How to Pre-Load Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Pokemon Legends: Arceus’ (PLA) launch is less than 24 hours away and trainers are champing at the bit to start their Hisuian adventure. A true departure from the main series games, PLA showcases the world of Pokemon like never before in an open-world, research-based fashion, placing trainers at the forefront of Pokemon observation for the very first time.

Here’s how to pre-load the latest Pokemon release on the Nintendo Switch.

How to Pre-Load Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Be aware that you will need a decently stable internet connection and the funds available to purchase the game if you haven’t already. Only users who have pre-ordered the digital version of the game will be able to pre-load it.

Additionally, players who purchased the game after Jan. 21 should already have it on their device. We recommend double-checking if the title has already undergone a download prior to initiating these steps. Players who pre-ordered the game before Jan. 21 or did not have the space before will need to follow the next steps:

Here’s how to pre-download Pokemon Legends: Arceus:

• Boot up your Nintendo Switch handheld console.
• Unlock the handheld. This should bring you to the main screen. If not on the Home Screen, press the “Home” button on the right joy-con beneath the joy-stick.
• On the Home Screen, navigate to the eShop by locating and selecting the yellow shopping bag icon on the lower bar. This will open the Nintendo eShop.
• In the Nintendo eShop, search for “Pokemon Legends: Arceus.” This can be done by using the shop’s search function or by browsing it under the “Featured” section — which is still available at the time of writing.
• Select “Pokemon Legends: Arceus” to be brought to the game’s eShop listing.
• From the eShop listing, players will have one of two options: purchase or download. These appear according to whether you have already bought the game.
• Once purchased or selected, the game will begin to download to the Switch console automatically.

The game file size for Pokemon Legends: Arceus is 6 GB. Players will be able to play the game when it officially launches on Jan. 28.