How to Use the Shiny Pokémon Cloning Glitch in Pokémon Legends: Z-A on Nintendo Switch

A recent discovery in Pokémon Legends: Z-A has introduced a shiny Pokémon clone glitch, enabling players on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 to duplicate their rare finds using a specific in-game method.

The glitch, detailed by YouTuber Austin John Plays, leverages a programming oversight and has sparked considerable discussion in the Pokémon community.

As always with such exploits, there is the real possibility that Nintendo or developer Game Freak may patch out this glitch in a future update, so players interested in trying it should proceed with caution and be aware of the potential risks. Pokémon Legends: Z-A, developed by Game Freak and available via the eShop for both the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, has rapidly become one of the most successful titles in the franchise, with an impressive 5.8 million copies sold worldwide since its launch.

The game continues to capture fans' imaginations with its open-world exploration and innovative mechanics, and this newly uncovered cloning method has added a new layer of intrigue. The shiny Pokémon cloning glitch involves a series of carefully timed actions: 1.

Have the shiny Pokémon become aggressive towards you, and lure it far from its original spawn area. 2.

Once it stops chasing you and begins returning to its spawn—signaling its programmed 'return to spawn' behavior—save the game at this exact point. 3.

Power off the game, then reload your save file. 4.

Upon reloading, locate the shiny Pokémon (making sure to move outside the normal spawn/despawn range). 5.

Save your game again, quit, and repeat the loading process. 6.

When you restart, you’ll find the shiny Pokémon still present, and if you return to the initial spawn location, a duplicate shiny should also appear. Both Pokémon will retain identical attributes, including Nature, IVs, and stats, making them true clones.

However, it’s essential for those using Pokémon Home to note a significant caveat: cloned Pokémon are subject to Home’s clone detection algorithms.

As Austin John Plays explained in his video, if you attempt to trade one clone while keeping the other, Pokémon Home will treat these as separate entities for trading purposes, potentially leading to complications or restrictions within Home.

Therefore, it is recommended to keep one and trade the other, rather than attempting to transfer both using Pokémon Home. As with any game exploit, using the shiny Pokémon duplication glitch comes with risks, including the possibility of it being fixed in subsequent patches.

Still, this discovery has quickly become one of the most talked-about topics among the Pokémon Legends: Z-A community, further demonstrating the game's depth and the ingenuity of its player base.

For a complete, visual breakdown of the glitch, fans can check out Austin John Plays’ comprehensive video walkthrough. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is currently available for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, furthering Game Freak and Nintendo’s legacy of innovative gameplay and engaging Pokémon experiences.

With its strong sales figures and passionate community, the title remains a focal point in the current Nintendo Switch lineup.

Pokémon Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Pokémon Legends: Z-A Pokémon Home Z Pokémon Legends Legends: Z-A Shiny Pokémon Austin John Plays Nintendo Switch 2 eShop