Can you transfer pokemon from 3DS to switch

Table of Contents

Transferring Your Pocket Monsters: A Comprehensive Guide to Moving Pokémon from 3DS to Switch

Quick answer

This page answers Can you transfer pokemon from 3DS to switch? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from your Nintendo 3DS to your Nintendo Switch, but the process isn’t as straightforward as directly copying files. It requires utilizing specific intermediary services: Pokémon Bank (on the 3DS) and Pokémon HOME (on the Switch, also available on mobile). Think of them as digital moving companies for your cherished critters! Let’s dive into the details and complexities of this transfer process.

The Digital Conveyor Belt: Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME

The key to moving your Pokémon lies in understanding the roles of these two applications:

Pokémon Bank: This is your digital storage for Pokémon from various 3DS titles. It acts as the initial holding cell for your Pokémon before they make their journey to the Switch. Originally a paid service, Pokémon Bank is now free to use after the closure of the 3DS eShop in March 2023. However, keep in mind that while Pokémon Bank is now free, it also can no longer be downloaded. This presents a challenge for newcomers if you don’t already have the app.
Pokémon HOME: This is a cloud-based service available on both the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. It acts as the final destination for your Pokémon, allowing you to manage and trade them across various Switch titles like Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Scarlet, and Pokémon Violet. Pokémon HOME offers both a free Basic Plan and a paid Premium Plan, with the Premium Plan being required to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank.

Breaking Down the Transfer Process

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to move your Pokémon:

Prepare Your 3DS: Ensure you have Pokémon Bank downloaded on your 3DS. If you don’t, you will need to find a 3DS that already has Bank, or you will need to mod/hack your 3DS in order to download it.
Gather Your Pokémon in Bank: Open Pokémon Bank and deposit the Pokémon you wish to transfer into its boxes. This step organizes your creatures for their upcoming journey.
Initiate the Transfer on Switch: On your Nintendo Switch, launch Pokémon HOME. Select “Pokémon” from the main menu.
Link Your Accounts: In Pokémon HOME, choose to link your Nintendo Account that is also linked to your 3DS. This is crucial for the services to communicate.
Prepare to Transfer From 3DS: Within Pokémon HOME on the Switch, select the option to move Pokémon from the 3DS. You’ll receive a Moving Key. This Key is a one-time code that links your Pokémon Bank on the 3DS with your Pokémon HOME account.
Transfer From 3DS: This process requires you to first move the pokemon from your 3ds games into Bank, then use Bank to send them to Pokemon Home.
Input the Moving Key: Return to your 3DS, open Pokémon Bank, and select the option to transfer to Pokémon HOME. You’ll be prompted to enter the Moving Key you received on the Switch. This key is time-sensitive, so make sure to enter it within the allotted timeframe (usually three minutes).
Select and Send: Choose the boxes in Pokémon Bank containing the Pokémon you want to transfer and confirm your selection. Your Pokémon will then be uploaded from your 3DS to Pokémon HOME.
Receive on Switch: Back on your Switch, your Pokémon will appear in your Pokémon HOME boxes, ready to be transferred to compatible games.

Limitations and Considerations

One-Way Trip: Once Pokémon are transferred from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME, they cannot be sent back to the 3DS. This is a one-way migration.
Premium Plan Required: To transfer Pokémon from Bank to HOME, you need a Premium Plan subscription for Pokémon HOME. The free Basic Plan doesn’t support this transfer.
Game Compatibility: Not all Pokémon can be transferred to every Switch game. Each game has its own list of compatible Pokémon. Pokémon HOME will indicate which Pokémon can be moved to a specific game. If a Pokémon is not compatible, it will remain in your Pokémon HOME boxes.
Pokémon Bank Availability: While Pokémon Bank is currently free, it is no longer available for download. You will need to find a 3DS that already has Bank, or you will need to mod/hack your 3DS in order to download it.
No Direct Transfer of Games: It’s important to remember that this process only transfers Pokémon, not the actual 3DS games themselves. Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games purchased through Nintendo eShop do not carry over to Nintendo Switch.
Pokémon HOME is Not Backwards Compatible: The older Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games are not compatible with the Nintendo Switch.
Un-transferrable Pokemon: Some Pokémon cannot be sent to Pokémon HOME, such Pokémon include Spinda, favorited Pokémon, Buddy Pokémon, Pokémon defending Gyms, costumed Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, and Mega-Evolved Pokémon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the Pokémon transfer process:

Can I transfer Pokémon from Virtual Console games on 3DS to Switch?

Yes, you can! Pokémon from the Virtual Console versions of Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, and Crystal can be transferred to Pokémon Bank using the Poké Transporter app. Once in Pokémon Bank, they can then be transferred to Pokémon HOME.

Is Pokémon Bank still available for download?

No, Pokémon Bank is no longer available for download.

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, some online features within compatible Pokémon games might require it.

What happens if my Pokémon HOME Premium Plan expires?

If your Premium Plan expires, your Pokémon will remain in Pokémon HOME, but you’ll be limited to the 30 Pokémon storage capacity of the Basic Plan. You’ll need to renew your Premium Plan to access all of your Pokémon and transfer them to compatible games.

Can I transfer Pokémon from emulators or hacked 3DS systems?

Transferring Pokémon from emulators or hacked 3DS systems is not officially supported and carries the risk of corrupting your save data or violating Nintendo’s terms of service. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.

Are there any Pokémon that cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME?

Some special Pokémon, such as those with unusual data or from illegitimate sources, may not be transferable to Pokémon HOME. Additionally, certain Pokémon from Pokémon GO have transfer restrictions due to game-specific mechanics.

How long does the Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME transfer take?

The transfer time depends on the number of Pokémon being transferred. A small number of Pokémon can be transferred relatively quickly, while larger transfers can take several minutes.

Is Pokémon HOME free on Switch?

Pokémon Home has a free Basic Plan along with a paid Premium Plan. The Premium Plan is required to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank.

What is Poké Transporter?

Poké Transporter is an application that allows you to transfer Pokémon from older games such as Pokemon Black, White, Black 2, White 2, or the Virtual DS versions of Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, or Crystal into the Pokemon Bank.

Can I have two 3DS with the same account?

It is not possible to link the same Nintendo Network account to multiple Wii U or multiple Nintendo 3DS family systems at the same time.

Can you transfer eShop games between 3DS?

Since 3DS software licenses are device-specific, you cannot access the downloaded games on both systems after the transfer.

Can you transfer Pokemon from 3DS to Switch without Pokémon Bank?

No, you cannot directly transfer Pokemon from 3DS to Switch without Pokemon Bank. It is needed to perform the initial transfer.

Why isn’t Pokémon Bank free yet?

Now that the 3DS eShop has closed, Pokémon Bank is available for free to all players, but there’s a serious problem with the Poké Transporter.

Can I get Pokémon Bank after eShop closes?

No, now that the 3DS eShop has closed, Pokémon Bank is available for free to all players, but there’s a serious problem with the Poké Transporter…

Why can’t I move Pokémon from home to sword?

Certain Pokémon require you to have caught them or registered them in your Pokédex first, in order for you to transfer them from Home to Sword and Shield.

Final Thoughts

Transferring Pokémon from your 3DS to your Switch requires a bit of setup and understanding of the Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME services. However, once you’ve mastered the process, you’ll be able to reunite your beloved Pokémon team across different generations of games! So, gather your team, prepare your accounts, and get ready to embark on a new adventure with your pocket monsters on the Nintendo Switch!

And remember, games and interactive experiences play a vital role in learning and skill development. Explore the insightful research and resources available at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for a deeper understanding of the power of games in education. At GamesLearningSociety.org, discover how innovative games are transforming the way we learn and interact with the world.