What to do when you cannot start a local wireless game and receive the error code 2318-0540 in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Read on below to learn what to do when you receive error code 2318-0540 in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet on Nintendo Switch:

Applies to:  Nintendo Switch Family, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model

The information in this article can help when you cannot start a local wireless game and receive the error code 2318-0540.

Complete these steps

1. Verify that a player on each system owns a copy of the game.Important:
   • This error can appear if you are trying to play a multiplayer game over local wireless communication when you have only one copy of the game.
     • For example, if the same Nintendo Account has downloaded a game on two systems, it is not possible to play that game over local wireless between those two systems.
   • This error can also appear if you are trying to play two physical copies of a game with one Nintendo Account on two consoles, but have purchased DLC.
     • For example, a consumer owns a physical copy of Pokémon™ Scarlet and a physical copy of Pokémon™ Violet and is doing local trades on one Nintendo Account across two systems. Once the DLC is purchased, the DLC causes a conflict since it’s in use on the Nintendo Account on one system, so the same Nintendo Account can’t be played on another system.
   • If the game supports online play, you can match online using two Nintendo Accounts with Nintendo Switch Online memberships. Alternately, you can purchase the game (and DLC) for each system you want to connect over local wireless.

Situation not resolved

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Source: Nintendo Support

Source: Pokemon