Can I Reset My Pokémon HOME Account? A Deep Dive

Yes, you can effectively reset your Pokémon HOME experience, although the process isn’t a straightforward “reset button.” It involves carefully managing your data and potentially creating new accounts, depending on your goals. Let’s break down how to achieve a “reset” and address frequently asked questions related to managing your Pokémon HOME account.

Understanding Pokémon HOME’s Architecture

Before diving into the how-to, it’s crucial to understand how Pokémon HOME works. It’s a cloud-based storage system that interacts with multiple Pokémon games across different platforms. The core components are:

• Nintendo Account Linking: Pokémon HOME is fundamentally tied to your Nintendo Account. This is the primary identifier for your account and subscription status.
• Save Data: Game save data on your Nintendo Switch is separate from Pokémon HOME data. Resetting a game save (like Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Violet) doesn’t automatically reset your Pokémon HOME storage.
• Mobile vs. Switch Versions: While connected, the mobile and Nintendo Switch versions of Pokémon HOME function as interfaces to the same underlying cloud storage.

This separation is vital, as it allows you to restart games without losing your carefully collected Pokémon in Pokémon HOME.

Achieving a “Reset”

There are several ways to approach a “reset,” depending on what you’re trying to achieve:

1. Starting Fresh Within a Game: If you want to replay a Pokémon game (e.g., Sword, Shield, Scarlet, Violet) from the beginning, you can reset the game’s save data. This is done through the Nintendo Switch system settings (System Settings > Data Management > Delete Save Data). This doesn’t affect your Pokémon HOME storage. You can then transfer Pokémon from your new playthrough into Pokémon HOME (or transfer existing Pokémon from HOME into your new game).

2. Deleting and Reinstalling the App (Mobile): Deleting the mobile app and reinstalling it does not reset your Pokémon HOME account. Your data is tied to your Nintendo Account in the cloud. Reinstalling the app and logging in with the same Nintendo Account will restore your Pokémon boxes.

3. Creating a New Nintendo Account: This is the closest you can get to a true “reset” of your Pokémon HOME experience. This will require a new email address, as a single email address cannot be associated with multiple Nintendo Accounts. When you set up Pokémon HOME with the new account, it will be a completely fresh start. Keep in mind that any Pokémon stored under your original Nintendo Account will not be accessible to the new one.

4. Canceling Your Premium Plan: Canceling your premium plan reverts your account to the basic plan. This limits your storage to 30 Pokémon. Your Pokémon will still be there, but if you have more than 30, only the last 30 deposited or traded will be accessible. When you renew your plan, you’ll have access to all of your Pokémon again.

5. Releasing Pokémon: You can release Pokémon from your boxes in Pokémon HOME. This permanently removes them from your account. Select a Pokémon and scroll down to “Release”. You can release Pokémon individually or in bulk.

Data Management Considerations

• Save Data vs. Pokémon HOME: It’s worth reiterating that your game save data and Pokémon HOME data are separate. You can reset your game progress without losing your Pokémon in HOME.

• Nintendo Account is Key: Your Nintendo Account is the central hub for your Pokémon HOME data. Keep your login information secure.

• One User Profile Per Device (Mobile): You can only use one user profile per device on the mobile version of Pokémon HOME.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I delete my Pokémon HOME save data?

You can’t delete the entirety of your Pokémon HOME data linked to your Nintendo Account without deleting your Nintendo Account itself (which isn’t recommended). You can manage the data within Pokémon HOME by releasing Pokémon. Resetting a game like Pokémon Sword on your Nintendo Switch involves going to System Settings > Data Management > Delete Save Data. Select the game and confirm the deletion.

2. Can I have two Pokémon HOME accounts on one device?

Not really. On the mobile app, you’re limited to one Nintendo Account per device. While you can switch Nintendo Accounts on your Nintendo Switch console, the Pokémon HOME application can only be linked to one account at a time.

3. What happens to my Pokémon if I stop paying for Pokémon HOME?

If your premium plan lapses, your Pokémon are not deleted. You’ll revert to the basic plan, which allows you to store 30 Pokémon. If you have more than 30, only the 30 most recently deposited or traded will be accessible until you renew your premium plan.

4. Can I delete Pokémon in Pokémon HOME?

Yes, you can release Pokémon from your boxes in Pokémon HOME, which permanently removes them. Select a Pokémon, scroll down to “Release”, and confirm.

5. How many Pokémon can you have in Home?

With the basic plan, you can store 30 Pokémon. A premium plan allows you to store up to 6,000 Pokémon.

6. How many games can connect to Pokémon HOME?

Pokémon HOME supports connectivity with Pokémon Scarlet, Pokémon Violet, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!, and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!.

7. What Pokémon are not allowed in Pokémon HOME?

Certain special Pokémon cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME, including Partner Pikachu, Partner Eevee, and fused forms of Necrozma, Kyurem, and Calyrex. Some Gigantamax Pokémon have transfer restrictions as well.

8. Does deleting save data affect Pokémon HOME?

No, deleting save data for a Pokémon game on your Nintendo Switch does not affect your Pokémon stored in Pokémon HOME. They are separate storage locations.

9. Is Pokémon HOME tied to Nintendo Account?

Yes, Pokémon HOME is directly tied to your Nintendo Account. This is how your data is tracked and accessed across devices.

10. Why did my Pokémon HOME reset?

Pokémon HOME doesn’t typically “reset” on its own. If it appears that way, it’s likely due to logging in with a different Nintendo Account, a temporary server issue, or a misunderstanding of how the storage works. Pokémon HOME also has an update that resets moves and abilities, making the need to change them game to game.

11. Can I refund Pokémon HOME?

Generally, Nintendo does not offer refunds for Pokémon HOME subscriptions.

12. Do Pokémon HOME Pokémon obey you?

Obedience in games like Pokémon Sword and Shield depends on your badge progress. Traded Pokémon above a certain level will not obey you until you have earned enough badges. Once you have all eight badges, all Pokémon will obey you.

13. Why can’t you transfer shiny Pokémon?

You can transfer shiny Pokémon to Pokémon HOME. However, there might be restrictions on transferring multiple shiny Pokémon, Lucky Pokémon, or Buddy Pokémon from Pokémon GO at once. Additionally, certain Legendary and Mythical Pokémon may have restrictions.

14. Can you move Pokémon from home to bank?

No, once a Pokémon is moved from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME, it cannot be moved back to Pokémon Bank.

15. Why can’t some Pokémon be transferred in Pokémon HOME?

Certain Pokémon cannot be transferred due to specific game restrictions. For example, Pokémon in Pokémon GO that are favorited, defending Gyms, costumed, Shadow, or Mega-Evolved cannot be transferred.

Conclusion

While you can’t perform a traditional “reset” of your Pokémon HOME account, understanding its data structure and utilizing methods like creating a new Nintendo Account or managing save data can help you achieve a fresh start. Remember that your Pokémon HOME data is valuable, so handle your Nintendo Account information with care.

To further explore the educational aspects of gaming and game design, check out the resources available at the GamesLearningSociety.org. Understanding how games are designed can provide valuable insights into the user experience and mechanics of platforms like Pokémon HOME. It also is an excellent research source as well, with insights that can benefit educators and researchers alike.