Contrary to some player expectations, Update 1.2 did not :
: It resolved a bug where the move Ion Deluge—which turns Normal-type moves into Electric-type moves—failed to function correctly.
While Version 1.2 for Pokémon Ultra Moon was not a massive content expansion, it served as a critical maintenance patch to ensure competitive stability and technical performance. Released in early 2018, this update primarily focused on resolving game-breaking glitches that had previously forced official tournament organizers to ban certain moves. Restoration of Competitive Integrity pokemon ultra moon update 1.2
This paper examines the significance of Update v1.2 for Pokémon Ultra Moon (and its counterpart, Pokémon Ultra Sun ). While often overshadowed by the game’s narrative content, this update represented a critical infrastructure patch designed to facilitate compatibility with subsequent franchise entries. By analyzing the patch notes, deployment timing relative to the release of Pokémon Quest and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! & Let’s Go, Eevee! , and the functionality of the Pokémon Bank, this study argues that v1.2 was not merely a bug-fix, but a necessary bridge ensuring the longevity of the Nintendo 3DS ecosystem within the broader Pokémon franchise architecture.
The most significant contribution of the 1.2 update was the resolution of a bug affecting four specific moves: , Forest’s Curse , Power Trick , and String Shot . Prior to the patch, using these moves during Live Competitions or QR Code events could cause the game to freeze or crash. Contrary to some player expectations, Update 1
While the primary focus of v1.2 was connectivity, it inadvertently affected the competitive meta-environment by solidifying the ruleset for the 2019 VGC (Video Game Championships) season.
To download the update, players must access the while connected to the internet. Once installed, the version number on the title screen will change to 1.2. Restoration of Competitive Integrity This paper examines the
Pokémon Ultra Moon , released in 2017 as an enhanced version of Pokémon Sun and Moon , served as the final main-series entry on the Nintendo 3DS platform. During the lifecycle of Generation VII, The Pokémon Company utilized software updates to address game balance issues, glitch exploits, and connectivity features. Update v1.2, deployed in late 2018, stands as the final official patch for the titles. Unlike previous updates which focused on in-game mechanics (such as the Battle Tree patch in v1.1), v1.2 was forward-looking. This paper details the technical changes introduced in v1.2 and explores its vital role in the ecosystem of Pokémon data transfer.
: Due to these fixes, the moves mentioned above were officially reinstated for use in the Pokémon Video Game Championships (VGC). Compatibility and Requirements