Transferring Your Beloved Pokémon: A Comprehensive Guide from Bank to HOME

So, you’re looking to move your precious Pokémon from the Nintendo 3DS’s Pokémon Bank to the Nintendo Switch’s Pokémon HOME? Fear not, trainer! While the process might seem a little daunting at first, it’s actually quite straightforward. Here’s a detailed breakdown to get you started:

Here’s a comprehensive guide to transferring your Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME:

1. Update Pokémon Bank: On your Nintendo 3DS, ensure your Pokémon Bank application is updated to the latest version via the Nintendo eShop. Although the eShop is now closed, you can still download updates for previously purchased software.

2. Launch Pokémon Bank: Open Pokémon Bank on your Nintendo 3DS.

3. Select “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME”: From the main menu, choose the option to “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME.”

4. Choose Your Boxes: Select the Boxes within Pokémon Bank that you want to transfer. Keep in mind that you must move entire boxes; you cannot select individual Pokémon.

5. Confirm Your Selection: Once you’ve chosen your boxes, press the Y Button and then select “Yes” to confirm your choices.

6. Prepare Pokémon HOME: On your Nintendo Switch, launch Pokémon HOME.

7. Select the 3DS Option: In Pokémon HOME, select the 3DS icon.

8. Begin the Move: Choose “Begin Move.”

9. Get a Moving Key: Pokémon HOME will generate a Moving Key. This is a unique code you’ll need to enter on your Nintendo 3DS.

10. Enter the Moving Key: Back on your Nintendo 3DS, in Pokémon Bank, you’ll be prompted to enter the Moving Key you received from Pokémon HOME.

11. Start the Transfer: Enter the Moving Key correctly, and the transfer process will begin.

12. Wait for Completion: The transfer process may take some time, depending on the number of Pokémon being moved.

13. Claim Your Pokémon: Once the transfer is complete, your Pokémon will be available in Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch.

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to address any lingering concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions with detailed answers to further assist you:

1. Is it still possible to transfer Pokémon from Bank to HOME?

Yes! Despite the closure of the Nintendo eShop, Pokémon Bank remains functional and free to use. You can still transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank on your Nintendo 3DS to Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch.

2. Do I need a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan to transfer from Bank?

Yes, a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan is required to move Pokémon from Pokémon Bank. The free version of Pokémon HOME does not support importing from Pokémon Bank.

3. Is Pokémon Bank now free to use?

Yes, as of March 27, 2023, Pokémon Bank is free to use. You no longer need to purchase a pass to access the service.

4. Do I need the same Nintendo Account for both Bank and HOME?

While not strictly required, it’s highly recommended to link the Nintendo Network ID (NNID) used with Pokémon Bank to the same Nintendo Account you use with Pokémon HOME. This simplifies the process and reduces potential complications. If you don’t have a Nintendo 3DS, it is still possible to move Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME using only Pokémon HOME if the Nintendo Account tied to Pokémon HOME and the Nintendo Network ID tied to Pokémon Bank are linked.

5. Can I choose individual Pokémon to transfer, or do I have to move entire boxes?

You have to move entire Boxes. Pokémon Bank does not allow you to select individual Pokémon for transfer. Every Pokémon in the boxes you select will be moved over.

6. How much does the Pokémon HOME Premium Plan cost?

The Pokémon HOME Premium Plan offers several subscription options:

• 1 Month (30 days): $2.99
• 3 Months (90 days): $4.99
• 12 Months (365 days): $15.99

7. What happens if my Pokémon HOME Premium Plan expires?

If your Pokémon HOME Premium Plan expires, you will no longer be able to access Pokémon stored beyond the 30 Pokémon limit of the free plan. You won’t lose your Pokémon, but you’ll need to renew your subscription to access them again.

8. How many Pokémon can I transfer from Bank to HOME at once?

You can transfer up to 25 Pokémon at a time, as you move them by full Boxes from the Bank.

9. What happens if I don’t pay for Pokémon Bank?

Since Pokémon Bank is now free, this is no longer a concern. However, in the past, if your pass expired, you would have had a limited time to withdraw your Pokémon before they were potentially lost.

10. Can I transfer Pokémon from games other than the main series RPGs to Bank?

No. Pokémon Bank is specifically designed for the main series Pokémon RPGs on the Nintendo 3DS, such as Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon.

11. What are the benefits of using Pokémon HOME?

Pokémon HOME serves as a central hub for all your Pokémon. It allows you to store Pokémon from various games, trade with other players globally, and transfer Pokémon to compatible Nintendo Switch titles. Furthermore, research from organizations like the Games Learning Society underscores the educational value of gaming, extending even to titles like Pokémon, which encourage strategic thinking, resource management, and social interaction. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

12. What Pokémon are not available on the Nintendo Switch?

While the selection is always changing, there are still some Pokémon not directly available on Nintendo Switch titles. Some notable examples include the Unova starters (Snivy, Servine, Serperior, Tepig, Pignite, Emboar) and several others from later generations.

13. Why can’t I transfer Pokémon from Bank to HOME?

Double-check that you have an active Pokémon HOME Premium Plan. Also, ensure that you’ve updated both Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME to their latest versions. Finally, make sure you’re entering the Moving Key correctly.

14. Can I use Pokémon Bank after March 2023?

Yes, Pokémon Bank is still usable after March 2023. However, it is no longer available for download, so you must have downloaded it before that date to access it.

15. How long will Pokémon Bank be supported?

While Pokémon Bank remains online for now, The Pokémon Company has indicated that support may be discontinued at a later date. It’s strongly advised to transfer your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME as soon as possible to avoid potential data loss.

Conclusion

Transferring your Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME is a crucial step to ensure the safety and accessibility of your digital companions. By following these steps and keeping these FAQs in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the transfer process smoothly. Now go forth, trainer, and reunite with your Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch!