How Do I Send Pokémon to Pokémon HOME in 2023? A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re looking to transfer your beloved Pokémon to Pokémon HOME in 2023? You’ve come to the right place! The process depends on where your Pokémon are currently located. The method is straightforward if you’re transferring from Pokémon GO or Nintendo Switch games. However, if you’re coming from older 3DS titles, it involves an extra step using the now-free Pokémon Bank. Here’s a breakdown:
1. From Pokémon GO:
- Open Pokémon GO: Tap the Poké Ball icon, then the Pokémon icon.
- Access the Nintendo Switch Transfer: Tap the Nintendo Switch icon in the top right corner.
- Select Pokémon: Choose the Pokémon you want to transfer.
- Confirm Transfer: Tap “YES” to confirm. Note that you can’t transfer certain Pokémon, like Shadow Pokémon, Mega-Evolved Pokémon, costumed Pokémon, Buddy Pokémon, or Pokémon defending Gyms directly.
- Receive in Pokémon HOME: Open the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME. Select “Pokémon GO” from the main menu. If Pokémon have been transferred, choose “Receive” to send them to your Pokémon Boxes in Pokémon HOME.
2. From Nintendo Switch Games (Pokémon Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, Scarlet, Violet):
- Launch Pokémon HOME: Open Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch.
- Select Pokémon: From the main menu, select “Pokémon”.
- Choose Game and User: Select the game you want to connect to and the user’s save data.
- Transfer Pokémon: Drag and drop Pokémon between your game and the Pokémon HOME boxes.
3. From 3DS Games (Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon):
This process is slightly more involved as it requires Pokémon Bank, which is now free to use since the Nintendo 3DS eShop shutdown.
- Update Pokémon Bank: Ensure you have the latest version of Pokémon Bank installed on your 3DS.
- Open Pokémon Bank: Select “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME” from the main menu.
- Select Boxes: Choose the boxes you want to transfer and tap “Done”.
- Open Pokémon HOME: On your Nintendo Switch, launch Pokémon HOME and select “Pokémon”.
- Begin Move: Select “Move from 3DS”, then “Begin.” Select the user account on the 3DS, and confirm.
- Generate Moving Key: Pokémon HOME will generate a Moving Key.
- Enter Moving Key: Return to Pokémon Bank on your 3DS, select “Begin Move”, and enter the Moving Key.
Understanding Limitations and Considerations
It’s important to note a few restrictions. Pokémon Bank is free, but you must have downloaded it before the 3DS eShop closed to be able to re-download it. Also, you cannot transfer items. Any items held by Pokémon will be returned to your bag in the original game. Certain Pokémon, like Spinda in Pokémon GO, have specific transfer limitations. Furthermore, ensure you adhere to Nintendo’s terms of service, as transferring Pokémon created by unauthorized means can lead to penalties. Understanding these limitations will help ensure a smooth transfer process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 1. Can I still use Pokémon Bank in 2023?
Yes, Pokémon Bank is still usable in 2023 and is now free! However, you must have downloaded it before the closure of the Nintendo 3DS eShop. New users can no longer download it since March 27, 2023.
H3 2. Why can’t I send certain Pokémon to Pokémon HOME from Pokémon GO?
Certain Pokémon cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME from Pokémon GO due to game mechanics. This includes Spinda, favorited Pokémon, Buddy Pokémon, Pokémon defending Gyms, costumed Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, and Mega-Evolved Pokémon.
H3 3. How do I receive Pokémon in Pokémon HOME after transferring from Pokémon GO?
In the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME, select “Pokémon GO” from the main menu. If there are Pokémon that have been transferred, choose “Receive” to send them to your Pokémon Boxes.
H3 4. Why can’t I transfer multiple Shiny, Lucky, or high-friendship Buddy Pokémon at once in Pokémon GO?
You’re unable to transfer multiple Shiny Pokémon, Lucky Pokémon, or Buddy Pokémon with whom you’ve reached Good Buddy status or above at a time in Pokémon GO to prevent accidental transfers of valuable Pokémon.
H3 5. Can I transfer Mythical Pokémon like Mew and Celebi from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME?
Some Legendary and some Mythical Pokémon (e.g., Mew, Celebi) may not be eligible for transfer from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME initially, but this can change during special events. Watch for announcements about transfer availability.
H3 6. How do I transfer Pokémon without Pokémon Bank?
If you are transferring from a Nintendo Switch game directly to Pokémon HOME, you don’t need Pokémon Bank. Simply launch Pokémon HOME, select “Pokémon” from the main menu, and choose the game you want to connect to.
H3 7. How do I transfer Pokémon from Bank to Home?
Open Pokémon Bank on your 3DS and select “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME”. Then, open Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch and generate a Moving Key. Enter this key in Pokémon Bank to begin the transfer.
H3 8. Can I send Pokémon with items to HOME?
No, you cannot send Pokémon with items to Pokémon HOME. Held items will be returned to your bag in the original game. Both Bank and HOME do not support item transfers.
H3 9. Why is Pokémon Bank becoming free?
Pokémon Bank became free due to the discontinuation of the Nintendo 3DS eShop. This allows players to continue transferring their Pokémon from older games without paying a subscription fee.
H3 10. How long is Pokémon Bank free for?
As long as you downloaded Pokémon Bank before the end of March 2023, you should be able to use it for free indefinitely to transfer your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME.
H3 11. What games can transfer to Pokémon Bank?
With Pokémon Bank, you can directly deposit and transfer stored Pokémon from these games: Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, Pokémon Omega Ruby, Pokémon Sun, Pokémon Moon, Pokémon Ultra Sun, and Pokémon Ultra Moon.
H3 12. Is Pokémon HOME now free?
Pokémon HOME is available in both free and premium plans. The free plan allows you to store a limited number of Pokémon (30) and use limited features. The premium plan offers expanded storage and additional features.
H3 13. Can I get Pokémon Bank after the eShop closes?
No, new users cannot download Pokémon Bank after the Nintendo 3DS eShop closed on March 27, 2023. However, if you downloaded it before that date, you can still re-download and use it.
H3 14. Can you transfer illegal Pokémon to Pokémon Bank?
Nintendo warns against transferring Pokémon created by unauthorized means. Doing so may result in forfeiting your right to use Pokémon Bank.
H3 15. How does Pokémon HOME work?
Pokémon HOME is a cloud service accessible on Nintendo Switch and compatible mobile devices. It allows you to move Pokémon between compatible games, trade Pokémon, collect Pokémon HOME Points, and receive Mystery Gift Pokémon.
Conclusion
Transferring your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME in 2023 involves understanding the specific steps for each source game, whether it’s Pokémon GO, Nintendo Switch titles, or older 3DS games using the now-free Pokémon Bank. By following this guide and considering the limitations, you can ensure a smooth and successful transfer of your treasured Pokémon collection. Educational organizations, such as the Games Learning Society, research the impact of video games and offer useful insights for both gamers and educators alike. You can find more about their work at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Remember to always respect the terms of service and avoid transferring Pokémon that have been created by unapproved means. Happy transferring!