Unable to Access DLC (Pokémon Sword/Pokémon Shield)
Follow these steps if you purchased the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass or Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass and it is not appearing in game, or you receive the message "It seems there is some kind of problem. Please check your pass and speak to me again." when attempting to visit the Isle of Armor or Crown Tundra.
What to do
Ensure the console has been updated to the latest system menu version.
Check for any available software updates for the game.
How to update game software
Ensure the Nintendo Switch console is connected to the Internet.
From the HOME Menu, select the icon for the software you wish to update without starting the game or application.
Press the + Button or – Button on your controller, then select Software Update followed by Via the Internet.
For more details, see How to Update Software on Nintendo Switch.
Make sure you have progressed far enough in the game to access the DLC.
You will need to be able to reach Wedgehurst Station and have access to the Wild Area.
You'll be able to travel to the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra areas after battling the Galarian Slowpoke at Wedgehurst Station.
Make sure that you own the corresponding DLC for the game you own. Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass is only compatible with the Pokémon Sword game and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass is only compatible with the Pokémon Shield game.
Are you using a Physical Game Card or Virtual Game Card for Pokémon Sword / Pokémon Shield?
Remove the game card.
Delete the software data (not the save data) from the software menu options.
How to delete downloadable software
From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
Scroll down the options on the left and select Data Management.
On the right-hand side select Manage Software, then select the software you would like to delete.
Select Delete Software. The software and icon will be deleted from the HOME Menu. It can be redownloaded from the Nintendo eShop using the Nintendo Account that purchased it.
For more information, see How to Manage or Delete Downloadable Software.
Reinsert the game card.
Download any available software updates for the game.
How to update game software
Ensure the Nintendo Switch console is connected to the Internet.
From the HOME Menu, select the icon for the software you wish to update without starting the game or application.
Press the + Button or – Button on your controller, then select Software Update followed by Via the Internet.
For more details, see How to Update Software on Nintendo Switch.
If you purchased the DLC through the Nintendo eShop, redownload the DLC.
How to redownload software or DLC
Select Virtual Game Cards from the HOME Menu.
Select the user that purchased the game or DLC.
If you have enabled user verification, you may be prompted to confirm your identity by re-entering your password or entering a PIN.
Select the game or DLC you want to redownload from the list of your virtual game cards.
Select Options.
Select Download Data.
The game or DLC will begin downloading automatically. You can check the download status on the HOME Menu.
For more information, including how to download software and DLC that is not a Virtual Game Card, please read How to Redownload Nintendo Switch eShop Content.
Please note: If you own a physical game card that includes the game and Expansion Pass you do not need to redownload the DLC if you own the physical Pokémon Sword + Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass or Pokémon Shield + Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass software.
Launch the game and go to Wedgehurst Station.
The content should now be available to play once you've progressed far enough in the game.You will need to be able to reach Wedgehurst Station and have access to the Wild Area.
You'll be able to travel to the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra areas after battling the Galarian Slowpoke at Wedgehurst Station.
Delete the software data (not the save data) from the software menu options.
How to delete downloadable software
From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
Scroll down the options on the left and select Data Management.
On the right-hand side select Manage Software, then select the software you would like to delete.
Select Delete Software. The software and icon will be deleted from the HOME Menu. It can be redownloaded from the Nintendo eShop using the Nintendo Account that purchased it.
For more information, see How to Manage or Delete Downloadable Software.
Redownload the software and DLC.
How to redownload software or DLC
Select Virtual Game Cards from the HOME Menu.
Select the user that purchased the game or DLC.
If you have enabled user verification, you may be prompted to confirm your identity by re-entering your password or entering a PIN.
Select the game or DLC you want to redownload from the list of your virtual game cards.
Select Options.
Select Download Data.
The game or DLC will begin downloading automatically. You can check the download status on the HOME Menu.
For more information, including how to download software and DLC that is not a virtual game card, please read How to Redownload Nintendo Switch eShop Content.
Launch the game and go to Wedgehurst Station.
The content should now be available to play once you've progressed far enough in the game.You will need to be able to reach Wedgehurst Station and have access to the Wild Area.
You'll be able to travel to the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra areas after battling the Galarian Slowpoke at Wedgehurst Station.
Situation not resolved
If the issue persists, please contact us for additional support.