Can Gen 4 Pokemon games trade with Gen 5?

The answer to the question of whether Gen 4 Pokémon games can trade with Gen 5 is a bit complex: while it’s not possible to directly trade Pokémon between the two generations, you can transfer Pokémon from Gen 4 to Gen 5 through the Pokémon Transfer Lab on Route 15 in Black or White (or Black 2 and White 2), but not the other way around. This process allows for a one-way transfer of Pokémon from Gen 4 to Gen 5, after which the Pokémon are erased from the Gen 4 game.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Trading Questions

1. Can you trade Pokémon between different generations?: Generally, Pokémon can be traded between games of the same generation, but trading between different generations has limitations and often requires special methods or tools like Pokémon Bank or Poké Transporter.
2. Which Pokémon generations can trade with each other?: Pokémon from Generation I and Generation II can trade using the Time Capsule feature, but there are limitations on the Pokémon and moves that can be traded.
3. Can you trade down generations?: No, it’s only possible to migrate Pokémon forward from one generation to the next, and this is always a one-way process.

Generation-Specific Trading

4. Can Gen 7 trade with Gen 6?: No, Generation 6 games can trade with each other, but not directly with Generation 7 games; Pokémon Bank is required to transfer Pokémon from Gen 6 to Gen 7.
5. How to move Pokémon from Gen 4 to Gen 5: Use the Pokémon Transfer Lab on Route 15 in Black or White (or Black 2 and White 2) to transfer Pokémon from Gen 4 to Gen 5.
6. Can you trade from Gen 5 to Gen 6?: No, the only way to keep Pokémon from Gen 5 and move them to Gen 6 is by using Poké Transporter to send them to Poké Bank.

Trading Restrictions and Requirements

7. Which Pokémon cannot be traded?: Mythical Pokémon, certain Legendary Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, eggs, current buddies, Pokémon defending a Gym, Pokémon that are fainted or not at full health, and Pokémon obtained through hacking, botting, or spoofing cannot be traded.
8. Can you trade in Gen 5?: Yes, but you must first complete the first Gym and, for older Pokémon, complete the Elite Four.
9. Can you trade from Gen 3 to Gen 4?: Yes, by using Pal Park in HeartGold and SoulSilver, or through DS Download Play with a DS and another DS/DSi/3DS.

Modern Trading and Pokémon Home

10. Can you trade gen 5 Pokémon to BDSP?: Some Gen 5 Pokémon can be transferred to Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, but there are limitations, especially regarding Hisuian Forms and evolutions introduced after Gen 4.
11. Can you transfer a Pokémon through all generations?: Yes, using Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter, it’s possible to transfer Pokémon from older generations to newer ones, including from Virtual Console releases of Gen 1 and Gen 2 to Gen 7 games.
12. What Pokémon games are compatible with each other?: The Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME supports connectivity with various Nintendo Switch Pokémon games, including Scarlet, Violet, Legends: Arceus, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Sword, Shield, and the Let’s Go series.

Specific Game Trading

13. Can you trade Pokémon Shield to Scarlet and Violet?: Yes, Pokémon HOME allows for the transfer of Pokémon between Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
14. Can you trade Pokémon back and forth in Scarlet and Violet?: Yes, once you’ve unlocked trading by reaching the Pokémon Center and getting through the explanation cutscene, you can trade with other trainers, including those playing Scarlet and Violet.
15. Can you trade Pokémon to older generations?: No, it’s impossible to trade a new Pokémon to an older game due to the lack of data for those Pokémon in the older games, which could result in errors like a Missingno.