Can I Get My Pokémon Back from Pokémon HOME? The Definitive Guide
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The question on every Trainer’s mind after transferring Pokémon to Pokémon HOME: Can you get them back? The answer is nuanced, but generally yes, you can move Pokémon from Pokémon HOME back to compatible games, with certain limitations. The process isn’t always a straight shot and depends heavily on which games you are transferring to and from. Let’s dive into the details.
Understanding Pokémon HOME’s Role
Pokémon HOME acts as a central hub for storing and managing your Pokémon across various games. It’s not a one-way street, but it’s essential to understand its role in the grand scheme of Pokémon transfers. Think of it as a bank where you can deposit and withdraw Pokémon, but with rules dictated by the specific games involved.
The Transfer Ecosystem: Key Considerations
The ability to move Pokémon back hinges on several factors:
- Game Compatibility: Not all games are created equal. Pokémon HOME connects to Pokémon GO, Pokémon Bank (on 3DS), and the main series Nintendo Switch titles like Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.
- One-Way Transfers from Pokémon GO: This is the most critical point. Pokémon transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME cannot be sent back to Pokémon GO. Once they leave the GO ecosystem, they’re gone for good from that particular game. So, choose wisely!
- Pokémon Bank Limitations: Pokémon transferred to Pokémon HOME from Pokémon Bank (3DS) cannot be transferred back to Pokémon Bank. This is a one-way trip from the 3DS to the Switch/Mobile realm.
- Game Pokedex Requirements: For the Switch games, especially Pokémon Sword and Shield, some Pokémon require you to have already caught them or registered them in your Pokédex before you can transfer them in from Pokémon HOME. This mostly applies to legendary and mythical Pokémon.
- Nintendo Account Linking: Ensure your Nintendo Switch and mobile versions of Pokémon HOME are linked to the same Nintendo Account. Otherwise, your Pokémon won’t be visible across devices.
How to Retrieve Pokémon in Pokémon HOME
Assuming the above conditions are met, here’s the general process for retrieving Pokémon:
- Open Pokémon HOME: Launch the application on your Nintendo Switch or mobile device.
- Select a Compatible Game: Choose the game you want to transfer Pokémon to (e.g., Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Violet).
- Access the Boxes: Pokémon HOME will display your Pokémon Boxes.
- Move Pokémon: Drag and drop the Pokémon you want to move from Pokémon HOME to the target game’s Boxes.
- Save and Exit: Once you’ve finished arranging your Pokémon, save your changes and exit the transfer screen.
Important Notes
- Storage Limitations: The free version of Pokémon HOME only allows you to store 30 Pokémon. You’ll need a Premium Plan for more storage.
- Premium Plan Benefits: A Premium Plan grants you more storage space and enables you to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank.
- Pokémon Bank’s Transition: Since March 27, 2023, Pokémon Bank is free to use, but it had to be downloaded before that date. Transferring from Bank to HOME requires a Premium Pokémon HOME Plan.
Preventing Transfer Regret
The “can’t go back” rule from Pokémon GO should be etched into every Trainer’s mind. Here are some tips:
- Double-Check: Before confirming any transfer from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, carefully review the list. Ask yourself: “Am I sure I want to part with these Pokémon in GO forever?”
- Consider Alternatives: Is there a better use for these Pokémon in GO? Could they be traded, used in battles, or evolved?
- Prioritize GO-Specific Pokémon: Some Pokémon are exclusive to Pokémon GO events or have unique forms in GO. Think hard before transferring them.
- Mark Favorites: Use the favorite feature in Pokémon GO to prevent accidental transfers of valuable Pokémon.
Pokémon HOME: More Than Just Storage
While it is invaluable for Pokémon storage, Pokémon HOME also provides:
- Trading Features: The Wonder Box and GTS (Global Trading System) allow you to trade Pokémon with other players worldwide.
- Pokédex Completion: Pokémon HOME keeps track of your Pokémon across multiple games, helping you complete your National Pokédex.
- Mystery Gifts: You can sometimes receive Mystery Gifts through Pokémon HOME.
- Battling & Rankings: Participate in online battles and check out rankings.
FAQs: Your Pokémon HOME Questions Answered
1. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon HOME back to Pokémon GO?
No, this is not possible. Pokémon that have been sent to Pokémon HOME from Pokémon GO cannot be returned to Pokémon GO. This is a one-way transfer.
2. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank back to older Pokémon games?
No. Once Pokémon have been moved from Pokémon Bank on the 3DS to Pokémon HOME, they cannot be transferred back to Pokémon Bank or used in older Nintendo 3DS games.
3. How do I get Pokémon out of Pokémon HOME and into my Switch game?
Open Pokémon HOME, select the compatible Switch game you want to transfer Pokémon to, and then drag and drop the Pokémon from your Pokémon HOME boxes into your game’s boxes. Remember to save before exiting.
4. What happens to my Pokémon if my Pokémon HOME subscription expires?
Your Pokémon will remain unharmed, but you’ll only be able to access the first 30 Pokémon you have stored. To access all your Pokémon again, you’ll need to renew your Premium Plan.
5. Can I release Pokémon from Pokémon HOME?
Yes. You can release Pokémon from Pokémon HOME. Select the Pokémon you wish to release, and then choose the “Release all selected Pokémon” option. Be certain before you do!
6. Why can’t I move certain Pokémon from Pokémon HOME to Pokémon Sword or Shield?
Some legendary and mythical Pokémon require you to have already caught them or registered them in your Pokédex in Sword or Shield before they can be transferred from Pokémon HOME.
7. What is the free version of Pokémon HOME like?
The free version of Pokémon HOME lets you store up to 30 Pokémon, put 3 Pokémon in the Wonder Box, list 1 Pokémon on the GTS, and participate in room trades.
8. What Pokémon should I transfer to free up space in Pokémon GO?
Generally, transfer your lowest-CP Pokémon. However, consider their attack moves. A slightly stronger Pokémon with worse moves might be worth transferring over a weaker Pokémon with better moves.
9. What happens if I accidentally transfer a shiny Pokémon to Professor Willow in Pokémon GO?
Unfortunately, there is no way to get it back. All transferred Pokémon, shiny or not, are permanently gone. Always double-check before transferring!
10. Can I still transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME after the eShop closed?
Yes. You can still transfer from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME, but you must have downloaded Pokémon Bank before March 27, 2023.
11. Is it better to trade or transfer in Pokémon GO?
This depends on your goals. If you want to improve a Pokémon’s IVs (Individual Values), trading is a better option. If you just need candy, transferring is the way to go. Don’t trade your only one!
12. Which Pokémon are generally not worth keeping?
This is subjective, but generally, Pokémon with very low stats or redundant move sets might not be worth keeping, unless you’re trying to complete a living Pokédex.
13. Why did my Pokémon disappear in Pokémon HOME?
Ensure that both your Switch and mobile versions of Pokémon HOME are linked to the same Nintendo Account. If they are linked to different accounts, you won’t see the same Pokémon.
14. What are some of the error codes I may encounter?
One error code is 006 1204. This error code generally indicates that your network is not optimal for peer to peer connections, likely due to your network’s NAT type.
15. What are some features that Pokémon HOME has?
Pokémon HOME offers Pokémon storage across multiple games. The Wonder Box and GTS (Global Trading System) allow you to trade Pokémon with other players worldwide. It helps to complete your National Pokédex, enables you to receive Mystery Gifts, and allows you to participate in online battles and check out rankings.
This game play and game learning can benefit students and instructors alike, similar to the ideas found at the Games Learning Society that encourages game-based learning. Head over to GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
Navigating the world of Pokémon transfers can feel overwhelming. Pokémon HOME serves as a bridge between the different parts of the Pokémon world, connecting your adventures across different consoles and mobile devices. The golden rule: double-check your transfers, especially from Pokémon GO. Happy training, fellow Trainers!