Can Gen 5 Trade with Gen 6? A Comprehensive Guide to Pokémon Transfers
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The short answer is no, Generation 5 games (Black, White, Black 2, White 2) cannot directly trade with Generation 6 games (X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire). They speak different languages. So there is no way for a Gen 5 game and a Gen 6 game to trade with each other. The ONLY way to keep Pokémon from Gen 5 is to use Poké Transporter to send the Pokénon from the Gen 5 game to the Poké Bank. However, there is a workaround involving Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter, which acts as an intermediary. This system allows for a one-way transfer from Gen 5 to Gen 6 or Gen 7, but not a direct two-way trading system. Let’s break down the details.
Understanding the Transfer System
The key to bridging the gap between these generations lies in two crucial applications available on the Nintendo 3DS:
- Pokémon Bank: A paid online service that acts as a cloud-based storage system for your Pokémon. It allows you to store up to 3,000 Pokémon across multiple games.
- Poké Transporter: A free application that works exclusively with Pokémon Bank. Its sole purpose is to transfer Pokémon from Generation 5 games into the Pokémon Bank.
Here’s the process:
- Transferring from Gen 5 to Pokémon Bank: You’ll need to download both Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter on your Nintendo 3DS. With a Gen 5 game inserted into your 3DS, open Poké Transporter. This app will scan your game and allow you to transfer Pokémon stored in Box 1 of your PC to the Pokémon Bank.
- Withdrawing from Pokémon Bank in Gen 6: Once your Pokémon are safely stored in Pokémon Bank, you can then insert your Generation 6 game (X, Y, Omega Ruby, or Alpha Sapphire) and access Pokémon Bank again. From there, you can withdraw your Pokémon from the Bank into your Gen 6 game.
Why This System Exists
Nintendo implemented this system due to significant changes in the Pokémon game engine and data structure between generations. Direct trading became impossible, but they wanted to provide a way for players to retain their beloved Pokémon from older games. This method demonstrates how game developers and designers addressed the challenge of maintaining continuity across evolving technological platforms, a topic relevant to discussions on game preservation and digital heritage within communities such as the Games Learning Society.
Important Considerations
- One-Way Transfer: Remember this is a one-way transfer. You cannot send Pokémon back from Gen 6 to Gen 5 using this method.
- Pokémon Bank Subscription: You need an active Pokémon Bank subscription to use this service. Unfortunately, Nintendo discontinued the eShop for the 3DS on March 27, 2023, rendering the service unusable, except for users who had already downloaded the software and had an active subscription before the eShop shut down.
- Hacked Pokémon: The Poké Transporter is designed to detect and prevent the transfer of illegitimate or hacked Pokémon. These Pokémon will be blocked from entering Pokémon Bank.
- Move Compatibility: Certain moves introduced in later generations may not be compatible with older games. When transferred back, these moves might be replaced.
- Time and Patience: The process can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large number of Pokémon to transfer. Plan accordingly.
- Technical Requirements: Ensure you have a working Nintendo 3DS system, a copy of a Generation 5 game, a copy of a Generation 6 game, and a stable internet connection.
- Game Completion: The Poké Transfer lab in Gen 5 is not accessible until after you have completed the main story and unlocked the National Dex.
FAQs: Pokémon Trading Between Generations
1. Can I trade from Gen 5 to Gen 4?
Yes, but it’s an indirect local offline transfer. You will need to trade from Gen 4 to Gen 5 using two DSes and a Gen IV and Gen V game, then have them trade back from their Black/White to your Black.
2. What Pokémon cannot be traded?
Mythical Pokémon (like Mew) and Pokémon that have previously been traded once before cannot be traded. Also, Pokémon holding items cannot be traded.
3. Can Gen 7 trade with Gen 6?
No. Games from Generation 6 can only trade between themselves. To transfer to Generation 7, you must use Pokémon Bank.
4. When can I trade in Gen 5?
You can’t trade until after the first Gym and any Pokémon older can’t be traded until after the Elite Four.
5. How do I transfer Gen 5 to Pokémon Bank?
You need Poké Transporter to move Pokémon from the Gen 5 games to Bank. You can’t connect the Gen 5 games to Bank directly.
6. Does SoulSilver work with Pokémon Bank?
No, Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter are not compatible with Generation Four games. The Pokémon from these games must first be transported to Pokémon Black or White, which requires two DS or 3DS systems.
7. How do I transfer to Gen 6?
Open the Poke Transporter app and transfer all Pokemon in the first box over to the Pokemon Bank’s transfer box. Open up the Pokemon Bank app and transfer the Pokemon from the transfer box to one of the other boxes. Empty the transfer box of all Pokemon before you repeat the process.
8. Can you trade between Gens in Pokémon?
Unfortunately, there’s a hard stop between Gen 2 (Gold and Silver) and Gen 3 (Ruby and Sapphire) due to a restructure in how Pokemon stats work and a platform switch.
9. Can you transfer Gen 5 Pokémon to Pokémon Home?
Open the Pokémon Bank app, and choose ‘Download Pokémon Transporter’ from the menu. If you’re transferring from a fifth-generation game, put that in the cartridge slot.
10. Can you transfer Pokémon to Gen 5?
Poké Transfer allows Pokémon from any Generation IV game to be transferred to any Generation V game, similar to Generation IV’s Pal Park.
11. How many generations of Pokémon can you transfer from?
In theory, players could transfer a Pokémon from generation 1 all the way to generation 9, although it would take a long time to manage it.
12. Which Pokémon generations can trade with each other?
In Generation I and II, Pokémon can be traded between games of the same generation from the Link Club. Pokémon from Generation II games can be traded to Generation I games using the Time Capsule.
13. Can I transfer Darkrai to Violet?
Darkrai, Shaymin, Manaphy, and Jirachi can be transferred to Scarlet and Violet.
14. Can you trade in Gen 1?
1st Gen Pokemon that comes from the Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver or Crystal actual Game Paks then they can only be traded over to the 2nd Gen games of Gold, Silver and Crystal and can’t go farther than that.
15. Why can’t my Pokémon be traded?
Mythical Pokémon (like Mew) and Pokémon that have previously been traded once before cannot be traded.
Conclusion
While direct trading between Gen 5 and Gen 6 isn’t possible, the Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter system provided a vital link for players wanting to bring their Pokémon forward. Although the system is not available now, it was crucial in maintaining the connection between generations of Pokémon games and highlights the challenges and solutions involved in preserving continuity across evolving gaming platforms. These efforts connect to broader discussions on digital heritage and the preservation of game data, topics explored by the Games Learning Society through research and community engagement. You can learn more about game studies and its impact on education and culture at GamesLearningSociety.org.