When you install a update, you are essentially applying a universal patch that your 3DS’s custom firmware (Luma3DS, etc.) can read directly.

If you are playing a base, unpatched Pokémon X (cartridge or digital), you are missing these fixes. In the emulation world (Citra, for example), not having Update 1.5 can lead to crashes during the post-game or when accessing online features via private servers.

To verify, look at your game list inside the emulator interface. Under the column next to Pokémon X, it should now display 1.5 instead of 0.0 or 1.0.

Applying a decrypted patch in Citra is a straightforward process that takes less than a minute. On Desktop (Windows / Mac / Linux) Launch the Citra emulator. Click on in the top-left menu bar. Select Install CIA... from the drop-down menu.

Emulators cannot process raw encrypted eShop data. You must use a decrypted .cia file for this process. Step 1: Open Citra