Can You Trade Between Pokémon Red and Silver on the 3DS?
The short answer is: Yes, you can trade between Pokémon Red and Silver on the 3DS, but with some very important caveats and limitations. It’s not as simple as popping in two cartridges and linking up. This is because these games are from different generations and utilize the 3DS’s Virtual Console versions rather than their original physical releases. Understanding these nuances is crucial for any seasoned Pokémon trainer looking to relive their past adventures.
The Virtual Console Reality
The 3DS Virtual Console versions of Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, and Crystal are emulations of their original Game Boy counterparts. This means that the 3DS hardware is simulating the behavior of the old systems. Crucially, these Virtual Console releases enable local wireless trading and battling just like the original link cables did, but with a modern twist.
The most critical point to remember is that direct trading is ONLY possible within the same generation of games. Therefore:
- Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow (Generation 1) can trade directly with each other on the 3DS via local wireless.
- Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal (Generation 2) can trade directly with each other on the 3DS via local wireless.
- You cannot directly trade between Generation 1 and Generation 2 games through the standard trading interface.
The Time Capsule: Bridging the Gap
While a direct trade between Red and Silver isn’t possible, there’s still a way to move your Pokémon between the two generations. The key here is the Time Capsule feature within the Generation 2 games (Gold, Silver, and Crystal).
- To trade from Red/Blue/Yellow (Gen 1) to Gold/Silver/Crystal (Gen 2), you need to use the Time Capsule in the Pokémon Center within the Gen 2 game.
- The Time Capsule attendant facilitates the transfer. This feature becomes available after a certain point in the game of Gold, Silver, or Crystal. Typically, this is after obtaining the first gym badge.
- This functionality means you can send Pokémon from Red, Blue, or Yellow to Gold, Silver, or Crystal, but there are limitations on the moves, items, and Pokémon you can trade. Anything that wasn’t in Generation 1 (like specific Pokémon, abilities or items) will be rejected by the capsule
Step-by-Step Guide: Trading from Red to Silver
Here’s a simplified breakdown of how to trade from Red to Silver using the Time Capsule feature on the 3DS:
- Ensure both games (Red and either Gold or Silver) are installed on separate 3DS consoles.
- Start the Pokémon Gold or Silver game and progress in the story until you unlock the Time Capsule within a Pokémon Center (usually after beating the first gym).
- Start the Pokémon Red game and get to the Pokémon Center.
- Go to the second floor of the Pokémon Center in Gold or Silver and talk to the Time Capsule attendant.
- Follow the prompts on each screen to initiate a trade. You’ll be trading your Pokémon from the first generation game.
- Select the Pokémon you want to send from Red to Gold or Silver on the trading screen.
- Confirm the trade on both systems and your Pokémon will be transferred.
Important Limitations
- No Migration Beyond Generation 2: It’s important to note that Pokémon transferred into Gold, Silver, or Crystal via the Time Capsule are stuck within that generation. They cannot be transferred to later generations like the Game Boy Advance (GBA) games, DS games, or beyond.
- Moves and Item Restrictions: The Time Capsule will only allow the transfer of Pokémon and items that are present in the first generation games. Moves and held items introduced in Gen 2 (and later) cannot be traded or transferred to Gen 1
- No Reverse Transfer: You cannot send Pokémon from Gold or Silver back to Red, Blue, or Yellow. It is a one-way transfer through the Time Capsule.
- Two 3DS Systems Required: To trade in this way, you will need two 3DS systems, as it is all conducted through local wireless trading.
- Virtual Console Only: This trading and transfer functionality only exists on the 3DS Virtual Console versions of these games. Original physical cartridges cannot trade with 3DS versions.
- No Online Trading: These games are limited to local wireless trading, you cannot trade with other players online via internet connection.
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I trade from my physical Pokémon Red cartridge to the 3DS Virtual Console Silver version?
No. The Virtual Console versions on the 3DS can only trade with other Virtual Console copies on the 3DS locally, not with physical cartridges.
Can you trade from Pokémon Red on a 3DS to a physical copy of Pokémon Gold on a Game Boy Color?
No, you cannot. The Virtual Console and physical cartridges of games from the same generations cannot communicate through trading.
Do I need two copies of Red to trade with myself?
Yes, you would need two copies of Red or another Gen 1 game (Blue/Yellow) on two separate 3DS systems to trade with yourself.
Can I use the GTS to trade between Red and Silver?
No, the GTS (Global Trade Station) is not available in the Virtual Console versions of these games. Trades are done locally between two consoles.
Can I get an Alakazam by trading a Kadabra from Red to Silver?
Yes, as long as Kadabra is not holding a Gen 2 exclusive item and is traded through the Time Capsule in Silver, it will evolve into Alakazam upon transfer.
Can I trade Pokémon from Red to Silver and then to later 3DS games?
No. Pokémon that have gone through the Time Capsule to Gen 2 are stuck in that generation. They cannot be further transferred to Gen 3 or beyond.
Is the Time Capsule available in Pokémon Red?
No, the Time Capsule is exclusively within the Pokémon Center in the second-generation games (Gold, Silver, and Crystal) and used to facilitate trades with first generation games (Red, Blue, and Yellow).
Can I trade items through the Time Capsule?
Yes, you can trade items through the time capsule, but only those that were present in Gen 1 (Red/Blue/Yellow) and that do not have a held item on them. Any Gen 2 (or later) items won’t be able to be traded.
Does the Pokémon Bank work with Red or Silver?
No. Pokémon Bank does not support the first or second generation games directly. You cannot transfer Pokémon directly to the Pokémon Bank from these Virtual Console titles.
Can I use the Poké Transporter with these games?
No. The Poké Transporter is not compatible with any of the Virtual Console versions of Generation 1 or 2 games.
Will a Pokémon’s stats change when it’s traded through the Time Capsule?
No, a Pokémon’s stats will not change. However, a Pokémon transferred to Gen 2 may have its stats recalculated, which may result in differences when viewed on a different version.
Can I battle another player’s Red or Silver version on 3DS?
Yes, but only through local wireless battles. You can battle between Red and other Gen 1 games, or between Silver and other Gen 2 games. You cannot battle between Gen 1 and Gen 2.
What is the fastest way to get Pokémon from Red to Silver?
The fastest way is to progress in the second generation game quickly to unlock the Time Capsule and have a solid Pokémon team to help catch or train new members.
Will the movesets of Pokemon change when moving through the Time Capsule?
Movesets will not change, but the moves that are not present in gen 1 will be removed as they are not compatible to move through to gen 2, meaning any TM, HM or level-up moves learned after Gen 1 will be lost.
Do the different Pokémon Centers have special features?
The Pokémon Centers in Gold and Silver have the Time Capsule on the second floor. Otherwise, all Pokémon Centers function in the same way.
Conclusion
While trading between Red and Silver on the 3DS is indeed possible, it requires understanding the Virtual Console limitations and the functionality of the Time Capsule. Remember that you need two 3DS systems and that trades are limited to local wireless. By remembering all of this, you can navigate the transfer process effectively. These limitations ensure these games remain faithful to the originals while still providing modern convenience.