Can You Still Transfer Pokémon from 3DS to HOME? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you can still transfer Pokémon from your 3DS games to Pokémon HOME, but there are important nuances to understand. The key lies in understanding the roles of Pokémon Bank, Poké Transporter, and their relationship with the now-closed Nintendo 3DS eShop. With the eShop’s closure in March 2023, the process has become free but also slightly more restricted. Let’s dive into the details and explore the intricacies of this transfer process.

Understanding the Pokémon Transfer Ecosystem

The journey of migrating your beloved Pokémon from older 3DS titles to the modern Pokémon HOME service is a multi-step process, reliant on specific applications that once required purchases but are now free to use.

The Crucial Role of Pokémon Bank

Pokémon Bank is an application for the Nintendo 3DS that acts as a cloud-based storage system for your Pokémon. Think of it as a digital warehouse where you can deposit Pokémon from various core series 3DS games like:

• Pokémon X and Y
• Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
• Pokémon Sun and Moon
• Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

Before the closure of the eShop, Pokémon Bank required a paid annual subscription. However, since March 27, 2023, Pokémon Bank is now free to use. This is a significant change, allowing players to access their stored Pokémon without further financial burden. However, there’s a catch: You must have downloaded Pokémon Bank before the eShop closed. New users can no longer download it.

Poké Transporter: The Bridge to the Past

Poké Transporter is a companion application to Pokémon Bank. Its primary function is to transfer Pokémon from older generation games (specifically those on the Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance) to Pokémon Bank. This is where things get a bit more complex. Poké Transporter works exclusively with:

• Pokémon Black and White
• Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
• Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
• Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
• Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald (via the Generation 4 games)

Similar to Pokémon Bank, Poké Transporter has also become free to use, but again, it must have been downloaded before the eShop closed. If you didn’t download it, you’re out of luck. This creates a barrier for new players hoping to bring Pokémon from these older titles into Pokémon HOME. If you downloaded before the shop closure, you can still use the redownload feature.

Pokémon HOME: The Modern Hub

Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based service for the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, designed as a central hub where you can gather Pokémon from various games. It supports Pokémon from:

• Pokémon Sword and Shield
• Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
• Pokémon Legends: Arceus
• Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!
• Pokémon GO
• And, importantly, Pokémon Bank.

To move Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME, you need a paid Pokémon HOME Premium Plan. This plan unlocks the ability to connect with Pokémon Bank and transfer your Pokémon. While Pokémon Bank is now free, the Premium Plan is essential for completing the transfer to HOME.

The Transfer Process: Step-by-Step

Here’s a breakdown of the steps required to transfer your Pokémon from 3DS to Pokémon HOME:

1. Ensure you have Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter downloaded: This is the biggest hurdle. If you didn’t download these applications before the eShop closure, you cannot obtain them now.
2. Update Pokémon Bank: Make sure your Pokémon Bank application is updated to version 1.5 or higher. This is necessary to see the “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME” option.
3. Transfer Pokémon to Pokémon Bank: Using your 3DS game, deposit the Pokémon you want to transfer into Pokémon Bank. If you’re transferring from older DS or GBA games, use Poké Transporter to move them to Pokémon Bank first.
4. Launch Pokémon HOME on Nintendo Switch: Ensure you have a Premium Plan subscription.
5. Select “Pokémon Bank” in Pokémon HOME: In the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME, select the option to connect to Pokémon Bank.
6. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: Pokémon HOME will provide you with a moving key. Enter this key into Pokémon Bank on your 3DS.
7. Transfer Pokémon: Select the boxes of Pokémon you want to move from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.
8. Complete the Transfer: Once the transfer is complete, your Pokémon will be available in Pokémon HOME.

Key Considerations and Limitations

• eShop Closure Impact: The closure of the Nintendo 3DS eShop has fundamentally changed the accessibility of this transfer process. If you didn’t download Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter, you cannot participate.
• Premium Plan Requirement: A Pokémon HOME Premium Plan is essential for transferring Pokémon from Pokémon Bank. The free version of Pokémon HOME does not support this functionality.
• One-Way Transfer: The transfer from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME is a one-way trip. Once Pokémon are moved to HOME, they cannot be returned to Pokémon Bank.
• Compatibility: Not all Pokémon can be transferred to every game. Some Pokémon may be restricted based on the specific game’s compatibility.
• Future Support: While Pokémon Bank is currently free and functional, Nintendo has stated that support for it “may also end at some point in the future.” This means the transfer method could eventually become unavailable.

The Importance of Game Preservation

The closure of the 3DS eShop and the limitations it imposes on transferring Pokémon highlight the importance of game preservation. As digital storefronts close, access to classic games and essential tools like Poké Transporter becomes limited, potentially stranding valuable digital assets. This underscores the need for robust preservation efforts to ensure that future generations can experience these games and services. Institutions such as the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ explore the social, cultural, and educational impacts of games, shedding light on the importance of preserving gaming history and ensuring its accessibility. The GamesLearningSociety.org website provides additional information on the role of games in preserving history.

FAQs: Transferring Pokémon from 3DS to HOME

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the Pokémon transfer process:

1. Can I still download Pokémon Bank or Poké Transporter?

No. As of March 27, 2023, you can no longer download Pokémon Bank or Poké Transporter from the Nintendo 3DS eShop.

2. Do I need a paid subscription for Pokémon Bank now?

No. Pokémon Bank is now free to use, but you must have downloaded it before the eShop closed.

3. What happens to my Pokémon if I don’t have a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan?

You won’t be able to transfer them from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME. A Premium Plan is required for this functionality.

4. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO directly to my 3DS?

No. Pokémon GO transfers go to Pokémon HOME, not directly to the 3DS.

5. Is the transfer from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME permanent?

Yes. Once Pokémon are transferred to Pokémon HOME, they cannot be sent back to Pokémon Bank.

6. Can I transfer Pokémon from older Game Boy Advance games (like Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald) directly to Pokémon HOME?

No. You need to transfer them to a Gen 4 (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver) DS game, then use Poké Transporter to get them to Pokémon Bank.

7. What if I missed downloading Poké Transporter before the eShop closed?

Unfortunately, you are unable to obtain Poké Transporter and will not be able to transfer Pokémon from older DS/GBA games.

8. How much does a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan cost?

The cost varies depending on the subscription length. Check the Nintendo eShop or the Pokémon HOME app for current pricing.

9. Will Pokémon Bank be available forever?

Nintendo has stated that support for Pokémon Bank “may also end at some point in the future,” so its long-term availability is not guaranteed.

10. Do all Pokémon from my 3DS games transfer to Pokémon HOME?

Most Pokémon can be transferred, but some may be restricted depending on compatibility with the destination games in Pokémon HOME.

11. Can I transfer multiple Shiny Pokémon at once in Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME?

No, you cannot transfer multiple Shiny Pokémon, Lucky Pokémon, or Buddy Pokémon with whom you’ve reached Good Buddy status or above at a time.

12. What happens if my Pokémon HOME subscription expires?

If your Pokémon HOME subscription expires, your Pokémon will be stored for a limited time. If you don’t renew your subscription within that timeframe, your Pokémon may be lost.

13. Can I still redownload 3DS games I purchased before the eShop closed?

Yes, you can redownload games, apps, themes, and special demos that you previously purchased.

14. Why did Nintendo close the 3DS eShop?

The Nintendo Switch has become Nintendo’s primary focus, leading to the discontinuation of the 3DS eShop.

15. Is there any way to transfer Pokémon from 3DS to Switch without Pokémon Bank?

No, Pokémon Bank is the required intermediary step for transferring Pokémon from 3DS games to Pokémon HOME on the Switch.

Conclusion

While the closure of the Nintendo 3DS eShop has added some complexities to the process, transferring Pokémon from your 3DS games to Pokémon HOME is still possible for those who downloaded the necessary applications beforehand. Remember to have a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan, keep your applications updated, and act swiftly to transfer your Pokémon before any potential future changes to the service. The digital preservation efforts, and the analysis of the impact of video games in the Games Learning Society will ensure that video games can be enjoyed for many years to come. Happy transferring!