How to access your PC boxes in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduced a number of quality-of-life features to the Pokémon world, making it easier for players to jump in and hit the ground running. Some of these improvements can only be seen in the late-game or competitive online battle scene, but others are visible right from the start.

One feature that got a complete rework in this game is the Pokémon Center, removing the PC entirely and changing up the available services. Here’s how to access your PC boxes in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, including how to change your party and swap held items easily.

How to access the PC in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Older Pokémon games ensured that players had to visit the Pokémon Center or other fixed locations to check their PC, deposit new catches, and build their parties. With this entry in the franchise, that’s no longer the case—the PC is now completely portable.

To access your PC in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you need to play through the introduction of the game first. This involves getting your Starter Pokémon, learning how to catch new Pokémon, and getting to Poco Path. The remote PC unlocks very early on in the game, so you won’t have long to wait.

Once you unlock the PC, you can access it by opening the menu using the X button. This will show you your party—including their health, items, and conditions—and the drop-down main menu. Select the Boxes option to open the PC.

In the Party and Boxes tab, you can see your entire Pokémon collection sorted into boxes alongside your current party. Hovering over one of your critters will show them on a preview screen next to the box which also displays the type of ball they were caught in, their name, gender, and condition.

You can also hit X again and view the Held Items or Battle Teams tab. The Battle Teams tab is only useful if you’re a VGC player who takes part in online matches, showing your active battle teams, but the Held Items tab shows every collectively held item between your entire creature collection.

If you’re convinced you have an extra Quick Claw or Lum Berry and you can’t seem to find it in your bag, it’s worth checking in the Held Items tab. It grays out the Pokémon icons and highlights the items, as shown above, which makes it easy to quickly spot key trinkets.

Opening your PC boxes on the go is the best way to access your collection and to organize your party, too. You can drag and drop Pokémon straight out of your boxes and into your party without ever needing to visit a Pokémon Center, which is incredibly convenient.