Can I Still Trade Pokémon on DS? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is yes and no. Trading on DS games is a bit complicated, as it depends on which generation of Pokémon games you’re referring to. While the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service that supported online trading for older DS games has been discontinued, local wireless trading is still very much alive and kicking! Let’s dive deeper into the specifics and explore the options available for each generation.
The Era of Online DS Trading: A Nostalgic Look
The Nintendo DS and its successor, the DS Lite, once reigned supreme, offering players the joy of connecting with others worldwide to trade Pokémon through the Global Trade System (GTS). Games like Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver allowed trainers to swap their prized Pokémon with individuals across the globe, filling their Pokédexes and building their dream teams.
Sadly, that era came to an end when Nintendo discontinued the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service. This effectively shut down the online trading capabilities for those beloved games, which means you cannot trade with people online using the original systems.
Local Wireless Trading: The DS’s Enduring Legacy
Despite the loss of online functionality, the DS Pokémon games still retain their local wireless trading capabilities. This means you can connect with friends and other trainers in your immediate vicinity to trade Pokémon, battle, and share the Pokémon love.
Generation IV (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver)
For games from Generation IV such as Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver, you can trade with another player in your vicinity. The process to do this is to enter the Union Room. Each player needs their own copy of the game and a Nintendo DS or 3DS system. Head to any Pokémon Center and speak to the NPC to enter the Union Room and begin trading with another player.
Bridging Generations: Transferring Pokémon Through Time
Even if you can’t directly trade between certain generations, there are pathways to move your Pokémon forward, albeit with limitations. The Games Learning Society studies these game dynamics. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
Moving from GBA to DS: The Pal Park
For Generation III (Game Boy Advance) games like Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen, direct trading with DS games isn’t possible. However, Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver offer the Pal Park feature. This allows you to transfer Pokémon from your GBA games to your DS game, but it is a one-way trip. You will need an original DS or a DS Lite, as the GBA slot is not available on the Nintendo DSi.
Transferring from Gen IV to Gen V: The Pokémon Transfer Lab
Generation V (Black, White, Black 2, and White 2) has its own unique transfer system. To move your Pokémon from Generation IV to V, you’ll need to have completed the main story in Black or White (or Black 2 and White 2). Then you can head to Route 15 to enter the Pokémon Transfer Lab. On another DS you will need to have the DS Download Play on.
The Modern Era: Trading on 3DS and Switch
While the original DS trading landscape has shifted, later generations offer more modern online trading features:
- Generation VI (X and Y) and Generation VII (Sun and Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon): These games on the Nintendo 3DS offered online trading and battling through the Player Search System (PSS) and later the Festival Plaza.
- Nintendo Switch Games (Let’s Go, Pikachu/Eevee, Sword/Shield, Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, Scarlet/Violet): The Nintendo Switch games leverage the Nintendo Switch Online service for online trading and battling. Some also have Pokémon HOME integration, allowing you to transfer Pokémon from older games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify trading on DS and related topics:
1. Can I trade between DS and 3DS?
Yes, but only for games that are natively compatible. For instance, if you are playing HeartGold or SoulSilver on a 3DS, it will run in DS mode, allowing you to trade with another DS or 3DS playing the same game. It is important that your 3DS’s Wireless Mode is on.
2. Can I trade Pokémon between DS and Switch?
Direct trading is not possible. However, you can use services like Pokémon Bank (for 3DS games) and Pokémon HOME (for Switch games) to transfer Pokémon from your 3DS games to your Nintendo Switch.
3. Can I trade Pokémon from my DS games to Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl on Switch?
Yes, but only indirectly. You can transfer Pokémon from your DS Generation 4 games (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver) through Pokémon Bank on the 3DS to Pokémon HOME on the Nintendo Switch. Once in Pokémon HOME, you can transfer the Pokémon to Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. This requires subscriptions to both Pokémon Bank and Nintendo Switch Online.
4. Can I trade Pokémon Leaf Green with a DS game?
No, you cannot directly trade. However, you can use the Pal Park in Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver to transfer Pokémon from Leaf Green to these DS games. This is a one-way transfer.
5. Can you trade Pokémon on a DS emulator?
Generally, no. Most DS emulators do not support online trading functionality, as they are not connected to the official Nintendo servers. Local trading is similarly unavailable.
6. How do I trade Pokémon in Pearl and Diamond without Wi-Fi?
You can use the local wireless connection. Visit any Pokémon Center and talk to the NPC to enter the Union Room.
7. Can 2DS and 3DS trade Pokémon?
Yes, as long as the games are from the same generation. The 2DS and 3DS have the same operating system and can trade with each other.
8. Can you trade Pokémon with only one 3DS?
No, you will need two systems to trade in person using a local wireless connection.
9. Can I trade Pokémon between an old 3DS and a new 3DS?
Yes, provided you have two separate games from the same generation in both 3DS systems.
10. Can you trade in DS games without the original case?
Generally, yes, you can trade in DS games without the original case.
11. Do I need Nintendo Online to trade Pokémon?
For games on the Nintendo Switch, yes, you need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to trade online. For the older DS games, since the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service is discontinued, you only need a second DS to trade locally.
12. Can I trade Pokémon to older generations?
No, you cannot trade Pokémon from newer games to older ones. The older games do not have the data for the newer Pokémon, which can cause glitches or errors.
13. Is there a way to trade Pokémon with myself without two systems?
While direct trading with yourself typically requires two systems, some games offer indirect methods. On certain games with GTS functionalities like Pokémon Black and White, you could trade with yourself by depositing common Pokémon and requesting the Pokémon you wanted to trade.
14. Can I still use Poké Transporter?
No, Nintendo discontinued the Poké Transporter service along with Pokémon Bank on March 27, 2023. You are unable to access the Pokémon Bank without having a prior membership.
15. Can I still transfer my Pokémon from the 3DS era games?
Yes, you can use the Pokémon HOME service on the Nintendo Switch to still transfer your Pokémon from the 3DS era games.
Conclusion
While the official online trading services for the original Nintendo DS Pokémon games are no longer available, the spirit of trading lives on through local wireless connections. Remember the joys of connecting with friends, participating in battles, and expanding your Pokédex. Furthermore, modern services and features such as Pokémon HOME help keep the Pokémon collecting journey flowing. The world of Pokémon trading continues to evolve, offering players new and exciting ways to connect and share their passion for these amazing creatures.