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Can I Untransfer Pokémon? The Definitive Guide to Pokémon Transfers and Returns

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So, you’ve sent a Pokémon somewhere – maybe to Professor Willow, Pokémon HOME, or another game entirely – and now you’re having second thoughts. The burning question on your mind is: Can I untransfer Pokémon?

The short, and often painful, answer is generally no. Once a Pokémon is transferred, the action is usually irreversible. However, the specifics depend heavily on where you sent the Pokémon in the first place. Let’s break it down.

Understanding Pokémon Transfer Mechanics

The possibility of reversing a transfer depends on the specific transfer method and the games involved. Let’s explore the different contexts:

Transferring to Professor Willow (Pokémon GO)

In Pokémon GO, transferring a Pokémon to Professor Willow is a permanent action. The Pokémon disappears from your storage, and in return, you receive Candy and potentially Stardust. There is no way to retrieve a Pokémon sent to the Professor. This is designed to manage storage and reward players for thinning out their collections.

Transferring to Pokémon HOME

Pokémon HOME acts as a cloud-based storage system for your Pokémon across various games. The flow of Pokémon to HOME is primarily one-way from Pokémon GO. Here’s what you need to know:

Pokémon GO to HOME: Once Pokémon are transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, they cannot be sent back to Pokémon GO. This is a fundamental limitation of the system.
Main Series Games (Sword, Shield, Scarlet, Violet) to HOME: Pokémon can be moved back and forth between HOME and compatible main series games as long as the Pokémon exists in the target game’s data. However, be aware that Pokémon brought into Generation VIII (Sword/Shield) or Generation IX (Scarlet/Violet) may have restrictions on moving backward to earlier games like Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!.

Transferring Between Main Series Games

The ability to transfer Pokémon between main series games using Pokémon HOME opens up possibilities, but also introduces restrictions:

One-Way Trips: A Pokémon that has been moved from Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee! to Sword or Shield cannot be returned to the Let’s Go games. This is because the newer games introduce elements (abilities, items, etc.) that the older games don’t support.
Compatibility: Pokémon can only be transferred to games in which they exist. For instance, if a Pokémon isn’t present in Pokémon Scarlet or Violet, it cannot be transferred to those games from Pokémon HOME.

Transferring from Older Generations

The process of transferring Pokémon from older generations to newer ones is possible, but it may require multiple steps and different applications:

Generations IV to V: Requires a specific process in the post-game of Black or White (or Black 2 and White 2) using the Pokémon Transfer Lab on Route 15. This involves using two DS systems.
Utilizing Pokémon Bank: For transferring from older generations to 3DS titles, Pokémon Bank used to be essential. With the discontinuation of the Nintendo eShop service for the Nintendo 3DS, Pokémon Bank is now usable at no cost.

Why Can’t I Untransfer? The Technical Limitations

The inability to untransfer Pokémon boils down to a few key reasons:

Game Mechanics: Each game has its own mechanics, features, and data structures. Older games may not be able to handle the data associated with Pokémon from newer generations.
Data Loss: When a Pokémon is transferred, certain data might be lost or altered to fit the target game. Reversing this process perfectly is often technically impossible.
Balancing: The developers aim to maintain game balance. Allowing unrestricted back-and-forth transfers could disrupt the intended gameplay experience.

Strategies for Avoiding Regret

Given the often irreversible nature of Pokémon transfers, it’s essential to plan carefully:

Consider the Long Term: Before transferring, think about whether you might want the Pokémon back in its original game in the future.
Research Compatibility: Always check compatibility charts to understand where a Pokémon can be transferred to and from.
Prioritize Rare Pokémon: Be especially cautious with rare, shiny, or event Pokémon.
Utilize Tagging in Pokémon HOME: Use the tagging feature in Pokémon HOME to mark Pokémon from different games. This can help you keep track of their origins and destinations.

Pokémon and Education

Understanding the mechanics of Pokemon transfers and Pokemon Home can be a good learning tool, especially when it comes to understanding different computer systems and their interoperability. If you would like to learn more about education with games, you can visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website to learn more about how to educate through video games!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Pokémon transfers to further clarify the rules and limitations:

1. Can I send a Pokémon from Pokémon HOME back to Pokémon GO?

No. Pokémon transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME cannot be sent back to Pokémon GO. This is a one-way transfer.

2. Can I see what Pokémon I’ve transferred to Pokémon HOME?

Yes. In Pokémon HOME, you can change the display order to “Newest 30” to see recently deposited or traded Pokémon. You can also use the “Detailed Settings” in the search function and select the Pokémon GO icon under “Most recent game.”

3. Can I transfer Pokémon back a generation (e.g., from Sword to Let’s Go)?

Pokémon from Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! can use two-way transfer with Pokémon HOME. However, once a Pokémon has been in a Generation VIII or IX game (Sword/Shield, Scarlet/Violet), it cannot be transferred back into Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!.

4. Can I transfer Pokémon from older games to Sword and Shield?

Yes. You can use Pokémon HOME to transfer Pokémon from compatible older games to Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. Launch Pokémon HOME on the Nintendo Switch, select Pokémon, and then select the game you want to connect to.

5. Can I transfer the same Pokémon twice from Pokémon GO?

Pokémon GO does not allow trading back Pokémon or trading a traded Pokémon more than once. If you transfer a Pokémon to the Professor or to Pokémon Home, you can’t get it back and transfer it again.

6. Can I move Pokémon back and forth between Let’s Go and Sword/Shield indefinitely?

You can move Pokémon back and forth between Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! or into Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. However, once a Pokémon from Let’s Go is moved to Sword or Shield, it cannot be returned to its original Let’s Go game.

7. How many generations of Pokémon can I transfer from?

In theory, you could transfer a Pokémon from Generation 1 all the way to Generation 9, but it would require a long series of transfers through different games and applications. In most cases, it’s easier to catch the Pokémon in the newer games if they are available.

8. How do I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME and then to Sword/Shield?

In Pokémon GO, open Settings, then select Pokémon HOME.
Log into the same Nintendo Account you use with Pokémon HOME.
Select Send Pokémon.
Select Continue to use the Go Transporter.
Once in HOME, move the Pokemon to Sword/Shield via the game select menu.

9. What Pokémon should I transfer?

Consider transferring your lower-value Pokémon to make your stronger ones even stronger by farming candy. Avoid transferring your only Pokémon of a species unless you can easily acquire another.

10. Should I transfer all my zero-star Pokémon?

Generally, yes. Transferring 0-star Pokémon allows you to farm Candy. Keep an eye out for in-game events that double the Candy from Transfers.

11. What happens if you send a Pokémon to Professor Willow?

Sending a Pokémon to Professor Willow permanently removes it from your Pokémon Box. This action cannot be undone.

12. Can I transfer Pokémon from Sword to Scarlet?

Yes. Pokémon HOME is compatible with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. You can transfer Pokémon to and from the app at will, but only to games where they are present.

13. What happens to Pokémon when you transfer them?

When you transfer a Pokémon, you receive Candy in exchange. However, the Pokémon is gone and cannot be retrieved.

14. Can you trade Pokémon on the same Switch?

Yes, you can trade between family members using the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME, provided both users have their own accounts.

15. Why can some Pokémon not be transferred?

Certain Pokémon, such as Mega Evolved Pokémon (they need to revert to their base form), Pokémon in Gyms, and Pokémon designated as current buddies cannot be transferred until these conditions are met.

Conclusion

While the ability to untransfer Pokémon is generally limited, understanding the specific rules and limitations of each game and transfer method can help you make informed decisions and avoid potential regrets. Plan your transfers carefully, research compatibility, and prioritize your rare Pokémon. While the “untransfer” option might not be available, knowledge is power when managing your digital Pokémon collection. Now, get out there and catch ’em all… responsibly!