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Why Can’t I Transfer My Celebi? A Comprehensive Guide to Mythical Pokémon Transfers

You’re trying to move your beloved Celebi and running into a brick wall? You’re not alone! The short answer is: Celebi, being a Mythical Pokémon, is subject to several specific restrictions that govern its transferability between different Pokémon games and services like Pokémon GO, Pokémon HOME, and the core series titles. These restrictions are in place to preserve the rarity and special event nature of Mythical Pokémon, and to prevent exploits that could devalue their significance within the Pokémon ecosystem.

Understanding the Transfer Barriers

Celebi’s transfer limitations stem from a combination of factors:

Mythical Status: Celebi is classified as a Mythical Pokémon. This designation comes with inherent restrictions on trading and transferability.
Game-Specific Restrictions: Different Pokémon games (e.g., Pokémon GO, Sword & Shield, Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl) implement their own rules regarding which Pokémon can be transferred in or out.
Pokémon HOME Functionality: Pokémon HOME acts as a central hub for Pokémon storage and transfer, but even it has limitations on what can be moved and where.
“Obtained” Status: Some games, like Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl (BDSP), require you to have already legitimately obtained a particular Legendary or Mythical Pokémon within that specific game before you can transfer one in from Pokémon GO via Pokémon HOME. If you haven’t caught a Celebi in BDSP, the game won’t accept one transferred from GO.
Pokémon GO Restrictions: Pokémon GO prevents the transfer of certain Pokémon under specific conditions, such as if they are your Buddy Pokémon, defending a gym, or wearing a costume.
Shiny, Lucky, and Buddy Status in GO: You can’t mass-transfer Shiny Pokémon, Lucky Pokémon, or Pokémon that have reached Good Buddy status or above at a time. You’ll have to transfer them individually, assuming all other conditions are met.

In simpler terms, you’re likely facing one of these scenarios:

Haven’t obtained Celebi in BDSP: If transferring from GO to HOME, then HOME to BDSP, this is the most likely culprit.
Transferring directly between Virtual Console games: Transferring between virtual console games requires two 3DS consoles.
Conflicting Rules: You might be trying to transfer Celebi to a game that doesn’t allow it, or under conditions that violate the game’s rules.
Pokémon HOME Constraints: Even if a game should accept Celebi, Pokémon HOME might be temporarily restricting the transfer due to updates, server issues, or internal checks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Celebi Transfers

Here are some common questions that address many aspects of transferring Celebi, and Mythical Pokémon in general:

1. Can Celebi be traded at all?

Generally, Celebi cannot be traded over the Global Trade System (GTS) in Pokémon HOME due to its Mythical status. Direct trades with friends might be possible depending on the specific games involved. Trading functionality varies across different Pokémon games.

2. Can I transfer Shiny Celebi from Pokémon GO?

While a Shiny Celebi can technically be transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, you can’t transfer it in bulk with other Shiny Pokémon or Pokémon that are Lucky or have Good Buddy status (or higher). You must transfer it individually.

3. Why can’t I transfer my Celebi to Pokémon Sword and Shield?

You can transfer Celebi to Pokémon Sword and Shield, but it has to go through Pokémon HOME first. If you obtained the Celebi in Pokémon GO, you transfer it from GO to HOME, and then from HOME to Sword or Shield. Make sure you’ve updated both HOME and Sword/Shield to the latest versions.

4. What Pokémon games can Celebi be transferred to?

Celebi can generally be transferred to Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and potentially future core series games that support Pokémon HOME. You need a Pokémon HOME subscription to make those transfers.

5. Why can’t I transfer Mythical Pokémon through the GTS?

Mythical Pokémon, including Celebi, are restricted from the GTS to maintain their exclusivity and prevent illegitimate acquisition or duplication. The GTS is an open platform prone to abuse, and restricting Mythicals helps protect their value.

6. Is there a limit to how many Pokémon I can store in Pokémon HOME?

The Basic Plan of Pokémon HOME allows you to store only 30 Pokémon. The Premium Plan significantly increases this limit to 6,000 Pokémon. If your HOME box is full, you won’t be able to transfer more Pokemon until you upgrade or free up space.

7. How do I get a legitimate Celebi?

Legitimate Celebi are typically obtained through special in-game events or promotions. In the past, these events included distributions via Pokémon GO or special quests in older Pokémon games. Avoid obtaining Celebi from unofficial sources, as these are often illegitimate and may cause issues with transferability or game functionality. In older games such as Pokemon Crystal, you can catch it in Ilex Forest after taking the GS ball to Kurt in Azalea Town.

8. Why does Pokémon GO prevent me from transferring my Buddy Pokémon?

Pokémon GO restricts the transfer of Buddy Pokémon to prevent accidental loss of Pokémon you have invested time and resources into. Unassign the Pokemon as your buddy before attempting to transfer.

9. Can costumed Pokémon be transferred from Pokémon GO?

Generally, costumed Pokémon cannot be transferred from Pokémon GO. This is to preserve the uniqueness of these event-specific variants within Pokémon GO.

10. Why can’t I transfer my Pokémon defending a Gym?

You cannot transfer any Pokémon that is currently defending a Gym in Pokémon GO. The game locks these Pokémon to prevent disruptions in gym battles.

11. What if I obtained my Celebi from a Virtual Console game?

If you obtained Celebi in a Virtual Console release (like Pokémon Crystal on the 3DS), you’ll need to use the Poké Transporter app to move it to Pokémon Bank. From there, you can transfer it to Pokémon HOME and then to compatible Switch games.

12. Can I request Celebi on the GTS even if I can’t trade it?

While you cannot trade Celebi on the GTS, you can technically create a “Want” request for it. However, no one will be able to fulfill that request, as Mythicals are restricted.

13. Why are some Pokémon blocked from transferring to Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl?

Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl implemented a mechanic that requires you to have already legitimately obtained certain Legendary and Mythical Pokémon within the game before you can transfer them in from Pokémon GO via Pokémon HOME. This is to encourage players to experience the original BDSP gameplay.

14. What other Mythical Pokémon have transfer restrictions similar to Celebi?

Many other Mythical Pokémon have similar restrictions to Celebi. This includes Mew, Deoxys, Darkrai, Manaphy, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Magearna, Marshadow, Zeraora, and Zarude.

15. Are there any circumstances where I might never be able to transfer my Celebi?

While it’s unlikely, it’s theoretically possible that certain game updates or unforeseen circumstances could prevent specific transfers. However, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company usually strive to ensure that Pokémon can be moved between compatible games, so this is a rare scenario.

Conclusion

Transferring Mythical Pokémon like Celebi requires careful consideration of the specific rules and limitations imposed by each game and service involved. By understanding these restrictions and following the correct procedures, you can successfully move your Celebi to the games where you want to use it. Remember to stay updated on official announcements from The Pokémon Company regarding any changes to transfer policies.

For those interested in learning more about the educational and social aspects of gaming, explore the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They provide valuable insights into how games can be used for learning and development.

Why can’t i transfer my Celebi?