Can Pokémon Be Moved from HOME to Bank? The Definitive Answer
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
No, Pokémon cannot be moved directly from Pokémon HOME back to Pokémon Bank. This is a one-way transfer system designed by The Pokémon Company. Once a Pokémon has been transferred from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME, it is permanently lodged in the HOME ecosystem and cannot return to the 3DS-based Pokémon Bank. This limitation stems from the design of Pokémon HOME as the central hub for Pokémon storage and transfer across multiple generations and platforms, whereas Bank was specifically designed for the 3DS era.
Understanding Pokémon Storage and Transfer Systems
The evolution of Pokémon storage has seen a significant shift from the dedicated 3DS application, Pokémon Bank, to the cloud-based, cross-platform service, Pokémon HOME. This transition reflects a broader trend in gaming towards centralized, account-based services. However, it also introduces certain restrictions regarding Pokémon movement, particularly in the context of backward compatibility. Understanding these systems is crucial for anyone managing a large collection of Pokémon across different games.
The Role of Pokémon Bank
Pokémon Bank served as the primary storage solution for Nintendo 3DS Pokémon titles like X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon. It allowed players to store up to 3,000 Pokémon online, streamlining the process of transferring Pokémon between compatible games. It also facilitated transfers from older Generation V games via the Poké Transporter application.
The Function of Pokémon HOME
Pokémon HOME acts as a centralized hub for managing Pokémon across various Nintendo Switch and mobile titles. This includes Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, Pokémon Scarlet, Pokémon Violet, and Pokémon GO. Its primary function is to facilitate transfers between compatible games and to provide a comprehensive Pokémon storage and trading platform. It also offers features like the National Pokédex completion, Mystery Gifts, and battle data analysis.
Why the One-Way Transfer?
The inability to move Pokémon back from Pokémon HOME to Pokémon Bank is primarily due to the architectural differences between the two systems and the generational leap between the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch. Pokémon HOME supports Pokémon from newer games that utilize different data structures and mechanics. Introducing these newer Pokémon into the older Pokémon Bank system, which is designed for the 3DS, would require significant changes to the older software. The Pokémon Company likely opted for a one-way system to maintain system stability and avoid potential data corruption issues. Furthermore, this restriction encourages users to embrace the Pokémon HOME ecosystem as the central location for their collections, consolidating the user base around the newest platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Pokémon transfers, focusing on the relationships between Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME.
1. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO directly to Pokémon Bank?
No, you cannot transfer Pokémon directly from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Bank. You can transfer from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME and then theoretically, from Bank to HOME. But remember: once in HOME, Pokémon can’t go back to Bank.
2. Is Pokémon Bank still available?
While Pokémon Bank is no longer available for purchase, it is available for free to all players since the Nintendo 3DS eShop closed in March 2023. You can use it if you have it downloaded.
3. How do I transfer Pokémon from Bank to HOME?
You will need a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank. Both your Nintendo Account (for HOME) and your Nintendo Network ID (for Bank) must be linked. Open Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch and follow the instructions to initiate the transfer from Pokémon Bank.
4. What happens if my Pokémon HOME Premium Plan expires?
If your Pokémon HOME Premium Plan expires, you will only be able to store up to 30 Pokémon. Pokémon exceeding this limit will become inaccessible until you renew your Premium Plan or move them to a compatible game.
5. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME, and then from Pokémon HOME to Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, provided the Pokémon is present in the Scarlet and Violet Pokedex and meets all transfer requirements.
6. What are the restrictions on transferring specific Pokémon?
Some Pokémon cannot be transferred due to various reasons. For example, Partner Pikachu, Partner Eevee, and fused forms of Necrozma, Kyurem, and Calyrex cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME. Certain Gigantamax Pokémon might not be transferable to specific games like Brilliant Diamond or Legends: Arceus. See more helpful articles at the GamesLearningSociety.org.
7. Why can’t I move certain Pokémon from HOME to Sword and Shield?
Certain legendary and mythical Pokémon require you to have already registered them in your Sword and Shield Pokédex before you can transfer them from HOME.
8. Can I have multiple Pokémon HOME accounts on one device?
No, you can only use one user profile per device in the mobile version of Pokémon HOME, and you can only link one Nintendo Account per device.
9. What Pokémon games can transfer to Pokémon Bank?
You can transfer Pokémon to Pokémon Bank from Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon.
10. How much does it cost to transfer Pokémon from Bank to HOME?
While Pokémon Bank is now free, you still need a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan to initiate the transfer from Bank to HOME. This plan has varying subscription costs, such as $2.99 for one month, $4.99 for three months, or $15.99 for one year.
11. What does the red circle symbol mean in Pokémon HOME?
The red circle symbol in Pokémon HOME usually indicates that the Pokémon cannot be transferred to Sword and Shield or Let’s Go, Pikachu/Eevee due to compatibility restrictions.
12. Can I transfer shiny Pokémon?
You can typically transfer shiny Pokémon, but there might be restrictions on transferring multiple shiny Pokémon simultaneously, depending on the specific game.
13. What happens to my Pokémon if I stop paying for Pokémon Bank (now that it is free)?
Since Pokémon Bank is now free, this is not an issue. However, if you were to stop paying for Pokémon HOME Premium Plan, your stored Pokémon beyond the free tier limit would become inaccessible.
14. Can I move Pokémon back to Let’s Go, Pikachu or Eevee?
You can move Pokémon back to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! as long as you haven’t moved them from Pokémon HOME into Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield.
15. Can Pokémon that can Mega Evolve be transferred to Pokémon HOME?
Mega Evolved Pokémon will need to revert to their base form before they can be transferred to Pokémon HOME. Pokémon in gyms will also need to return to you before they can be transferred.
Conclusion: Navigating the Pokémon Transfer Landscape
In summary, you cannot move Pokémon from Pokémon HOME back to Pokémon Bank. While this limitation might be frustrating for some, it’s essential to understand the rationale behind this design choice. Pokémon HOME is designed as a modern, unified storage solution, while Pokémon Bank served a purpose within the 3DS ecosystem. Plan your transfers accordingly to ensure your valuable Pokémon end up where you want them. If you want to know more about game design, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.