Can You Trade Pokémon Between Your 3DS and Nintendo Switch? The Definitive Guide

Absolutely! You can trade Pokémon between your 3DS and Nintendo Switch, but not directly. It requires utilizing Pokémon Bank (on the 3DS) and Pokémon HOME (on the Switch) as intermediary services. Think of them as digital moving companies for your beloved pocket monsters! Let’s dive deep into how this process works, the limitations, and everything else you need to know to reunite your Pokémon across generations.

The Bridge Between Worlds: Pokémon Bank & Pokémon HOME

The key to transferring Pokémon between the 3DS and the Switch lies in these two crucial applications:

• Pokémon Bank: This is a cloud-based storage service for Pokémon games on the 3DS. Think of it as your Pokémon’s temporary holding pen on the 3DS side. Since the Nintendo eShop for the 3DS has been discontinued, Pokémon Bank is now free to use, which is excellent news! You will however need to have downloaded it before the eShop closed or mod your system.
• Pokémon HOME: Available on both the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based service designed for storing and managing Pokémon from various games. It’s where your Pokémon ultimately land on the Switch side of things.

The Transfer Process: Step-by-Step

Here’s a breakdown of how to move your Pokémon from your 3DS games to your Switch games:

1. Prepare Your 3DS: Ensure you have Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter downloaded and installed on your 3DS. These applications are essential for moving Pokémon from older games (like the Gen 5 DS games) into Pokémon Bank.

2. Move Pokémon to Pokémon Bank: Use Poké Transporter to move Pokémon from your Gen 5 games (Black, White, Black 2, White 2) into Pokémon Bank. For Gen 6 (X, Y) and Gen 7 (Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon) games, simply deposit your Pokémon directly into Pokémon Bank.

3. Prepare Pokémon HOME on Switch: Download and set up Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch. You’ll need a Nintendo Account.

4. Initiate the Transfer: On your Nintendo Switch, open Pokémon HOME. In the main menu, select “Pokémon Bank”.

5. Moving Key: You’ll receive a Moving Key on your Switch. This key is a unique code that allows Pokémon HOME to connect to your Pokémon Bank account on the 3DS.

6. Enter the Moving Key: On your 3DS, open Pokémon Bank and select “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME.” Enter the Moving Key you received on your Switch.

7. Transfer Begins: Once the key is entered correctly, the transfer process will begin. This may take some time depending on the number of Pokémon you’re moving.

8. Final Steps: Once the transfer is complete, your Pokémon will be available in Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch! You can then move them to compatible Switch games like Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, Scarlet, and Violet (compatibility varies by game).

Important Considerations & Limitations

• One-Way Trip: Once Pokémon are transferred from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME, they cannot be moved back to the 3DS games. It’s a one-way street.
• Game Compatibility: Not all Pokémon can be transferred to all Switch games. Each Switch game has its own set of compatible Pokémon. Check the Pokémon HOME compatibility lists to ensure your Pokémon can be moved to your desired game.
• Pokémon HOME Subscription: While a free version of Pokémon HOME exists, a paid Premium plan offers more storage space, more Pokémon that can be placed in the Wonder Box and GTS, and the ability to move Pokémon from Pokémon Bank.
• Lost Abilities or Moves: Keep in mind that some abilities or moves might be altered or lost during the transfer process, especially when moving Pokémon between generations with differing mechanics.
• Nintendo Network ID: You’ll need a Nintendo Network ID linked to your 3DS to use Pokémon Bank.
• Time Sensitive Moving Key: The Moving Key generated by Pokémon HOME is only valid for a limited time (usually a few minutes), so be prepared to enter it quickly.
• Alternative Options: If you lack Pokemon Bank, you can hack/mod your 3DS and download it that way.

FAQs: All Your 3DS to Switch Pokémon Transfer Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the transfer process:

1. Can I transfer 3DS games directly to Switch?

No. Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games purchased through Nintendo eShop do not carry over to Nintendo Switch. The Nintendo Switch is an all-new way to play, and does not include backwards compatibility with digital or physical games designed for other systems.

2. Can I trade Pokémon from a 3DS to a new 3DS?

Yes! As long as you have two separate games from the same generation in both 3DSes, you can trade between them.

3. Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to use Pokémon HOME?

No, you don’t need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to use Pokémon HOME and transfer Pokémon. However, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to trade with other players online within the Switch games themselves (like Sword and Shield).

4. Can I transfer Pokémon from my DS games to my Switch games?

Yes, but it’s a multi-step process. You first need to transfer from your DS game to a Gen 5 (Black/White/Black 2/White 2) game. Then, use Poké Transporter to move them to Pokémon Bank, and finally, use Pokémon HOME to move them to the Switch.

5. Can I transfer Pokémon from Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee to Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl?

Yes, you can transfer Pokémon between Let’s Go, Pikachu/Eevee and Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl via Pokémon HOME. However, keep in mind that Pokémon in Let’s Go have different stats and abilities compared to those in Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, so there might be some adjustments upon transfer.

6. What happens if I have two 3DS consoles with the same Nintendo Network ID?

It is not possible to link the same Nintendo Network account to multiple Wii U or multiple Nintendo 3DS family systems at the same time.

7. Can I still download Pokémon Bank now that the 3DS eShop is closed?

If you didn’t download Pokemon Bank before the eShop closed, you can no longer officially download it. You may be able to download it if you hack your 3DS.

8. Can I transfer Pokémon from my Virtual Console Pokémon games (Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, Crystal) on the 3DS to Pokémon HOME?

Yes! First, you need to move them from the Virtual Console game to Pokémon Bank using the Poké Transporter app. Then, you can transfer them from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.

9. Will Pokémon transferred to Pokémon HOME retain their original stats and moves?

Generally, yes, Pokémon will retain their original stats and moves when transferred to Pokémon HOME. However, some adjustments may occur to ensure compatibility with the receiving game, especially when transferring between different generations. Certain moves might be replaced or abilities might be altered.

10. What happens if I transfer a Pokémon with a Gigantamax factor to Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl?

Pre-Generation 5 Pokemon capable of Gigantamaxing won’t have the Gigantamax ability once they cross over into BDSP.

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

The free version of Pokémon HOME allows you to store up to 30 Pokémon. The paid Premium plan significantly increases this limit to 6,000 Pokémon.

12. Can I trade Pokémon from my 3DS games to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Not Directly. Pokemon must be moved through Pokemon Home first.

13. How can I move a Pokémon from generations 1-4 to Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl?

As long as a Pokemon is from Generations 1-4, they can be moved into Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, through Pokemon Home and Pokemon Bank.

14. Can you play old Pokemon games on Switch?

Unfortunately, all of the older Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games are not compatible with the Nintendo Switch.

15. How can I learn more about the educational aspects of Pokémon and other games?

You can explore the research and insights shared by organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, which focuses on the intersection of games and education.

By following these steps and keeping these considerations in mind, you can successfully transfer your beloved Pokémon from your 3DS games to your Nintendo Switch and continue your Pokémon journey across generations!