Save data bonus

The subject of this article has no official name.
The name currently in use is a fan designator; see below for more information.

Save data bonuses are extra content in Nintendo Switch games available for users with save data on the system for another game. This does not require the other game to be installed or inserted, but requires save data to be present on the system from having turned the game on at least once. They also serve as a method of getting Mythical Pokémon without limited time events.

In the core series games

Pokémon Sword and Shield

Save data from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! allows the player to receive a Pikachu and/or Eevee with the Gigantamax Factor at the Meetup Spot. The Pikachu is only obtainable with save data from Let's Go, Pikachu!, and the Eevee likewise requires Let's Go, Eevee!. This was initially the only way to obtain a Pikachu or Eevee with the Gigantamax Factor, but they later became available in special Max Raid Battles, and The Isle of Armor expansion adds Max Soup, allowing the Gigantamax Factor to be given to any ordinary Pikachu or Eevee.

Save data from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!, Let's Go, Eevee!, and Pokémon Quest each unlock one pair of a background and a frame for League Cards.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Save data from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! allows the player to receive a Mew from an NPC in Floaroma Town.

Save data from Pokémon Sword and Shield allows the player to receive a Jirachi from another NPC in Floaroma Town.

Save data from Pokémon Legends: Arceus allows the player to receive the Azure Flute and catch an Arceus in the Hall of Origin; provided all 27 missions have been completed in Legends: Arceus.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Save data from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! allows the player to receive both the Pikachu Festival Mask and the Eevee Festival Mask.

Save data from Pokémon Sword and Shield allows the player to receive the Shaymin Fancy Kimono and Shaymin Fancy Bottoms. After the credits, it also unlocks Request 92: A Token of Gratitude, in which the player obtains the Gracidea and catches a Shaymin.

Save data from Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl allows the player to receive the Modern Jacket, Modern Trousers, and Modern Shoes from Team Galactic's uniform. After the credits, it also unlocks Request 93: The Darksome Nightmare, in which the player catches a Darkrai.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Save data from previous core series games allows the player to obtain certain Rotom Phone cases in Mesagoza:

Save data from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! allows the player to receive the Pika-Vee Case.
Save data from Pokémon Sword and Shield allows the player to receive the Ball Guy Case.
Save data from Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl allows the player to receive the Pokétch Case.
Save data from Pokémon Legends: Arceus allows the player to receive the Arc Phone Case.

In spin-off games

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Save data from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! unlocks the Partner Pikachu spirit, and save data from Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! unlocks the Partner Eevee spirit. Both spirits were initially exclusive to this method, but since Ver. 2.0.0, they are also available on the Spirit Board.