Unlocking the Secrets of Mega Stone Transfers: A Comprehensive Guide
No, you cannot transfer Mega Stones through Pokémon Bank. Pokémon Bank is designed to transfer Pokémon, not items. This means Mega Stones, crucial for Mega Evolution, must be transferred via other methods, primarily trading between compatible games. Let’s dive into the specifics and explore the nuances of handling Mega Stones across different Pokémon generations.
Understanding the Limitations of Pokémon Bank
The Core Functionality
Pokémon Bank, a now-free service for the Nintendo 3DS, primarily acts as an online storage system for your Pokémon. Think of it as an expanded PC box accessible across multiple compatible games. Its main purpose is to allow you to consolidate your Pokémon collection from various titles and then move them to newer generations (specifically, up to Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon).
However, Pokémon Bank only deals with the Pokémon themselves and their inherent data, such as their stats, abilities, and moves. Items are explicitly excluded. This limitation is a fundamental design choice that impacts how you manage items like Mega Stones.
Why No Items?
The exclusion of items like Mega Stones is likely due to several factors:
- Game Compatibility: Items often have game-specific coding and attributes. Transferring them between games with different mechanics could cause errors or imbalances.
- Storage Complexity: Storing and managing items for potentially millions of users would significantly increase the complexity and cost of maintaining the Pokémon Bank service.
- Encouraging Trading: Excluding items promotes trading among players, a core aspect of the Pokémon experience. It ensures that valuable items like Mega Stones remain within the player community.
Alternative Methods for Transferring Mega Stones
Trading: The Primary Solution
The most common and reliable method for transferring Mega Stones is through direct trading between two Nintendo 3DS systems. This requires:
- Two 3DS Consoles: Both consoles need to be functional and connected.
- Two Copies of the Game: Each console needs a copy of a compatible Pokémon game (more on compatibility later).
- Two Players (or One Very Busy Player): You’ll need to initiate a trade between the two games.
The process involves equipping a Pokémon with the desired Mega Stone in one game and then trading that Pokémon to the other game. Once the trade is complete, the receiving game will have the Pokémon and the attached Mega Stone.
Game Compatibility: A Crucial Consideration
It’s essential to understand game compatibility when trading Mega Stones. Not all Mega Stones can be traded between all Pokémon games. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Pokémon X and Pokémon Y (XY): Can trade Mega Stones with each other.
- Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire (ORAS): Can trade Mega Stones with each other.
- XY and ORAS: Mega Stones introduced in ORAS cannot be transferred to XY. The XY games lack the necessary code to recognize these newer items.
- Pokémon Sun, Pokémon Moon, Pokémon Ultra Sun, and Pokémon Ultra Moon (Gen 7): While these games don’t have Mega Evolution in their main story, you can still transfer Pokémon holding items from earlier generations via trading. These items will remain with the Pokémon, even though they might not have any function in the game.
The Trust Factor: Navigating Online Communities
Since Pokémon Bank cannot directly transfer Mega Stones, some players resort to online communities to find trustworthy individuals for trading. This can be risky, as there’s always a chance of being scammed.
Here are some tips for navigating online communities safely:
- Reputation is Key: Look for traders with a positive reputation and verifiable feedback from other players.
- Start Small: Begin with smaller trades to establish trust before committing to larger ones.
- Use Middlemen: Some communities offer the services of trusted middlemen who can hold items during a trade to ensure both parties fulfill their agreement.
- Record the Trade: Capture video or screenshots of the trading process as evidence in case of disputes.
The Legacy of Pokémon Bank and the Future of Item Transfers
While Pokémon Bank is now free, its functionality remains limited to Pokémon transfers. This highlights the ongoing challenge of item management across different Pokémon generations. Future Pokémon games might introduce more streamlined methods for transferring items, but for now, trading remains the primary solution.
For those interested in learning more about the educational aspects of gaming, explore the resources available at the GamesLearningSociety.org website. Understanding the mechanics of games like Pokémon can provide valuable insights into learning and engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I transfer Mega Stones from ORAS to XY?
No, you cannot transfer Mega Stones introduced in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire to Pokémon X and Y. The older games lack the code to recognize these newer items.
2. What happens if I try to put a Mega Stone in Pokémon Bank?
You simply cannot. Pokémon Bank is designed to store Pokémon only, not items.
3. If Pokémon Bank can’t transfer Mega Stones, what’s the best way to get them to another game?
Trading is the most reliable method. Connect two 3DS systems and trade Pokémon holding the Mega Stones.
4. Are there any risks involved in trading Mega Stones online?
Yes, there is a risk of being scammed. Always trade with reputable players, start with small trades, and consider using a trusted middleman.
5. Does Pokémon HOME support Mega Stones?
No, Pokémon HOME doesn’t directly support Mega Stones because Mega Evolution isn’t present in Pokémon Sword and Shield, or Scarlet and Violet. When transferring Pokémon to HOME, any held items are sent back to the original game.
6. Can I transfer Pokémon holding Mega Stones from older games to Pokémon HOME?
Yes, you can transfer Pokémon holding Mega Stones from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME. However, the Mega Stones themselves will be sent back to the original game, and the transferred Pokémon will not be able to Mega Evolve in Pokémon HOME compatible games.
7. Will future Pokémon games have a better way to transfer items?
It’s possible. Game Freak might introduce new mechanics in future titles to streamline item transfers, but currently, trading is the primary solution.
8. What if I don’t have a second 3DS for trading?
If you don’t have a second 3DS, you’ll need to rely on online communities and find a trustworthy person to trade with. Be cautious and take precautions to avoid scams.
9. Can I transfer items from the Virtual Console Pokémon games (Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, Crystal) to Pokémon Bank?
You can transfer Pokémon from these Virtual Console games to Pokémon Bank using the Poké Transporter. However, Pokémon from these games cannot hold items when transferred this way. Any items they were holding will remain in the Virtual Console game.
10. Is there a limit to how many Mega Stones I can trade at once?
The limit is determined by the number of Pokémon you can trade in a single session. Typically, you can trade multiple Pokémon, each holding a Mega Stone, in one go.
11. What happens to Mega Stones if I transfer a Pokémon to a game where Mega Evolution doesn’t exist?
The Mega Stone will remain with the Pokémon, but it won’t have any functional effect in that game. The game simply won’t recognize it as a Mega Stone.
12. Can I use Action Replay or other cheating devices to transfer Mega Stones through Pokémon Bank?
Using unauthorized devices or methods to manipulate game data can lead to severe consequences, including losing access to Pokémon Bank and other online services. It’s strongly discouraged.
13. Why did Nintendo decide to make Pokémon Bank free?
Making Pokémon Bank free was likely a gesture of goodwill to allow players to transfer their Pokémon to newer generations before the 3DS eShop was discontinued.
14. Is Poké Transporter still available?
Since March 27, 2023, due to the discontinuation of the Nintendo 3DS eShop, it is no longer possible for new users to download Poké Transporter, although users who had previously downloaded it can redownload it.
15. Can you transfer shiny Pokemon holding mega stones?
Yes, you can trade a Shiny Pokemon holding a Mega Stone through traditional trading methods. There are no restrictions on trading shiny Pokemon with items. Just remember that when using Pokemon Bank and HOME, the item will be returned to the original game.