A proof-of-concept demonstrating that it is indeed possible for a computer to interact with Gen 3 Pokémon games running on Switch/Switch 2 via local wireless (LDN).

Why?

This project basically exists to prove that it can be done. From here, I'm hoping the community takes notice so that we can get things like an unofficial GTS and online battling going. It should serve as a pretty good reference for anyone interested in pursuing these goals or anything else related to multiplayer within these games. And before you ask, yes, AI tools were used extensively during the creation of this project. Difficult to call it "vibe coding" though, Claude required A LOT of steering and was basically lost without me laying out the path forward step-by-step. The main benefit was massively speeding up the reverse engineering work. If you'd like to contribute to the effort, join the Discord! https://discord.gg/mVnpEywN

Demonstration

https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/b0df878e-67f0-483d-ae81-583cfc2a8692

This demo was recorded using the ALFA AWUS036ACHM. The RZ616 is half as fast on average and sometimes deadlocks before gracefully exiting.

Features

  • End-to-end trading with a real game running on a real Switch
  • .pk3/.ek3 input and output

Requirements

  • Linux
  • Python 3.12+, and a venv with requirements installed (see requirements.txt)
  • a compatible WiFi card (see below)
  • A Switch or Switch 2 with FRLG, played to the point where the Direct Corner has been unlocked (~20-40 minutes)
  • At least 2 .pk3 files to serve as simulated party members/trade fodder
  • Switch prod.keys (the default location is ~/.switch/prod.keys)

Tested WiFi Cards

Model Type Driver Reliability
AMD RZ616 Internal (M.2) mt7921e Low
ALFA AWUS036ACHM External mt76x0u High
Realtek RTL8821CE Internal (PCIe 1x) rtw88_8821ce High

Known Problematic WiFi Cards

Model Type Driver Issue
Intel AX200 Internal (M.2) iwlwifi Unable to be assigned ip
Atheros AR9271 External ath9k_htc Unable to be assigned ip (most of the time)

Usage

sudo -E ./venv/bin/python frlgtrade.py --live -o output.pk3 PARTY1.pk3 PARTY2.pk3

Optional Flags (not comprehensive):

Flag Options Purpose
--verbose N/A Verbose output
--phy phy# (e.g. phy1) WiFi phy selection
--keys /path/to/prod.keys non-default prod.keys location

Above is the configuration I suggest using if you'd like a quick and easy demonstration of the program. You can use any of the listed optional flags, they're safe. Many of the undocumented ones are either unfinished, untested, internal tools, or artifacts of experiments that did not/have not yet panned out.

Setup

  1. Create a Python venv and install all requirements in requirements.txt
  2. Ensure your WiFi card is unmanaged. The easiest way to accomplish this is stopping NetworkManager.
  3. Ensure you can become root. The script requires root to run.

Step-by-step Usage

  1. Select trading at the direct corner and make your console the "Leader".
  2. Run the script. It may take multiple times to successfully connect.
  3. Approve the join request from "EMU".
  4. Walk to the LEFT CHAIR in the trading room. Walking may be laggy.
  5. Select the Pokémon you'd like to trade away.
  6. Accept the trade confirmation. You will be traded the 2nd simulated party member.
  7. Once you return to the trade menu, cancel the trade.
  8. Walk out.
  9. You'll find PARTY2.pk3 in your party, and the Pokémon you traded will be in pwd as output.pk3 (or whatever you called it).