Do You Need Pokémon HOME to Transfer? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: it depends. Pokémon HOME is now the central hub for transferring Pokémon between various games, but whether it’s essential depends on the games you’re transferring from and to. Pokémon from certain older titles, specifically those on the 3DS, have a slightly different transfer path involving Pokémon Bank.
This article delves into the specifics, clarifying when Pokémon HOME is required, how it works, and offering solutions to common transfer problems. Let’s break down the complexities of Pokémon transferring in the modern era.
Understanding the Pokémon Transfer Landscape
The introduction of Pokémon HOME marked a significant shift in how trainers manage their collections across different generations of games. Before Pokémon HOME, transferring Pokémon was often a convoluted process, especially when moving them from older handheld consoles to newer systems. Now, Pokémon HOME acts as a central cloud-based service, streamlining the process for many titles. However, the legacy of older transfer methods still lingers for some games.
Pokémon HOME: The Central Hub
Pokémon HOME is a cloud service available on Nintendo Switch and compatible mobile devices, designed as a place where all Pokémon can gather. It provides a central location to store, manage, and trade Pokémon.
Games Compatible with Pokémon HOME
-
Nintendo Switch Games:
- Pokémon Scarlet
- Pokémon Violet
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus
- Pokémon Brilliant Diamond
- Pokémon Shining Pearl
- Pokémon Sword
- Pokémon Shield
- Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!
- Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!
-
Mobile Games:
- Pokémon GO
Pokémon Bank’s Role in the Transfer Process
For 3DS titles like Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, Pokémon Bank is a necessary intermediate step. Pokémon Bank is a 3DS application that serves as cloud storage for these older games. To move Pokémon from these games to Pokémon HOME, you first need to transfer them to Pokémon Bank.
Steps to Transfer from 3DS to Switch via Pokémon HOME
- Transfer Pokémon to Pokémon Bank: Use the Pokémon Bank application on your 3DS to upload your Pokémon from your 3DS games.
- Connect Pokémon HOME to Pokémon Bank: On the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME, there’s an option to connect to your Pokémon Bank account.
- Transfer from Bank to HOME: Follow the in-app instructions to transfer your Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.
Without Pokémon HOME
Pokémon from Pokémon Scarlet, Pokémon Violet, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! can only be transferred using the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I transfer Pokémon without a Nintendo Switch Online membership?
Yes, you do not need a Nintendo Switch Online membership (paid) to transfer Pokémon. However, a stable internet connection is still required to use Pokémon HOME’s transfer features.
2. Do I need a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan to transfer?
No, you do not need a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan (paid) to transfer Pokémon. However, the basic plan limits the number of Pokémon you can store to 30. The Premium Plan significantly expands your storage capacity and unlocks additional features.
3. Can I transfer Pokémon directly from Pokémon GO to a mainline game?
No, you cannot. Pokémon GO can only transfer to Pokémon HOME. You cannot send Pokémon from Pokémon HOME to Pokémon GO either.
4. How do I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME?
- Complete the tutorial in the mobile version of Pokémon HOME.
- In Pokémon GO, go to Settings > Connected Devices and Services > Pokémon HOME.
- Log in to the same Nintendo Account used for your Pokémon HOME account.
- Select “Send Pokémon” and choose the Pokémon to transfer.
5. Why can’t I transfer Pokémon from HOME to Sword/Shield?
There are a few reasons:
- Pokémon not in the game: Not all Pokémon are available in Sword and Shield. If a Pokémon isn’t in the Galar Pokédex, you can’t transfer it.
- Dex Registration Requirement: Certain Pokémon require you to have caught them or registered them in your Pokédex first.
- Software updates: Ensure both Pokémon HOME and your target game (e.g., Sword, Shield) are updated to the latest version.
6. What happens to my Pokémon if my Pokémon HOME subscription expires?
Your Pokémon will remain in Pokémon HOME. However, if you’re on the basic plan, only the last 30 Pokémon you deposited or traded will be accessible. If you renew your Premium Plan, you’ll regain access to all your stored Pokémon.
7. Will Pokémon transferred from Pokémon HOME obey me in the game?
Pokémon that are transferred are treated as traded Pokémon, so you’ll need the correct number of badges to ensure they obey you. If the Pokémon’s level is too high for your current badge progress, they may disobey your commands.
8. Can I use Pokémon Bank now that the eShop is closed?
Yes, if you downloaded Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter before the eShop closed on March 27, 2023, you can use them for free, even without an active subscription.
9. Why can’t I link my Nintendo Account to Pokémon HOME?
Ensure Pokémon HOME is closed on your Nintendo Switch when attempting to link your account on your mobile device. If the issue persists, try deleting and reinstalling the app.
10. What is the difference between Pokémon HOME and Pokémon Bank?
Pokémon Bank is specifically for storing Pokémon from 3DS main series games. Pokémon HOME is a broader service that supports transfers from Switch games, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon Bank. Pokémon HOME is the next generation of Pokémon storage.
11. How many Pokémon can I transfer from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME at once?
You can transfer a maximum of 25 Pokémon at once from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME. All selected Pokémon will be received simultaneously.
12. Why won’t my Pokémon show up in Pokémon HOME?
Ensure both your Nintendo Switch and mobile versions of Pokémon HOME are linked to the same Nintendo Account. Otherwise, you won’t be able to see Pokémon transferred between devices.
13. Is there an end date planned for the Pokémon Bank no-cost service?
The Pokémon Company has not announced an end date for the Pokémon Bank no-cost service. For now, it remains free to use for those who downloaded it before the eShop closure.
14. Do you lose your Pokémon if PokeBank expires?
If your trial pass or annual pass expired and you did not purchase a new annual pass, the Pokémon you left deposited in your Pokémon Bank Boxes will indeed disappear after a certain period of time.
15. Why can I only store 30 Pokémon in Pokémon HOME?
That would be because you are on the Basic plan. With the Premium plan, you can store up to 6,000 Pokémon.
Optimizing Your Pokémon Storage
With potentially thousands of Pokémon to manage across different games, careful planning is essential. Consider the following tips:
- Prioritize Transfers: Focus on transferring Pokémon that are compatible with the games you currently play.
- Tagging and Organization: Pokémon HOME offers tagging features to help organize your collection, making it easier to find specific Pokémon.
- Trading Wisely: Use the Global Trade System (GTS) within Pokémon HOME to trade Pokémon you don’t need for Pokémon you want.
- Check Compatibility: Always verify a Pokémon’s compatibility with the target game before initiating the transfer.
Transferring Pokemon and keeping them safe is also a skill that can be learned through the Games Learning Society and the many games it has to offer. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about what the Games Learning Society has to offer.
Conclusion
While Pokémon HOME has become a central hub for many transfer operations, it’s not always a mandatory step. Understanding the specific requirements for each game, particularly older 3DS titles, is crucial for a smooth transfer experience. By utilizing Pokémon Bank for older games and Pokémon HOME for modern titles and Pokémon GO, you can effectively manage your collection and ensure no Pokémon is left behind.