Can You Still Trade in Pokémon Black 2? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can still trade in Pokémon Black 2! While the official Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection services that facilitated online trading for Nintendo DS games have been discontinued, trading is still possible via local wireless connection. This means you can trade with other players who have a Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo DSi XL, or Nintendo 3DS system and a copy of Pokémon Black 2, White 2, Black, or White.
Understanding Trading Mechanics in Pokémon Black 2
Local Wireless Trading
The primary way to trade in Pokémon Black 2 today is through local wireless communication. This method requires you and your trading partner to be physically near each other. Here’s how it works:
- Head to a Pokémon Center: Inside any Pokémon Center, you’ll find a lady behind the counter on the second floor who will allow you to access the Union Room.
- Enter the Union Room: Talk to the lady behind the counter and select the Union Room.
- Connect with Your Trading Partner: Both you and your trading partner must enter the Union Room on your respective games.
- Initiate the Trade: Once inside, you can walk up to your friend and initiate a trade.
Pokémon Transfer Lab: Bridging Generations
Pokémon Black 2 also provides a unique way to transfer Pokémon from older Generation IV games (like Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver) to Generation V. This is done through the Pokémon Transfer Lab. Note that once Pokemon are transferred from generation 4 to generation 5, they cannot be transferred back.
- Unlock the Poké Transfer Lab: You need to beat the Elite Four and become the Champion in Pokémon Black 2.
- Head to Route 15: The Poké Transfer Lab is located on Route 15.
- Start Wireless Communications: On your Pokémon Black 2 game, talk to the scientist in the lab.
- Use DS Download Play: On your other Nintendo DS system with the Generation IV game, select DS Download Play from the main menu.
- Transfer Pokémon: Select six Pokémon from your PC Boxes in the Generation IV game to transfer.
Limitations and Restrictions
There are some limitations to keep in mind:
- Certain Pokémon cannot be traded. These typically include Mythical Pokémon, event-exclusive Pokémon, and Pokémon that have already been traded once.
- Black Kyurem and White Kyurem cannot be traded in Pokémon Black/White.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Trading in Pokémon Black 2
1. Can you trade between Black and Black 2?
Yes, absolutely! You can trade Pokémon between Pokémon Black and Pokémon Black 2, as well as between Pokémon White and Pokémon White 2. This includes trading from Black to White 2 and vice versa.
2. Why can’t I trade online in Pokémon Black 2?
Official online trading services via Nintendo WFC for Nintendo DS games, including Pokémon Black 2, were discontinued in 2013. Therefore, the only way to trade now is through local wireless connection.
3. What do I need to trade in Pokémon Black 2?
You need a Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo DSi XL, or Nintendo 3DS system, a copy of Pokémon Black 2, White 2, Black, or White, and a trading partner with their own system and game.
4. Do I need to beat the game to trade in Pokémon Black 2?
To trade with other Black/White games, you only need to progress far enough to reach the first Pokémon Center with a Union Room. However, to use the Poké Transfer Lab, you must beat the Elite Four and become the Champion.
5. Can I trade items in Pokémon Black 2?
Yes, you can trade items by having a Pokémon hold the item you want to trade. The Pokémon will carry the item to the other player.
6. Can you trade Pokémon from Black 2 to Pokémon Sun or Moon?
Yes, but it’s a multi-step process:
- Transfer Pokémon from Black 2 to Pokémon Bank using the Poké Transporter app.
- Transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon Sun or Moon.
Pokémon Bank is now usable at no cost due to the discontinuation of Nintendo eShop service for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
7. How do I access the Union Room in Pokémon Black 2?
Go to any Pokémon Center and talk to the lady behind the counter on the second floor. Select the Union Room option.
8. What is the Pokémon Transfer Lab?
The Pokémon Transfer Lab is a facility located on Route 15 that allows you to transfer Pokémon from Generation IV games (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver) to Pokémon Black or White.
9. Can I trade Pokémon back from Black 2 to HeartGold?
No, the transfer via the Poké Transfer Lab is a one-way migration. Once Pokémon are transferred from a Generation IV game to a Generation V game, they cannot be sent back.
10. Are there any Pokémon I can’t trade?
Yes, certain Mythical Pokémon (such as Mew, Celebi, Deoxys, Darkrai) and event-exclusive Pokémon often cannot be traded. Also, Black Kyurem and White Kyurem cannot be traded in Pokémon Black/White.
11. Can I trade with someone who has Pokémon White 2?
Yes, you can trade between Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2.
12. Can I use emulators to trade in Pokémon Black 2?
Trading with emulators can be tricky. While some emulators support local wireless communication, the reliability and compatibility can vary. You’ll need to ensure both emulators are properly configured for local wireless play.
13. Can I still get version-exclusive Pokémon through trading?
Absolutely! Trading is the primary way to obtain Pokémon that are exclusive to one version of the game. For example, if you’re playing Pokémon Black 2, you can trade with someone who has Pokémon White 2 to get Reshiram.
14. Can I trade Eggs in Pokémon Black 2?
Yes, you can trade Pokémon Eggs in Pokémon Black 2. This is a great way to get a Pokémon with a specific nature or ability.
15. How does trading affect evolved Pokémon in Black 2?
Trading can affect certain evolutions. Some Pokémon only evolve when traded (for example, Shelmet and Karrablast need to be traded for each other to evolve).
Conclusion
While the landscape of Pokémon trading has evolved since the discontinuation of Nintendo WFC, trading in Pokémon Black 2 remains a viable and enjoyable experience through local wireless communication. With the ability to trade with other Generation V games and transfer Pokémon from older generations, Pokémon Black 2 continues to offer a rich and engaging gameplay experience.
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