Can You Trade Pokémon Between Nintendo Switch and DS?
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The short answer is no, you cannot directly trade Pokémon between a Nintendo Switch and a Nintendo DS (or 3DS). These consoles belong to different generations of Nintendo hardware and utilize fundamentally different online infrastructures and game architectures. However, fear not, aspiring Pokémon Master! There is a pathway, albeit a multi-step one, to get your beloved Pokémon from older DS games onto your Switch. This involves using Pokémon Bank on the 3DS and Pokémon HOME on the Switch. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics.
Understanding the Limitations
The core reason direct trading isn’t possible lies in the technology gap. The Nintendo DS and 3DS used the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, which was officially discontinued. The Nintendo Switch uses a completely different online service called Nintendo Switch Online. The game formats themselves are also incompatible, preventing any direct data transfer. Trading was only originally intended for same-generation games.
The method that connects these seemingly separate Pokémon worlds is a cloud-based service Nintendo created to bridge the gap between their different consoles: Pokémon HOME.
The Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME Solution: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how you can transfer your Pokémon from DS/3DS games to your Nintendo Switch, eventually making them available in compatible Switch titles like Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, or even the new Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet should they become compatible.
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Pokémon Bank (3DS):
- First, ensure you have the Pokémon Bank application and its associated app, Poké Transporter, downloaded on your Nintendo 3DS. Both are available for free download until they are discontinued and will be free to use even after paid passes are no longer available to purchase.
- Transfer Pokémon from your Generation V (Black, White, Black 2, White 2) games to Pokémon Bank using Poké Transporter.
- For Generation IV (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver) games, you’ll first need to transfer Pokémon to a Generation V game using the Poke Transfer mini-game in Generation V, and then to Pokémon Bank.
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Pokémon HOME (Switch):
- Download the Pokémon HOME application on your Nintendo Switch. It’s also available for mobile devices.
- Link your Nintendo Account to both your Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch.
- In Pokémon HOME on the Switch, select “Move Pokémon” from the main menu.
- Choose to transfer from Pokémon Bank. You’ll receive a Moving Key on your Switch.
- Enter this Moving Key into Pokémon Bank on your 3DS within three minutes.
- Follow the on-screen instructions on both systems to complete the transfer.
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Move Pokémon from Pokémon HOME to Compatible Switch Games:
- Once your Pokémon are in Pokémon HOME, you can then move them to compatible Nintendo Switch games like Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
- This is done within the Pokémon HOME application on the Switch by selecting the game you wish to transfer to.
Important Considerations:
- Compatibility: Not all Pokémon can be transferred to every Switch game. The compatibility depends on which Pokémon are programmed into each specific game.
- Pokémon HOME Subscription: While a free version of Pokémon HOME exists, a paid Premium Plan is often necessary to move large numbers of Pokémon and unlock all features.
- Pokémon GO: You can also transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME using a separate transfer system within the mobile app. However, this is a one-way transfer.
FAQs: Trading Pokémon Between Switch and DS
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process and address common concerns:
1. Can I directly trade Pokémon between Diamond/Pearl/Platinum and Sword/Shield?
No. You must use Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME as intermediary services. The process involves moving Pokémon from Gen 4 to Gen 5, then to Pokémon Bank, and finally to Pokémon HOME before they can be moved to Sword or Shield.
2. Is Pokémon Bank still available in 2023?
Yes, Pokémon Bank is still available in 2023, and will be free to use since March 27, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. PDT.
3. Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use Pokémon HOME?
No, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required to use Pokémon HOME. However, you might need the Premium Plan of Pokémon HOME depending on the volume of Pokémon you intend to transfer. Nintendo Switch Online is only required for online trading and battling within the Pokémon Sword and Shield games themselves.
4. Can I transfer Pokémon from my Virtual Console Pokémon games (Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, Crystal) on the 3DS to Pokémon HOME?
Yes, you can! First, transfer them to Pokémon Bank using the Poké Transporter app, and then from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.
5. What happens if I don’t have a 3DS anymore?
Unfortunately, if you no longer have access to a 3DS with Pokémon Bank installed, you won’t be able to transfer Pokémon from your DS games to Pokémon HOME. Pokémon Bank is essential for this process.
6. Are there any Pokémon that cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME?
Certain Mythical Pokémon obtained through special distributions might have restrictions on their transferability. Always check the specific requirements and limitations within the Pokémon HOME app.
7. Can I trade Pokémon from Pokémon HOME back to older DS games?
No, the transfer process is one-way from older generations to newer ones through Pokémon HOME.
8. Is there a limit to how many Pokémon I can store in Pokémon HOME?
The free version of Pokémon HOME has a limited storage capacity. The Premium Plan significantly increases this capacity, allowing you to store thousands of Pokémon.
9. How much does the Premium Plan for Pokémon HOME cost?
Pricing may vary depending on your region and subscription length. Check the Nintendo eShop for the most up-to-date pricing information.
10. Can I use Pokémon HOME on my mobile device?
Yes, Pokémon HOME is available on both Nintendo Switch and iOS/Android mobile devices. You can manage your Pokémon collection and trade with other players through the mobile app.
11. What happens if I lose my Moving Key before I can enter it into Pokémon Bank?
The Moving Key is only valid for a short period (usually three minutes). If you miss the window, you’ll need to generate a new Moving Key within Pokémon HOME on your Switch.
12. Can I transfer Pokémon from fan made rom hacks into HOME?
No, Pokémon Home will only accept legal copies of pokemon games into it’s system. Therefore, you can not transfer fan made rom hacks into HOME.
13. Can I trade Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet?
This depends on whether Scarlet and Violet gain compatibility with Pokémon HOME. If so, you’ll be able to transfer from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME and then to the Switch games. Currently, there is no direct transfer between GO and Scarlet/Violet.
14. Will the upcoming discontinuation of 3DS online services affect Pokémon Bank transfers?
Yes, when Nintendo discontinues online services for the 3DS in April 2024, it will become impossible to do the transfers between DS and Switch because you need a 3DS with Pokemon Bank to act as a transitionary to the Switch via HOME.
15. What is the Games Learning Society?
The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is an organization dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and learning, focusing on how games can be used to enhance education and skill development. You can learn more about their work and initiatives at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Conclusion
While directly trading Pokémon between Nintendo Switch and DS consoles isn’t possible, the Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME system provides a viable, though somewhat involved, workaround. By leveraging these services, you can bring your cherished Pokémon from past adventures into the modern era of Pokémon gaming on the Nintendo Switch. So, get those 3DS systems dusted off, and prepare for a journey across generations!