Can You Transfer Old Pokémon to New Games? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, generally, you can transfer old Pokémon to new games, but with a few key caveats and considerations. The process involves using Pokémon HOME, a cloud-based service designed to bridge the gap between different generations of Pokémon games. However, compatibility isn’t universal, and certain Pokémon or games might have restrictions. Let’s dive into the details of how this works and what you need to know to bring your cherished Pokémon on new adventures.

Understanding the Pokémon Transfer Ecosystem

The Pokémon franchise spans decades and multiple consoles, each with its own storage and transfer methods. Before Pokémon HOME was introduced, transferring Pokémon between generations was often a complex process involving multiple games and consoles. Now, Pokémon HOME simplifies the process, acting as a central hub for storing and transferring your beloved creatures.

The process generally involves the following steps:

1. Connecting Compatible Games: Pokémon HOME can link with various Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, including Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, and Pokémon GO.

2. Transferring to Pokémon HOME: You first need to move your Pokémon from their original games into Pokémon HOME. This usually involves accessing Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch, selecting the game you want to transfer from, and then moving the Pokémon to a HOME box.

3. Transferring to New Games: Once your Pokémon are in Pokémon HOME, you can transfer them to a compatible new game. Again, this involves accessing Pokémon HOME, selecting the destination game, and moving the Pokémon from the HOME box into your game.

Compatibility and Limitations

While Pokémon HOME offers a fantastic solution, it’s important to understand its limitations:

• Game Compatibility: Not all Pokémon games are compatible with Pokémon HOME. Games before the Nintendo Switch era (e.g., Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance games) require a more convoluted process involving older titles like Pokémon Bank on the Nintendo 3DS.
• Pokémon Restrictions: Even if a game is compatible, not all Pokémon can be transferred to every game. Some games may have specific Pokémon that are not part of their regional Pokédex, meaning they cannot be transferred in. For example, certain Legendary and Mythical Pokémon may be restricted.
• One-Way Transfers: Transfers from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME are generally one-way. Once a Pokémon is transferred to HOME, it cannot be sent back to Pokémon GO.
• Form Changes: Some Pokémon have different forms that may not be available in certain games. When transferred, these Pokémon might revert to their default form.
• Held Items: Pokémon cannot hold items when transferred to Pokémon HOME. Make sure to remove any held items before transferring your Pokémon.

Pokémon GO Considerations

Pokémon GO adds another layer of complexity. While you can transfer Pokémon from GO to Pokémon HOME, it’s a one-way trip. Additionally, certain Pokémon from GO might have restrictions on being transferred to main series games. For example, Legendaries and Mythicals from GO can’t be transferred to a main game unless you’ve already had one in the save file you’re transferring to. Transferring Pokémon to Professor Willow in Pokémon GO is a method to clear storage, but this is irreversible, so only transfer what you don’t need.

Getting Started with Pokémon HOME

To use Pokémon HOME, you’ll need a Nintendo Switch and a Nintendo Account. You can download the Pokémon HOME application from the Nintendo eShop. There are two versions available: a free version with limited storage and features, and a paid Premium version with increased storage capacity and additional functionalities.

Once you have Pokémon HOME set up, you can link it to your compatible Pokémon games by following the in-app instructions. The process is generally straightforward, but make sure you have enough storage space in your Pokémon HOME boxes before transferring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I transfer Pokémon from older generations (e.g., Game Boy Advance) directly to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

No, you can’t directly transfer Pokémon from Game Boy Advance games to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. You’ll need to use a combination of games and services, starting with transferring them to a Nintendo DS game, then to Pokémon Bank on the Nintendo 3DS, and finally to Pokémon HOME on the Nintendo Switch, before transferring to Scarlet and Violet. This requires owning the necessary hardware and software.

2. What is Pokémon HOME, and how does it work?

Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based service that acts as a central storage and transfer hub for Pokémon from various games. You can connect compatible games to Pokémon HOME and move Pokémon between them. It’s available on both the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.

3. Is Pokémon HOME a free service?

Pokémon HOME has both a free and a paid Premium version. The free version offers limited storage space and features, while the Premium version provides increased storage and additional functionalities like the ability to trade more Pokémon at once.

4. Which Pokémon games are compatible with Pokémon HOME?

Currently, Pokémon HOME is compatible with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, and Pokémon GO.

5. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME?

Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, but it’s a one-way transfer. Once a Pokémon is transferred to HOME, it cannot be sent back to Pokémon GO.

6. Are there any restrictions on which Pokémon can be transferred to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Yes, some Pokémon are not part of the regional Paldean Pokédex in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and cannot be transferred into the game. These often include certain Legendary and Mythical Pokémon.

7. What happens to held items when I transfer Pokémon to Pokémon HOME?

Pokémon cannot hold items when transferred to Pokémon HOME. Any held items will be sent back to the original game.

8. How do I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank on the Nintendo 3DS to Pokémon HOME?

You need a Nintendo Switch and a Premium Pokémon HOME account. You then link your Nintendo Network ID to your Nintendo Account and follow the instructions in Pokémon HOME to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank. A one-time fee may apply for transferring from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.

9. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Sword and Shield to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl?

Yes, you can transfer Pokémon between Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl using Pokémon HOME, provided the Pokémon is present in the destination game’s Pokedex or transferrable.

10. What should I do if I encounter an error during the Pokémon transfer process?

First, check your internet connection and ensure both your Nintendo Switch and Pokémon HOME app are updated to the latest version. If the problem persists, consult the official Pokémon HOME support website for troubleshooting tips or contact Nintendo support.

11. Why can’t I transfer certain Pokémon from Pokémon GO to my main series game?

Some Legendaries and Mythicals from Pokémon GO can’t be transferred into a main series game until you have already registered that specific Pokemon in the destination game. This restriction is in place to prevent early access to rare Pokemon.

12. What happens to the characteristics of my Pokémon (e.g., nature, IVs) when they are transferred?

Generally, the characteristics of your Pokémon, such as nature, IVs (Individual Values), and EVs (Effort Values), are preserved during the transfer process. However, some games may have different mechanics, so there might be minor adjustments.

13. Can Alpha Pokémon be transferred to other games?

Yes, Alpha Pokémon from Pokémon Legends: Arceus can be transferred to other games via Pokémon HOME. However, their size difference may not be retained in games that don’t support the Alpha size mechanic.

14. How do I know if a Pokémon is compatible with a specific game before transferring it?

The Pokémon HOME app usually indicates which Pokémon are compatible with each connected game. When selecting Pokémon to transfer, those that are incompatible will be clearly marked or grayed out.

15. If a Pokemon Gigantamaxes in Sword and Shield, will they retain this capability if transferred to Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl?

No. Pre-Generation 5 Pokemon capable of Gigantamaxing won’t have the Gigantamax ability once they cross over into BDSP.

Transferring Pokémon across generations is now easier than ever, thanks to Pokémon HOME. However, understanding the compatibility, limitations, and specific game mechanics is essential to ensure a smooth transition for your Pokémon. By following this guide and the FAQs, you can confidently bring your cherished Pokémon on new adventures in the latest games.

If you’re interested in learning more about the educational aspects of gaming, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society explores how games can be used to enhance learning and engagement in various contexts.