Can You Trade Pokémon with Yourself? A Comprehensive Guide
The simple answer is a resounding yes, you can trade Pokémon with yourself! However, the method depends heavily on the specific Pokémon game you’re playing and the Nintendo hardware you have available. This article will explore various methods, limitations, and frequently asked questions surrounding the fascinating, and sometimes convoluted, world of self-trading in Pokémon.
Understanding the Mechanics of Self-Trading
Trading Pokémon with yourself boils down to bypassing the need for another human player. Essentially, you’re acting as both the sender and the receiver of the trade. This allows you to transfer Pokémon between different game files, evolve trade-dependent Pokémon (like Haunter into Gengar), or simply organize your collection across multiple saves.
The primary ways to accomplish this involve utilizing either multiple Nintendo Switch consoles, the Pokémon HOME application, or, in some legacy games, cleverly exploiting game mechanics. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll delve into below.
Method 1: Utilizing Multiple Nintendo Switch Consoles
This is arguably the most straightforward approach if you have access to two Nintendo Switch consoles. This method requires that you own a copy of the Pokémon game on each system or own it digitally.
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Create a second Nintendo Account: On one of your Switches, create a new Nintendo Account. This account will act as the “trading partner.”
- Start a new game: Start a new game on the second account. You’ll need to progress far enough in the game to unlock the trading functionality (usually after reaching the first Pokémon Center).
- Add each other as friends: Add your main Nintendo Account as a friend on your second account and vice versa.
- Initiate the trade: In your main game, initiate a trade with the new account on the other Switch. Trade the Pokémon you want to transfer.
- Trade back (optional): If you’re simply evolving a trade-dependent Pokémon, you can now trade it back to your main account using the same process.
Advantages:
- Relatively simple and intuitive.
- Allows for trading of any Pokémon, including Mythicals (with some restrictions in certain games).
Disadvantages:
- Requires owning two Nintendo Switch consoles.
- Requires owning a copy of the game on each console (physical or digital).
- Can be time-consuming to progress to the trading point in the second game.
Method 2: Leveraging Pokémon HOME
Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based service that allows you to store and transfer Pokémon between compatible games. It’s a powerful tool for self-trading, especially if you own multiple Pokémon games.
Here’s how to trade with yourself using Pokémon HOME:
- Subscribe to Pokémon HOME (optional): While a free version exists, the paid Premium plan allows you to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank (3DS era) and move more Pokémon at once. It’s highly recommended for serious collectors.
- Link your Nintendo Account: Link your Nintendo Account to Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch and your mobile device.
- Transfer Pokémon to Pokémon HOME: In your Pokémon game, use the Pokémon HOME connectivity feature (usually found in the menu) to transfer the Pokémon you want to trade to your Pokémon HOME boxes.
- Access Pokémon HOME on your other game: Open Pokémon HOME in the game you want to transfer the Pokémon to.
- Move Pokémon: Move the Pokémon from your Pokémon HOME boxes to your game.
Advantages:
- Convenient and centralized storage for all your Pokémon.
- Allows for transferring Pokémon between different generations of games (e.g., from 3DS games to Switch games, provided you have Pokémon Bank).
- Doesn’t require a second console.
Disadvantages:
- Requires a paid subscription for full functionality.
- Transfer limitations may apply based on the specific games involved. Some Pokémon cannot be transferred to certain games.
- Can be time-consuming to move large quantities of Pokémon.
Method 3: Exploiting In-Game Mechanics (Legacy Games)
In older Pokémon games, such as those on the Nintendo DS, some players have discovered and utilized glitches or exploits to trade with themselves. These methods often involve manipulating the Global Trade System (GTS) or other online features.
Important Note: These methods are often unreliable, may be patched out in future game updates, and carry a risk of corrupting your save data. Use them at your own discretion.
An example is the GTS Glitch in Pokémon Diamond/Pearl. As mentioned in the article you provided, you would put a Pokémon that evolved via trade on the GTS, then trade a different Pokémon. When you withdrew the original Pokémon, it would evolve, even though it wasn’t directly traded.
Advantages:
- Doesn’t require a second console or a paid subscription.
Disadvantages:
- Unreliable and potentially risky.
- May not work in all games or versions.
- Relies on exploiting glitches, which may be patched out.
Additional Resources
The Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org, conducts research on how games impact education and society. While they don’t specifically address Pokémon self-trading, their work highlights the complex problem-solving and strategic thinking skills that gaming, including Pokémon, can foster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to trading Pokémon with yourself:
FAQ 1: Can I trade Pokémon without friends in Pokémon Violet/Scarlet?
Yes. Pokémon Violet and Scarlet offer Link Trades, which allow you to trade with random players online. While this isn’t strictly self-trading, it’s a way to get trade evolutions without needing specific friends.
FAQ 2: Can I evolve Haunter without trading in Pokémon Scarlet/Violet?
Yes. While trading is the traditional method, Scarlet and Violet offer alternative evolution methods for Pokémon like Haunter. One method involves using a Linking Cord, obtainable in the game, on Haunter.
FAQ 3: What happens if I own two Nintendo Switches with the same account?
You can link your Nintendo Account to multiple Switches, but only one can be designated as the “primary console”. Digital games purchased with your account can be played by any user on the primary console. On non-primary consoles, only your account can access those digital games.
FAQ 4: Do I have to buy a game twice if I have two Switches?
Yes, If you wish to play the game simultaneously on both consoles, you would need to buy the game a second time either physically or digitally.
FAQ 5: How do I evolve Rhydon without trading in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you can evolve Rhydon into Rhyperior using a Protector. You can purchase a Protector from the Trading Post in Jubilife Village using Merit Points.
FAQ 6: Can I get every Pokémon in Platinum without trading?
No. Certain Pokémon, including those that evolve via trade (like Gengar, Alakazam, etc.) and version exclusives, are unobtainable in Pokémon Platinum without trading.
FAQ 7: Can I merge two Pokémon GO accounts?
No, you cannot merge two Pokémon GO accounts. The best option is to trade Pokémon from one account to the account you want to keep.
FAQ 8: Does Pokémon save after a trade?
Yes, the game automatically saves after a trade is completed. This prevents players from exploiting trades to duplicate items or Pokémon.
FAQ 9: Can you trade shiny Pokémon?
Yes, you can trade Shiny Pokémon. However, the cost of trading Shiny or Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon GO can be significantly higher if one player doesn’t already own that Pokémon.
FAQ 10: Can you evolve Scyther without trading?
In some games, like Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you can evolve Scyther into Kleavor using a Black Augurite. However, to evolve it into Scizor, the traditional method of trading while holding a Metal Coat is often required.
FAQ 11: Can I trade Legendary Pokémon with myself using Pokémon HOME?
Yes, you can trade Legendary Pokémon with yourself using Pokémon HOME, provided the Pokémon are transferable to the specific games involved. There might be restrictions on transferring Mythical Pokémon in some cases.
FAQ 12: Is it possible to get Scizor without trading Scyther on an emulator?
Yes, it is possible to use save editing software such as PKHeX on emulators to edit a Sycther into a Scizor. This is because save editors allow you to alter game files on your computer.
FAQ 13: Can two Switch Lites play together?
Yes, Nintendo Switch Lite systems support multiplayer gaming. You can play together online or in the same room using either a local wireless connection or online services.
FAQ 14: How do I trade Pokémon between accounts using Pokémon HOME?
First, add both accounts to your Switch. Then, access Pokémon HOME on each account and transfer the desired Pokémon between the accounts within the application.
FAQ 15: Can you duplicate items/Pokémon through trade by resetting the game after a trade?
No. Modern Pokémon games automatically save after a trade, so turning off the game after a trade won’t revert to a previous state. You cannot duplicate items or Pokémon in this way.