Pokémon 30th Anniversary Switch FLRG DLC Crashing or Freezing? How to Fix It (Latest Version)

Are you playing the Pokémon 30th Anniversary Switch version (Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl) and experiencing crashes or freezes when accessing Downloadable Content (DLC)? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many players have reported the game unexpectedly closing or freezing after downloading new content.

This guide explains everything you need to know about why the DLC might be causing crashes and provides step-by-step solutions to fix it.

【Symptoms】How the DLC Crashes or Freezes

If your game is affected, you might notice the following:

The game freezes during DLC loading screens
Sudden crash back to the Nintendo Switch home screen
Audio stops but the visuals remain frozen
DLC content (new areas, Pokémon, or items) doesn’t load properly
“An error has occurred” or “Software has closed unexpectedly” messages appear

These problems often appear right after installing the latest DLC or after a game update.

【Target】Who Is Affected

This issue mostly affects:

Nintendo Switch owners playing Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl (FLRG)
Players who recently downloaded DLC content
Switch consoles with limited storage available
Players with older consoles or outdated system software
Those with slower or unstable internet connections

Even users with the latest Switch OLED or Switch Lite may encounter issues if storage or updates are not properly managed.

【Causes】Why the Game Crashes or Freezes

1. Insufficient Free Storage

DLC content can require a significant amount of free space. If your Switch storage is almost full, the game may fail to load additional data.

Check available storage: Settings → System → Data Management → Manage Software

2. Corrupted DLC or Game Data

Download errors or interruptions can corrupt DLC files or the main game. This often happens if the internet connection was unstable during download.

3. Outdated Game Version

If the main game or DLC isn’t updated to the latest version, incompatibility can cause crashes or freezes.

4. System Software Out of Date

Nintendo Switch firmware updates are essential for smooth gameplay. Outdated system software can conflict with new DLC content.

5. Temporary Cache or Save File Issues

Cached game data or corrupted save files can occasionally lead to freezing when DLC is accessed.

6. Network Problems

Some DLC requires internet access to download or unlock certain features. Unstable Wi-Fi can cause the game to hang or crash.

7. Background Applications

Although the Switch has limited multitasking, downloading updates or running other apps in the background may impact game performance.

【Solutions】How to Fix DLC Crashes and Freezes

① Restart Your Switch

A simple restart clears temporary data and often resolves freezing:

Hold the Power Button
Select Restart
Relaunch the game and try accessing DLC again

② Free Up Storage

Make sure there’s enough space for both the game and DLC:

Delete unused games or save data
Move screenshots or videos to a microSD card
Ensure at least 2–5 GB free before launching DLC

③ Update the Game

Highlight the game on the Home menu
Press + → Software Update → Via Internet
Wait for updates to install

④ Update Nintendo Switch Firmware

Go to System Settings → System → System Update
Make sure the console is running the latest firmware version

⑤ Re-Download DLC

If the DLC itself may be corrupted:

Delete the problematic DLC: System Settings → Data Management → Manage Software → Delete Add-On
Re-download it from the Nintendo eShop

⑥ Check Internet Connection

Use stable Wi-Fi or wired LAN via adapter
Avoid peak hours or network interruptions during download

⑦ Clear Cache

Go to System Settings → System → Formatting Options → Clear Cache
Select your user profile and confirm

⑧ Test Without Background Downloads

Pause or cancel any ongoing downloads or updates
Close other applications

⑨ Backup and Restore Save Data

If the problem persists, consider backing up save data to Nintendo Switch Online cloud save and restoring it:

System Settings → Data Management → Save Data Cloud
Back up, delete locally, and re-download

⑩ Contact Nintendo Support

If none of the above works, there may be a hardware issue or a rare bug with the DLC. Contact Nintendo Customer Support for further assistance.

Summary

Crashes or freezes when accessing Pokémon 30th Anniversary Switch FLRG DLC are usually caused by:

Low storage on the Switch
Corrupted DLC or game files
Outdated game or system software
Unstable internet connections

Start with simple solutions first:

Restart the console
Free up storage
Update the game and system

Most issues can be fixed with these steps. For persistent problems, consider re-downloading DLC or contacting Nintendo Support. By following these steps, you can enjoy the full 30th anniversary Pokémon content without interruption.