Unlocking the Pokémon Multiverse: A Guide to Transferring Pokémon to HOME
So, you’re looking to become a master Pokémon mover, eh? You want to know exactly which games can send their digital companions to the cloud-based sanctuary that is Pokémon HOME. Let’s cut to the chase:
Pokémon HOME acts as a central hub, connecting various Pokémon games across different platforms. You can transfer Pokémon to Pokémon HOME from the following titles:
- Pokémon GO (via Pokémon HOME)
- Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!
- Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!
- Pokémon Sword
- Pokémon Shield
- Pokémon Brilliant Diamond
- Pokémon Shining Pearl
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus
- Pokémon Scarlet
- Pokémon Violet
- Pokémon Bank (This is a special case, as Pokémon Bank itself receives Pokémon from older 3DS titles like Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon.)
This means you can, with a bit of planning, trace the lineage of a Pokémon from its humble beginnings in a Game Boy Advance game all the way to the latest installment on the Nintendo Switch! But understanding which games can transfer is only half the battle. Let’s delve into some frequently asked questions to clear up any lingering confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Transferring Pokémon to HOME
How do I transfer Pokémon from older 3DS games to HOME?
The gateway to bringing your classic Pokémon to the modern era is Pokémon Bank, a Nintendo 3DS application. First, you need to move your Pokémon from games like Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby, Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, Pokémon Sun, Pokémon Moon, Pokémon Ultra Sun, and Pokémon Ultra Moon to Pokémon Bank. Once they’re safely stored there, you can use the “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME” option within Pokémon Bank to initiate the transfer. You’ll then generate a Moving Key in Pokémon HOME and input it into Pokémon Bank to complete the process. Keep in mind that Pokémon Bank is now free to use, making this process more accessible than ever!
Can I transfer Pokémon directly from Pokémon GO to Scarlet and Violet?
Unfortunately, no. Pokémon GO can only directly transfer Pokémon to Pokémon HOME. From there, you can move them to Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Scarlet, or Pokémon Violet. So, Pokémon HOME acts as an intermediary for Pokémon GO transfers.
What Pokémon cannot be transferred to HOME from Pokémon GO?
Not all Pokémon are eligible for the journey from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME. Restrictions apply to Spinda, favorited Pokémon, Buddy Pokémon currently active as your buddy, Pokémon defending Gyms, costumed Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, and Mega-Evolved Pokémon. These limitations are in place to maintain game balance and prevent potential exploits.
Why can’t I transfer certain Pokémon from Pokémon GO?
The inability to transfer certain Pokémon usually stems from in-game mechanics. For example, transferring a Pokémon defending a gym would disrupt the gym battle. Similarly, special Pokémon like costumed Pokémon are often excluded to preserve their uniqueness within Pokémon GO. Additionally, you might encounter limitations if you’re trying to transfer a large number of Shiny Pokémon, Lucky Pokémon, or Buddy Pokémon at once. The Games Learning Society website is a great resource for understanding the design principles behind these kinds of restrictions.
Can I transfer Mew to Pokémon HOME?
Yes, Mew can be transferred to Pokémon HOME. However, Mew cannot be traded via the GTS (Global Trade Station) within Pokémon HOME. This is a common restriction for Mythical Pokémon to maintain their rarity and prevent flooding the trading market.
Why can’t I transfer Pokémon into Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee!?
The Let’s Go games are remakes of the original Pokémon Yellow version, limiting the Pokémon that can be transferred to first-generation Pokémon. There are a few exceptions. You also cannot transfer Mew, who, in this version of the game, comes in the optional Poké Ball Plus peripheral. So, if you’re trying to send a Pokémon from a later generation, it won’t be compatible.
How do I add more Pokémon games to my Pokémon HOME account?
Adding games to your Pokémon HOME account is straightforward. Ensure you’ve played the Pokémon game on the same Nintendo Switch console where you’ve downloaded Pokémon HOME. Launch Pokémon HOME, select Pokémon from the main menu, and then choose the game you want to connect. Pokémon HOME will detect the save data associated with your Nintendo Account and allow you to access it.
Is Pokémon HOME free to use?
Pokémon HOME offers both a Basic Plan (free) and a Premium Plan (paid). The Basic Plan allows you to store a limited number of Pokémon and use basic trading features. The Premium Plan unlocks additional storage space, trading options, and features like the Judge function and the ability to move Pokémon from Pokémon Bank.
Can I use Pokémon Bank after March 2023?
Yes, you can use Pokémon Bank after March 2023, but with a significant change. While the paid passes are no longer available for purchase, Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter are now free to use. However, it must have been downloaded before 27 March 2023.
Can you transfer Shiny Pokémon to Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee!?
Yes, you can! You can transfer Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region, including their Alolan and Shiny variants, from the Pokémon GO smart device app into Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! This allows you to bring your prized Shiny Pokémon from Pokémon GO to the Kanto region.
Can you transfer Pokémon from Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee! to other games?
You cannot transfer Pokémon from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! directly to Pokémon GO. However, you can transfer them to Pokémon HOME and then potentially to other compatible Switch titles.
How do I transfer Pokémon from Ruby to home?
Unfortunately, you cannot transfer directly from Ruby. Here’s a step-by-step rundown of the process using Pokémon Bank:
- Open Pokemon Bank on 3DS and select “Move Pokemon to Pokemon Home” from the main menu.
- Select which boxes you want to transfer and hit “Done”.
- Open Pokemon Home and generate a Moving Key.
- Select “Begin Move” and enter your Moving Key in Pokemon Bank.
Can you send Legendaries to Pokémon HOME?
Yes, you can transfer Legendary Pokémon to Pokémon HOME. From Pokémon Go, you can also mass transfer your Legendary and Mythical Pokémon to Pokémon HOME.
What is the Pokémon HOME limit?
With the Basic Plan, users have access to the Basic Box which can hold up to 30 Pokémon from games including Let’s Go Pikachu!, Let’s Go Eevee!, Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, Scarlet, and Violet. With the Premium Plan you can store up to 6,000 Pokémon.
Can you only transfer from Pokémon Bank to HOME if you are enrolled in Premium Plan?
If you are enrolled in a Premium Plan (paid), you’ll be able to move Pokémon from Nintendo 3DS Pokémon titles to Pokémon HOME using Pokémon Bank.
With this comprehensive guide, you should now have a clear understanding of which games can transfer Pokémon to Pokémon HOME and how the entire process works. Now go forth and unite your Pokémon across the ages! Consider exploring resources from the Games Learning Society, accessible at GamesLearningSociety.org, to deepen your understanding of the game mechanics involved in these transfers.