Can You Still Trade Pokémon on 3DS in 2023? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, you can still trade Pokémon on the 3DS in 2023, but the methods have shifted significantly following the closure of the Nintendo 3DS eShop and changes to the Pokémon Bank service. The landscape is different, so let’s break down how it works and what your options are.
Understanding the 3DS Pokémon Trading Ecosystem in 2023
The key to understanding trading on the 3DS in 2023 lies in understanding the limitations and the available tools. The core issue is that the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service for DS games was discontinued years ago, meaning direct trading between older DS games isn’t possible anymore. Furthermore, the 3DS eShop has closed, which means you can’t download new digital software, including Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter.
However, if you downloaded Pokémon Bank before the eShop closure, you’re in luck. Pokémon Bank, a cloud-based storage service, became free to use after the eShop closure on March 27, 2023. It acts as a bridge to transfer Pokémon from older 3DS titles (like Pokémon X/Y, Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire, and Sun/Moon/Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon) to Pokémon HOME, Nintendo’s current cloud-based service for Pokémon storage and trading, available on the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.
The Modern 3DS Pokémon Transfer Process
Here’s the typical process for trading Pokémon from your 3DS games in 2023:
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Check for Pokémon Bank: First and foremost, make sure you downloaded Pokémon Bank and its companion app, Poké Transporter, before March 27, 2023. If you didn’t, unfortunately, you’re out of luck using this method.
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Premium Pokémon HOME Account: Ensure you have a Premium Plan for Pokémon HOME. This subscription is required to move Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.
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Transfer to Pokémon Bank: Open Pokémon Bank on your 3DS. Use Poké Transporter to move Pokémon from older generation games (like Black, White, Black 2, and White 2) into Pokémon Bank. Then, organize your Pokémon within Pokémon Bank.
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Move to Pokémon HOME: Within Pokémon Bank, select the option to move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME. This will generate a Moving Key.
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Pokémon HOME on Switch/Mobile: Open Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch or mobile device. Select the option to move Pokémon from 3DS and enter the Moving Key generated by Pokémon Bank.
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Completion: Follow the prompts on both systems. Your Pokémon will then be transferred from Pokémon Bank to your Pokémon HOME account. From Pokémon HOME, you can trade with others, move Pokémon to compatible Switch games (like Pokémon Sword/Shield, Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, and Scarlet/Violet), or simply store them.
Important Note: This process doesn’t allow direct trading between two 3DS systems in the traditional sense. You are using Pokémon Bank as an intermediary to get your Pokémon into the Pokémon HOME ecosystem, where trading with other players is possible using the Pokémon HOME app.
Alternative Options for Gen 6 and 7 Games
Although direct local wireless trading is still available, it requires two 3DS systems with the relevant game. You will be able to trade if you own two copies of Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire or Sun/Moon.
Also, Wonder Trade is available on these games, but it will only allow you to trade with people who are playing the game and have internet access.
FAQs: Pokémon Trading on 3DS in 2023
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the situation regarding Pokémon trading on the 3DS in 2023:
Can I still trade Pokémon locally on 3DS without internet?
Yes, you can still trade Pokémon locally between two 3DS systems if you have the appropriate games (X/Y, Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire, Sun/Moon, Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon) and the two systems are in close proximity to each other. The process is the same as it always was: select the trading option within the game and connect to another player locally.
I didn’t download Pokémon Bank before the eShop closed. Am I out of luck?
Unfortunately, yes. If you didn’t download Pokémon Bank before the eShop closed on March 27, 2023, you cannot download it now, which means you cannot transfer your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME using that method. Your Pokémon will remain trapped in your 3DS games.
Is Pokémon Bank still free to use?
Yes, Pokémon Bank is now free to use. However, this only matters if you downloaded it before the eShop closure.
Do I need a Nintendo Online subscription to use Pokémon Bank or Pokémon HOME?
No, you do not need a Nintendo Online subscription to use Pokémon Bank. However, you do need a Premium Plan on Pokémon HOME to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.
Can I transfer Pokémon from DS games (like Black/White) directly to Pokémon HOME?
No, you cannot directly transfer Pokémon from DS games to Pokémon HOME. You must first use Poké Transporter (part of the Pokémon Bank suite) to move them to Pokémon Bank, and then from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME. Of course, this only works if you downloaded Pokémon Bank before the eShop closure.
I have two 3DS systems. Can I link the same Nintendo Network ID to both?
No, it is not possible to link the same Nintendo Network ID to multiple 3DS systems or Wii U consoles simultaneously.
Can I still Wonder Trade in Pokémon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire?
Yes, you can still Wonder Trade in Pokémon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire, assuming you have an internet connection and the service is still active within the game.
Will Pokémon Bank be available forever?
Nintendo has stated that there is no planned end date for the free Pokémon Bank service, but this is subject to change. It’s always a good idea to transfer your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME as soon as possible to ensure their safety.
How do I update Pokémon Bank on my 3DS?
If you have Pokémon Bank installed, you can check for updates through the Nintendo eShop. Search for Pokémon Bank in the eShop, and if an update is available, you’ll see an option to download it. This method will no longer work, however, since the eShop has closed.
What happens to my Pokémon if my Pokémon HOME Premium Plan expires?
If your Pokémon HOME Premium Plan expires, you will not lose your Pokémon immediately. However, you will only be able to store a limited number of Pokémon (30) in the Basic Box. If you have more than 30 Pokémon stored, you will need to resubscribe to the Premium Plan to access them and move them to compatible games or release them.
Can I trade Pokémon from 3DS to Switch without Pokémon Bank?
No, there is no other direct method to transfer Pokémon from 3DS to Switch games without using Pokémon Bank (if you had it downloaded).
Is it worth getting a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan just to transfer my Pokémon from 3DS?
Whether it’s “worth it” depends on how much you value your Pokémon and whether you want to use them in newer Switch games. If you have a substantial collection of Pokémon in your 3DS games that you want to bring forward, then the Premium Plan is likely worth the investment. If you are looking for a game that offers new innovative approaches to learning, you should check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Can I trade Pokémon from Pokémon GO to 3DS?
No, you cannot directly transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to 3DS games. You can, however, transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME and then potentially to compatible Switch games.
I get an error message when trying to connect to Pokémon Bank. What should I do?
Ensure your 3DS is connected to the internet and that the date and time settings are correct. You can try restarting your 3DS and your router. If the problem persists, contact Nintendo Support for assistance. Keep in mind that due to the age of the 3DS, technical support may be limited.
Can I trade Pokémon to multiple save files of the same game?
No, you can only trade Pokémon directly between two separate games. However, if you have Pokémon Bank, then you will be able to transfer your desired Pokémon to another game on the same system using the Pokémon HOME app on the switch.
Conclusion
While the methods for trading Pokémon on the 3DS in 2023 are different from the traditional methods, it’s still possible to transfer your beloved creatures from older games to the current generation. The key is to have downloaded Pokémon Bank before the eShop closure and to subscribe to a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan. If you meet these requirements, you can continue your Pokémon journey across generations.