Can I Name Traded Pokémon? A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’ve just received that coveted Pokémon in a trade, and now you’re itching to give it a personalized nickname. But can you actually do it? The short answer is: it depends! Historically, the Pokémon franchise has been pretty strict about renaming Pokémon received in trades, viewing the original name as a part of the Pokémon’s identity tied to its original trainer. However, the rules have evolved over the generations, adding nuances that every trainer should know. Let’s dive into the specifics.
The Evolution of Naming Rights: A Generational Overview
The ability to nickname traded Pokémon has been a contentious issue among trainers for years. In early generations, the answer was a firm no. The name given by the original trainer was sacrosanct.
Generations 1-7: The Era of Unchangeable Names
From the very beginning, the games emphasized the connection between a Pokémon and its original trainer. Consequently, you could not rename Pokémon received in trades. This was a hard and fast rule, designed to respect the bond and history of the Pokémon. This policy held true up until Generation 8 (Sword and Shield).
Generation 8 (Sword and Shield): A Glimmer of Hope
Pokémon Sword and Shield introduced a game-changer: for the first time, you could rename a traded Pokémon once, provided it didn’t already have a nickname. This was a significant step forward for trainers who wanted to personalize their traded Pokémon. It gave you the option to at least customize the Pokémon’s name if it was still the default species name.
Generation 9 (Scarlet and Violet): Continuing the Trend
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet continue the trend started in Sword and Shield. You can nickname unnicknamed Pokémon received in trades once, as long as the Pokémon’s name is in the same language as your game and it was not met in a “fateful encounter.”
The Key Considerations: Factors Affecting Renaming
Even with these changes, several factors determine whether you can rename a traded Pokémon:
- Does the Pokémon already have a nickname? If the original trainer already gave the Pokémon a nickname, you’re out of luck. The game will prevent you from changing it.
- What generation of the game are you playing? As mentioned earlier, the rules differ based on the game generation.
- Is the Pokémon’s name in the same language as your game? Scarlet and Violet impose this language constraint.
- Was the Pokémon met in a “fateful encounter?” These special event Pokémon often come with predetermined names that cannot be changed.
Finding the Name Rater: Your Nicknaming Ally
If the conditions are right and you’re eligible to rename your Pokémon, you’ll need to visit the Name Rater. The location of the Name Rater varies depending on the game:
- Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: Eterna City
- Sword and Shield: Any Pokémon Center
- Scarlet and Violet: Any Pokémon Center
Simply talk to the Name Rater, and they’ll allow you to rename your Pokémon. If the option is grayed out, it means the Pokémon is ineligible for renaming.
The Home Factor: Transferring and Naming
Pokémon HOME, the cloud-based storage service, adds another layer of complexity. While HOME doesn’t directly allow renaming Pokémon, the ability to transfer Pokémon between games can indirectly affect renaming rights. For instance, a Pokémon transferred from an older game to Sword or Shield might be eligible for that one-time rename if it meets the criteria.
The Ethics of Nicknaming
While the game allows for some renaming, it’s worth considering the ethics. Some trainers feel that renaming a traded Pokémon disrespects the bond created with the original trainer. It’s a matter of personal preference, but something to keep in mind. After all, part of the fun of Pokémon is the community built around it. Groups like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org focus on how games foster communities and learning, highlighting the social dimensions of gaming experiences like Pokémon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I rename a traded Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
No, you cannot rename a Pokémon received in a trade in Pokémon GO. The nickname assigned by the original trainer remains.
2. Can I rename a Pokémon I transferred from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME?
The ability to rename a Pokémon transferred from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME, and then to a mainline game, depends on the game you transfer it to. If you move it to Sword or Shield (and it’s not already nicknamed), you get one chance to rename it.
3. What happens if I trade back a Pokémon I renamed?
If you trade a Pokémon you renamed back to its original trainer, it retains the name you gave it. The name change is permanent unless the original trainer can rename it in their own game (if applicable).
4. Can I rename a Mystery Gift Pokémon?
Generally, no. Most Mystery Gift Pokémon are considered “fateful encounters” and are not eligible for renaming.
5. Can I use an Action Replay or hacking device to rename a traded Pokémon?
While technically possible, using Action Replay or other hacking devices to bypass the game’s renaming restrictions is against the terms of service and can lead to bans or other penalties. It’s strongly discouraged.
6. How do I know if a Pokémon is considered a “fateful encounter?”
“Fateful encounter” Pokémon are typically those received as special events or promotions. The game usually indicates this status in the Pokémon’s summary.
7. Can I rename a Pokémon if it has special characters in its name?
In general, the games have limitations on the types of characters you can use in nicknames. Special characters are often not allowed.
8. Does the ability to rename traded Pokémon depend on my friendship level with the original trainer?
No, your friendship level with the original trainer does not affect your ability to rename a traded Pokémon. The renaming rules are based purely on the game’s mechanics.
9. Can I rename a Pokémon if the original trainer’s game was in a different language?
In Scarlet and Violet, you can only rename a Pokémon if its current name is in the same language as your game.
10. Is there any way to “reset” a Pokémon’s rename eligibility?
No, once a traded Pokémon has been renamed in Sword or Shield, its rename eligibility is permanently used up.
11. What happens if I trade a Pokémon to someone who can rename it, and then they trade it back to me?
If they rename it and then trade it back, it will keep the new name. You won’t get another opportunity to rename it.
12. Are there any Pokémon that can never be renamed, even by the original trainer?
Certain event Pokémon or those with specific storyline implications might have names that are permanently fixed and unchangeable.
13. If a Pokémon has a censored name, can I rename it?
If a Pokémon’s name is censored due to inappropriate language, you should be able to rename it. The game often prompts you to do so immediately upon receiving the Pokémon.
14. Does Pokémon HOME offer any renaming features?
Pokémon HOME itself does not have a dedicated renaming feature. However, it facilitates the transfer of Pokémon to games where renaming might be possible.
15. Where can I find more information about Pokémon game mechanics and community discussions?
Communities like the Games Learning Society, mentioned earlier, and online forums such as Serebii.net or Bulbapedia are excellent resources for detailed information and discussions about Pokémon game mechanics and community experiences.
In conclusion, while the rules around renaming traded Pokémon have loosened in recent generations, it’s still a conditional process. Understanding the game’s rules and considering the ethical implications will ensure you make the best choice for your Pokémon team. Happy training!