While Pokémon Scarlet and Violet do not support traditional cross-platform play, the Union Circle provides a robust local or online multiplayer experience within the Nintendo Switch's capabilities, offering a way for players to connect, explore, and compete together in the Paldea region.
Union Circle: The Closest to Crossplay
•Multiplayer Basics: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduce the Union Circle, which is the game's cooperative multiplayer feature. Here's how you can use it:
•Access: Press the X button and select the "Poké Portal," then choose "Union Circle." You can either form a group or join one. This feature allows you to play with friends in real-time within the same game world.
Functionality within Union Circle:
•Trading and Battling: While in the Union Circle, you can battle or trade Pokémon with friends directly from within this mode without needing to set a link code for immediate interaction, although you still have the option if outside of Union Circle.
•Raids: You can participate in Tera Raid Battles together. If one player finds a raid, they can invite others in the Union Circle to join, but players need to be available (not in a battle or cutscene) to receive the invitation.
Limitations:
•Version Exclusives: You cannot directly acquire the opposite game's exclusive items or Pokémon through gameplay within the Union Circle, but you can show these exclusives to friends or use them in battles. For obtaining exclusives from the other version, trading outside of the immediate gameplay session or through the trade system would be necessary.
•No True Cross-Platform Play: Pokémon SV is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, so there's no crossplay with other consoles like PS4/PS5 or PC. However, within the Switch ecosystem, this feature acts similarly by allowing interactions between different Switch consoles.
General Tips for Pokémon SV Multiplayer 
•Save Before Raids: If you're attempting to catch a Pokémon in a Tera Raid and want to ensure you get the rewards or catch the Pokémon, save in front of the Tera Crystal. This allows you to retry if something goes awry.
•Exploring Together: While exploring with friends, remember that each player remains in their own game world instance; you're interacting in a shared session but can't see each other's storyline progress or battles unless specifically joined for a raid or battle.
•Use of Items: Utilize items like sandwiches for various buffs which can help in battles or increase the chances of encountering certain types of Pokémon, including Shiny Pokémon, which can be an exciting activity to share with friends.
•Communication: Since direct interaction is limited to battles, trades, and raids, good communication outside the game can enhance the multiplayer experience, especially when coordinating which version exclusives to trade or when to join for a raid.
You may also like:
•About Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
•The Story behind Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
•Editions and DLC Guide for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
•System Requirements for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
•Platforms Guide for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
•Download Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
•Update Guide for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
•Controls Guide for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
•Crossplay Guide for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
•Battle Pass Guide to Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
•Union Circle Guide for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
•Campaign Guide for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
•PvE Operations Guide for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
•Enemies Guide for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
•Customization Guide to Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
•Game Basics for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
•Basic Walkthrough for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
•Voice Cast to Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
•Top 10 Tips & Tricks for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
