Can you trade between 3DS and 2DS?

The answer to this question is yes, you can trade Pokémon between 3DS and 2DS consoles, as they share the same operating system and game compatibility, allowing for seamless trading between the two devices. This means that Nintendo 2DS can play all Nintendo 3DS games in 2D, and with an amazing catalogue of Nintendo 3DS games that’s growing every month, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Trading Between 3DS and 2DS: Frequently Asked Questions

General Trading Questions

1. Are 2DS and 3DS games interchangeable?: Yes, Nintendo 2DS can play all Nintendo 3DS games in 2D, and with an amazing catalogue of Nintendo 3DS games that’s growing every month, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
2. Can you trade Pokémon between DS and 2DS?: Yes, you can trade between games of the same Generation, though you can perform one-way transfers from an earlier Generation to the next one.
3. Can you trade between 3DS and Gameboy?: No, unfortunately, you cannot trade between different consoles, as the DS lacks the port for the trade cable required to trade with the GBA/SP.
4. Can you trade between 3DS and Switch?: Yes, by using the appropriate services such as Pokémon Bank and Pokémon Home, you can transfer your Pokémon from 3DS to your Nintendo Switch.
5. How to Transfer Pokémon from Gen 3 to Gen 9: You can transfer Pokémon from Gen 3 to Gen 9 by using Pokémon Bank and Pokémon Home.

3DS and 2DS Specific Questions

6. Can 3DS Pokémon games trade with Switch?: Pokémon transferred to Pokémon HOME from Pokémon Bank cannot be transferred back to Pokémon Bank or used with Nintendo 3DS titles.
7. Can a Switch and 2DS trade Pokémon?: Yes, download Pokémon Bank for a small fee on the DS, then go on the Switch and download Pokémon Home and get Premium for however long you want, then transfer from Pokémon Bank to Home.
8. Do you need 2 DS to trade Pokémon?: Yes, you’ll need two DS systems in order to make a transfer, and you can transfer small batches of Pokémon at a time from your Generation IV game to your Generation V game.
9. Can you still trade Pokémon from DS to Switch?: Yes, Pokémon can be transferred from Pokémon Bank to the Nintendo Switch and smart device versions of Pokémon HOME.

Compatibility and Transfer Questions

10. What 3DS games can’t be played on 2DS?: All 3DS games work on 2DS systems with the exception of a few that are labeled “Only for NEW Nintendo 3DS XL”, like Xenoblade Chronicles or Binding of Isaac.
11. Why does the 2DS not fold?: Making it without the hinges makes it cheaper to make, as Nintendo likes their products to be somewhat affordable for the average family.
12. What 3DS games can you not play on 2DS?: Only games that are exclusive to the “New” 3DS cannot be played on a 2DS, games such as Xenoblade Chronicles 3D, Fire Emblem Warriors, and SNES Virtual Console titles.
13. Can I have 2 3DS with the same account?: No, 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.

Trading and Transfer Processes

14. How do you trade between two DS?: Point your game at your trading partner’s game, and once the two DSs are connected, you’ll be able to start trading.
15. Can I transfer my 3DS games to another 3DS?: Yes, select Transfer from a System in the Nintendo 3DS family on both machines, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transfer process.