dedicated trainers have been methodically uncovering the specific improvements and fixes implemented in this substantial 3GB download.
This incremental update represents Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to refining the Sinnoh remakes’ experience, addressing lingering technical issues that emerged following the games’ November launch. Unlike major content expansions, version 1.1.3 focuses primarily on quality-of-life enhancements and stability improvements. The timing suggests developers aimed to resolve certain problems before players engaged in extended holiday gaming sessions, though the company’s minimalist patch note tradition leaves much to community discovery.
Detailed Patch Analysis and Discovered Changes
Nintendo’s official English patch notes for update 1.1.3 consist of a single, frustratingly vague line: “Fixed some issues for more pleasant gameplay.” This minimalist approach contrasts sharply with the detailed documentation provided on Pokemon’s Japanese website, highlighting regional differences in patch communication standards. The Japanese site reveals more substantive information, including preparations for expanding Union Room capacity—a change scheduled for proper implementation in a future update.
Community investigators have identified several concrete modifications. The “repel wearing off” notification text has been revised to “The Repel’s effect wore off,” providing clearer communication about item expiration. More significantly, the widely-reported glitch allowing premature access to Shaymin on Route 224 has been conclusively patched out. This sequence break, documented by Game8 and other resources, enabled players to encounter the mythical Pokemon before intended story progression, potentially disrupting narrative flow and balance.
The Pokemon Company / Game Freak The Global Wonder Station construction progresses toward completion in Jubilife City following update 1.1.3.
Development progress continues on the Global Wonder Station, with the NPC blocking access in Jubilife City reportedly nearing completion of their work. This infrastructure prepares the foundation for Wonder Trade functionality—a beloved feature from later Pokemon generations conspicuously absent from the initial BDSP release. While not immediately available, its imminent introduction suggests Nintendo plans to gradually restore features familiar to modern Pokemon players.
The Pokemon Company / ILCAShaymin’s early encounter method via a specific glitch has been removed, restoring intended progression pacing.
Practical Impact on Gameplay and Features
For competitive players and completionists, the Shaymin glitch patch carries significant implications. This fix prevents trainers from obtaining the Gratitude Pokemon before completing specific post-game requirements, maintaining intended difficulty curves and narrative payoff. Players who utilized this exploit prior to the update should note their progress remains unaffected, but the method is now inaccessible to those who haven’t updated—creating a strategic decision point about whether to delay updating for advantage.
Common Mistake Alert: Some players mistakenly believe updating eliminates Shaymin entirely from their save files. This is incorrect—the patch only prevents the specific glitch-based early encounter method. Shaymin remains obtainable through legitimate means after fulfilling necessary story conditions. Always verify information through official channels before acting on patch-related rumors.
The Union Room capacity expansion, while not yet active, signals Nintendo’s commitment to enhancing multiplayer social features. This improvement will particularly benefit trading communities and players organizing group activities within Sinnoh’s revamped underground system. As BDSP’s player base stabilizes post-launch, these quality-of-life enhancements help maintain engagement among dedicated trainers.
Optimization Tip: Advanced players should monitor unofficial patch tracking resources like community forums and dedicated gaming websites between official Nintendo communications. These sources often identify undocumented changes, balance adjustments, or hidden preparations for future content that aren’t mentioned in official patch notes, providing competitive advantages to informed trainers.
Step-by-Step Update Installation Guide
Installing update 1.1.3 follows standard Nintendo Switch update procedures. From your console’s home screen, navigate to the Pokemon Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl icon. Press the ‘+’ button on your right Joy-Con or Pro Controller to access the options menu. Select “Software Update” followed by “Via the Internet.” Your Switch will automatically download and install the approximately 3GB update file. Ensure you maintain stable internet connectivity throughout this process to prevent corruption.
Verification is straightforward once installation completes. Launch the game and check the version number displayed on the title screen’s bottom-right corner—it should read “Ver. 1.1.3.” For additional confirmation, attempt the previously-mentioned Shaymin glitch on Route 224; if the game prevents the sequence break, your update installed successfully. Some players report minor performance improvements in crowded areas like Jubilife City following update application, though these enhancements aren’t officially documented.
These notes are currently being updated as community discovery continues.
Additional Resources and Related Guides
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For comprehensive Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl assistance beyond patch updates, explore our detailed guides covering essential gameplay elements. Key resources include: All Rare Candy locations | Where to find Cresselia | How to get the National Pokedex | Best starter to pick | Beating all Gym Leaders | How to get all Sinnoh starters | Best ways to make money | How to unlock Mystery Gifts | How to get Eevee | How to get Leafeon | How to get Glaceon | How to get Umbreon & Espeon | Where to catch Spiritomb | How to get Riolu & Lucario | Where to find Gible & Garchomp | How to unlock the Bike | All trade evolutions
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