
Can you still use Pokebank after eShop closes?
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The answer to this question is yes, you can still use Pokebank after the eShop closes, but only if you have already downloaded it before the shutdown, and as of March 27, 2023, Pokémon Bank is free to use without the need for a paid pass. Pokémon Bank is now usable at no cost due to the discontinuation of Nintendo eShop service for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, allowing you to access your stored Pokémon without any additional fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
- What happens to Pokémon in Pokémon Home after subscription ends?: If your home subscription lapses, your Pokémon will remain unharmed, but you’ll just lose custody of a number of them, as non-premium Pokémon Home subscribers are only allowed to access a single box of 30 Pokémon.
- Can I access Pokémon Bank without 3DS?: Yes, even if you don’t have a Nintendo 3DS, it is still possible to move Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME using only Pokémon HOME, if the Nintendo Account tied to Pokémon HOME and the Nintendo Network ID tied to Pokémon Bank are linked.
- What is the difference between Pokémon Bank and Home?: Pokémon Bank is only for 3DS handheld Pokémon RPG main games, while Pokémon Home will be for Pokémon Bank, Pokémon Go, Pokémon Let’s Go, Pokémon Sword and Shield, and more, making Pokémon Home the next generation of pokémon storage.
Pokémon Bank and eShop Shutdown
- Do you lose your Pokémon if Pokebank expires?: If your trial pass or annual pass expires and you do not purchase a new annual pass, the Pokémon you left deposited in your Pokémon Bank Boxes will indeed disappear after a certain period of time.
- Why is Poke transporter not working after eShop shutdown?: Apparently, it seems that Poke Transporter still connects your Nintendo ID unlike Poke Bank, which means it’ll prompt you to ‘get a new pass’ if you didn’t have one prior to the eShop shutdown.
- Can you still transfer Pokémon from 3DS?: Yes, on the Nintendo 3DS system (Pokémon Bank), you can select the Boxes you want to move to Pokémon HOME and press the Y Button, then Yes, and within three minutes, enter the Moving Key that was displayed on Nintendo Switch.
Pokémon Home and Transferring Pokémon
- How do I transfer Pokémon without Pokémon Bank?: You can launch Pokémon HOME from the HOME Menu, select Pokémon from the main menu, select the game you want to connect to, as well as which user’s save data you will access, and you will be able to move Pokémon from any user on the console.
- What happens when Pokémon Bank expired?: Once the expiration date has passed, the Pokémon Bank subscription service will move to a free model, meaning you no longer need a subscription to Pokémon Bank to use its services and can do so after the purchase discontinuation free of charge.
- How to use Pokémon Bank after March 2023?: A Pokémon HOME Premium Plan subscription is required to move Pokémon from Pokémon Bank, and as of 27 March 2023, Pokémon Bank is free to use, however, it must have been downloaded before 27 March 2023.
Hacked Pokémon and Legality
- Can Pokémon Bank detect hacked Pokémon?: It’s entirely possible to create “perfect” undetectable hacked Pokémon, so you may never find out one way or the other, but Bank won’t ban you for trying to bring in a hacked Pokémon, it just won’t let you bring it over.
- Is it illegal to sell hacked Pokémon?: Yes, it is illegal to sell hacked Pokémon, and players caught using hacked Pokémon face penalties, including restriction of online play for all Pokémon titles, restricted use of trading features in Pokémon HOME, or an indefinite suspension from Pokémon HOME.
- What is the punishment for hacked Pokémon?: The punishment for hacked Pokémon includes restriction of online play, restricted use of trading features, or an indefinite suspension from Pokémon HOME.
Downloading and Accessing Pokémon Bank
- Can you still use Pokémon Bank after eShop closes if you downloaded it before?: Yes, if you already downloaded Pokémon Bank before the shutdown, you can still use it, and as of 27 March 2023, Pokémon Bank is free to use without the need for a paid pass.
- How do I download Poke Transporter after eShop closes?: If you don’t download Poke Transporter before the shutdown, it’s gone forever, and to download it, you need to have an active Poke Bank subscription, which currently costs money.
- What happens after the eShop closes?: After the eShop closes, you won’t be able to buy or download new games on the 3DS or Wii U eShop, and you also won’t be able to purchase in-game content, download demos or free-to-play software, redeem download codes, or add funds to your account on 3DS or Wii U.