Can You Trade Between Pokémon Black and Black 2? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, you absolutely can trade between Pokémon Black and Pokémon Black 2! Both games belong to the fifth generation of Pokémon games and are fully compatible for trading. This means you can exchange Pokémon you’ve caught and trained in one version with a friend (or yourself, if you have both games) playing the other. The process is relatively straightforward, but there are a few key things you need to know to get started, which we’ll delve into in detail.
Understanding the Trading Mechanics in Generation 5
Trading in Pokémon Black and Black 2 is a crucial aspect of completing your Pokédex and battling with your friends. Before diving into the specifics, let’s review the basic requirements:
Prerequisites for Trading
- Obtain the Pal Pad: In both games, you’ll need to progress through the story far enough to obtain the Pal Pad. This key item is generally received after defeating the first gym and venturing to the Dreamyard. Fennel will give you this pal pad and c-gear, which allows you to connect with other players.
- Register Friend Codes: Trading requires exchanging Friend Codes with the person you wish to trade with. You’ll need to register their code in your Pal Pad and vice versa.
- Access the Pokémon Center: Trading takes place within the Pokémon Center. Head upstairs and speak to the lady in the middle at the counter to initiate a trade.
- Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (If trading online): For online trading, you’ll need a stable Wi-Fi connection. Remember that while the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service was discontinued for older DS games, fan-made servers exist that allow you to still participate in online interactions.
Local vs. Online Trading
Pokémon Black and Black 2 support both local wireless trading and online trading. Local trading requires two Nintendo DS/3DS systems in close proximity. For online trading, you’ll need a working internet connection and the aforementioned fan-made server.
Transferring Pokémon from Earlier Generations
While direct trading with games from earlier generations isn’t possible, Generation 5 introduces a clever workaround: the Poke Transfer Lab.
The Poke Transfer Lab
Located on Route 15, the Poke Transfer Lab allows you to transfer Pokémon from your Generation 4 games (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver) to Black or Black 2. This is a one-way transfer, not a trade, meaning the Pokémon will be permanently moved from the older game to the newer one.
How Poke Transfer Works
- Complete the Main Storyline: You must beat the Elite Four in Black or Black 2 to access the Poke Transfer Lab.
- Insert Your Generation 4 Game: Insert your Generation 4 game into your Nintendo DS/3DS.
- Start the Poke Transfer Minigame: Talk to the scientist inside the Poke Transfer Lab to initiate the transfer process. A minigame will start on your DS.
- Catch the Pokémon: You will then throw pokeballs at the pokemon in the minigame.
- Transfer and Receive: You will then be able to transfer the pokemon to the current box in your Gen 5 game.
The Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter
In later years, Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter became essential tools for moving Pokémon between games and generations.
Using Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter
- Move Pokémon to Box 1: In your Black, White, Black 2, or White 2 game, move the Pokémon you wish to transfer to Box 1.
- Open Poké Transporter: Open the Poké Transporter application on your Nintendo 3DS.
- Transfer to Pokémon Bank: Use Poké Transporter to transfer the Pokémon from Box 1 to the Pokémon Bank‘s transfer box.
- Open Pokémon Bank: Open the Pokémon Bank application.
- Move to Desired Box: Move the Pokémon from the transfer box to your desired box within Pokémon Bank.
- Transfer to Pokémon HOME: Finally, use the Pokémon HOME application to move the Pokémon to newer Nintendo Switch games.
Keep in mind that Pokémon Bank is no longer available for purchase, but is free to use. Also, Pokémon can only be moved forward in this manner, not backward.
Moving Pokémon to Pokémon HOME
- Select ‘Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME’: In Pokémon Bank, select this option from the main menu.
- Choose Boxes: Select the boxes containing the Pokémon you want to move.
- Confirm Selection: Press the Y Button and select “Yes” to confirm.
- Generate a Moving Key: In Pokémon HOME, select “Move from Nintendo 3DS”.
- Enter Moving Key: Enter the Moving Key displayed in Pokémon HOME into Pokémon Bank to begin the transfer.
Conclusion
Trading between Pokémon Black and Black 2 is a fundamental feature, allowing you to complete your Pokédex and battle with friends. Furthermore, with the Poke Transfer Lab, Pokémon Bank, and Pokémon HOME, you can bring your treasured Pokémon from older generations to newer titles, ensuring your favorites remain with you throughout your Pokémon journey. With these tools and knowledge, you’re well-equipped to make the most of your Pokémon adventure!
Interested in learning more about the impact of games and learning? Visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I trade Pokémon from Black 2 to regular Black?
Yes, you can freely trade between Pokémon Black 2 and the original Pokémon Black. The key is obtaining the Pal Pad in both games.
2. How soon after starting Black 2 can I trade?
You can begin trading in Pokémon Black 2 after defeating the first gym leader and acquiring the Pal Pad.
3. What Pokémon cannot be traded?
In the context of Pokémon Black and Black 2, there aren’t specific Pokémon that are inherently untradeable through the game’s built-in trading system. Any Pokémon you can legitimately obtain in the game can generally be traded. However, there might be issues if a Pokémon is hacked or has illegal data. If using the fan-made servers, some Pokémon may not be available for trade due to limitations.
4. Can you trade Pokémon from Platinum to Black 2 directly?
No, you cannot directly trade between Platinum and Black 2. You can only transfer Pokémon from Platinum to Black 2 using the Poke Transfer Lab on Route 15 in Black 2 after beating the Elite Four. This is a one-way transfer.
5. Is Pokémon Black 2 compatible with Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon Black 2 is not directly compatible with Pokémon HOME. You need to use the Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter apps on a Nintendo 3DS to first transfer Pokémon from Black 2 to Pokémon Bank, and then from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.
6. Do I need two Nintendo DS systems to trade between Black and Black 2 locally?
Yes, for local wireless trading, you need two Nintendo DS/3DS systems, each with a copy of either Pokémon Black or Black 2.
7. Is the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection still active for online trading in Black and Black 2?
No, the official Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service for Nintendo DS games was discontinued. However, it is still possible to trade online with fan servers.
8. Can I trade Pokémon holding items between Black and Black 2?
Yes, you can trade Pokémon holding items between Pokémon Black and Black 2. The held item will transfer along with the Pokémon.
9. What is Memory Link in Pokémon Black 2?
Memory Link is a feature that allows players to connect Pokémon Black or White with Black 2 or White 2 to unlock new events and content in the latter games. It requires two DS systems and is accessed from the main menu.
10. How long does it take to complete Pokémon Black 2?
The main story of Pokémon Black 2 typically takes around 35 hours to complete. Completing the entire game, including post-game content, can take upwards of 190 hours.
11. Which is better, Pokémon Black or Pokémon Black 2?
Pokémon Black 2 is generally considered better due to its enhanced features, new areas, and improved storyline compared to the original Pokémon Black. However, some players prefer the original for its simpler experience.
12. How do I transfer Pokémon from Black 2 to a newer game on the Nintendo Switch?
The process involves using Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter on a Nintendo 3DS to move Pokémon to Pokémon Bank, then using Pokémon HOME on the Nintendo Switch to transfer them to newer games.
13. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Black 2?
No, there is no direct way to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Black 2. You can only transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, and from there, to compatible Nintendo Switch games.
14. What are the requirements to use the Poke Transporter?
The Poke Transporter requires a Nintendo 3DS, a copy of Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, or White 2, and a Pokémon Bank account (which is now free to use). You also need to have a Generation 4 game for the intitial game and pokemon.
15. Is Pokémon Bank still usable in 2024?
Yes, Pokémon Bank is still usable in 2024. While it is no longer available for purchase, it is free to use, enabling trainers to transfer their Pokémon to Pokémon HOME and eventually, to compatible Nintendo Switch titles.