After the update, if you have a Cosplay Pikachu in your party and fly to the Mossdeep Space Center between 3:00–4:00 AM, the screen glitches and a short, garbled message appears on the rocket model. Fans have deciphered part of it: “DISTORTION ROOM 6.”
Nothing is there yet. But the dataminers are already salivating.
As part of Update 14, several event Pokémon were made available for a limited time. These Pokémon were often unique in their movesets or abilities, making them highly sought after by competitive players. The distribution of these event Pokémon was a major draw for the community, with many players eager to add them to their teams.
Players often refer to it as “update 14” because the 3DS system menu listed updates sequentially by number (update 1.0 → 1.1 → 1.2 → 1.3 → 1.4), and the final two digits “14” appeared in some system menus, especially on homebrew or region-modified consoles.
You might be thinking, "The 3DS eShop is closed. Can I even get this update?"
Yes, you still can! And you absolutely should.
Even though the Nintendo 3DS eShop has officially shut its doors, Nintendo has kept the "Update" servers active. If you buy a physical cartridge of Pokémon Omega Ruby today, there is a high chance it is the Ver 1.0 cartridge. If you don't update, you cannot play online.
Here is how to ensure your game is updated:
Pro Tip: You’ll know your game is updated if you see a small "Ver. 1.4" text on the title screen when you boot up the game. pokemon omega ruby update 14
In the original Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire, Secret Bases were novel but isolated. You found a spot in a tree or a rock crevice, decorated it, and that was largely it.
Omega Ruby revolutionized this by digitizing the experience through StreetPass and QR Codes. The "Update 14" guide data elucidated the complexity of the Secret Pal Avenue. No longer was your base just a room; it was a functioning shop.
The guide detailed how players could scan QR codes to recruit other players as "pals." This wasn't just about visiting; it was about utility. Depending on the pal's inclination, they could offer:
This turned every player into an NPC for someone else's game, a "Dungeon Master" designing challenges for strangers across the globe.
Game: Pokémon Omega Ruby (Nintendo 3DS)
Update Version: 1.4 (Ver. 1.4)
Release Date: November 30, 2016 (Japan) / December 1, 2016 (Worldwide)
File Size: Approx. 1,205 blocks (~150 MB)
Update 14 (released September 16, 2015) is a free DLC/title update for Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire that added new battle content, online features, and minor fixes. It expanded post-game replayability and competitive options by introducing new battle facilities, moves, items, and support for special event content.
Update 14 doesn’t reinvent Omega Ruby, but it makes the post-game feel alive again. The new Mirage Spots, faster soaring, and hard-mode Delta Episode turn a nostalgic Hoenn revisit into a genuine challenge. If you haven’t touched your copy since 2015, this is the perfect excuse to dive back in.
Grade: A- (Docked a few points because Shaymin’s 1% spawn rate is cruelty.) Deep dive: Pokémon Omega Ruby — Update 14 5
Have you found any other secrets in Update 14? Drop a comment below. And if you’ve seen that “DISTORTION ROOM 6” glitch, let’s compare notes.
Until next time — keep your Repels stocked and your Poké Balls ready.
Released on April 22, 2015, the Version 1.4 update for Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire (ORAS) was a critical technical patch designed to refine the user experience and ensure the integrity of online play. While it did not introduce major gameplay overhauls, it was a mandatory download for anyone wishing to use the game's connected features. Key Details and Patch Notes
The primary purpose of Version 1.4 was to improve stability and address minor software issues that hindered a "smooth gaming experience". Release Date: April 22, 2015. File Size: Approximately 271 blocks (roughly 34MB).
Bug Fixes: Nintendo officially stated the update made "adjustments to make for a more fun gaming experience," which included resolving unspecified minor bugs.
Previous Fixes Included: Like most 3DS patches, Version 1.4 was cumulative, incorporating older fixes such as the solution for game-freezing during the Hall of Fame credits. Why the Update Was Mandatory
Players could continue their offline adventure without the patch, but downloading Version 1.4 was strictly required to access the Player Search System (PSS) and other online functionalities. Without it, the following features were disabled:
Wonder Trade: Randomly trading Pokémon with players worldwide. Insert your Pokémon Omega Ruby cartridge
Global Trade Station (GTS): Searching for and offering specific Pokémon for trade.
Battle Spot: Participating in ranked or casual online battles.
Mystery Gift: Redeeming special event Pokémon or items via the internet. Game Sync: Uploading game data to the Pokémon Global Link. Technical Impact: Blocking Exploits
While not explicitly detailed in the official consumer patch notes, the 1.4 update (and its predecessor 1.3) was widely recognized by the community for blocking certain "injection hacks". These exploits allowed players to use browser-based tools to inject custom-made or illegitimate Pokémon directly into their save files. By patching these vulnerabilities, Game Freak aimed to maintain a fair environment for competitive battling and trading. How to Install and Verify the Update
Although the Nintendo 3DS online services officially ended on April 8, 2024, the update data typically remains available for download to ensure local game stability.
Open the Nintendo eShop: Ensure your system is connected to the internet.
Search for the Patch: Locate the "Pokémon Omega Ruby Update" or "Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Update" manually, or launch the game to receive an automatic prompt.
Confirm the Version: Once installed, the version number (Ver. 1.4) should be clearly displayed in the bottom right-hand corner of the game’s title screen.
Note for Players: If you are also playing Pokémon X or Pokémon Y, those games received a similar Version 1.5 update simultaneously to maintain cross-compatibility for trading and battling. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more