Transferring Your Pixelated Pals: A Deep Dive into Pokémon Bank to HOME Transfers
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Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank on your Nintendo 3DS to Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch or mobile device. However, there are a few crucial details you need to know to ensure a smooth transition for your beloved digital creatures. Let’s break down the process and address some common questions.
The Great Migration: From 3DS to Switch
The transfer process involves using both Pokémon Bank on your 3DS and Pokémon HOME on your Switch (or mobile). Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Update Pokémon Bank: Make sure your Pokémon Bank application on the 3DS is updated to the latest version via the eShop.
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Prepare in Bank: Open Pokémon Bank and select “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME“. You can choose to move all your Pokémon at once or select specific individuals.
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Pokémon HOME Setup: On your Nintendo Switch, open Pokémon HOME. Select the 3DS icon on the main menu.
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Begin the Transfer: In Pokémon HOME, choose “Begin Move“. This will generate a moving key.
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Enter the Key: Return to Pokémon Bank on your 3DS and enter the moving key provided by Pokémon HOME.
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Initiate the Transfer: Confirm the transfer on your 3DS. The process will begin, and your Pokémon will be sent to Pokémon HOME.
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Receive Pokémon: Once the transfer is complete, your Pokémon will appear in your Pokémon HOME boxes.
Essential Requirements for a Successful Transfer
- Pokémon HOME Premium Plan: A Pokémon HOME Premium Plan subscription is absolutely required to move Pokémon from Pokémon Bank. The free version of Pokémon HOME doesn’t support this feature.
- Pokémon Bank Download: While Pokémon Bank is now free to use, it must have been downloaded before March 27, 2023. This was the date when the ability to purchase new passes was discontinued. If you didn’t download it before then, you’re unfortunately out of luck.
- Nintendo Account Linking: Ensure that your Nintendo Account on the 3DS is linked to the same Nintendo Account on your Switch that is using Pokémon HOME.
Pokémon Left Behind: Who Can’t Make the Trip?
Not all Pokémon are eligible for the transfer. Certain restrictions apply:
- Special Pokémon: Partner Pikachu, Partner Eevee, and fused forms of Necrozma (e.g., Dusk Mane Necrozma, Dawn Wings Necrozma), Kyurem (e.g., Black Kyurem, White Kyurem), and Calyrex (e.g., Ice Rider Calyrex, Shadow Rider Calyrex) cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME.
- Game Compatibility: Certain Pokémon may not be transferable to specific games. For example, some Gigantamax Pokémon cannot be transferred from Pokémon HOME to Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl (BDSP) or Legends: Arceus.
- Game Restrictions: Nincada cannot be transferred from BDSP to Sword and Shield or from any other game to BDSP.
- Hacked Pokémon: Pokémon Bank and HOME have systems in place to detect and prevent the transfer of hacked Pokémon. If a Pokémon is flagged as illegitimate, it will not be allowed to move.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME transfers, providing a comprehensive understanding of the process and its limitations:
1. Can I transfer Pokémon from Bank to HOME for free?
No, a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan is required to initiate the transfer from Pokémon Bank. While Pokémon Bank itself is now free to use (provided you downloaded it before the cutoff date), the Premium Plan is essential for the transfer function.
2. What Pokémon are impossible to transfer from Bank to HOME?
Partner Pikachu, Partner Eevee, and the fused forms of Necrozma, Kyurem, and Calyrex cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME. Furthermore, certain compatibility issues may prevent specific Pokémon from being transferred to particular games connected to HOME.
3. Can I transfer Pokémon from Bank back to the original games (X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon)?
Yes, you can transfer Pokémon within the 3DS games if they are compatable with each other. Once a Pokemon from the 3DS games goes to home, it cannot come back to the 3DS games.
4. How much does the Pokémon HOME Premium Plan cost?
The Pokémon HOME Premium Plan has three subscription options:
- 1 month (30 days): $2.99
- 3 months (90 days): $4.99
- 1 year (365 days): $15.99
5. Can I still use Pokémon Bank in 2024?
Yes, if you downloaded Pokémon Bank before March 27, 2023, you can continue to use it for free to store and transfer Pokémon to Pokémon HOME. However, you cannot download it if you didn’t do so before that date.
6. Do I lose my Pokémon if my Pokémon HOME Premium Plan expires?
No, you will not lose your Pokémon. However, if you have more than 30 Pokémon deposited in HOME, you will only be able to access the 30 most recently deposited ones until you renew your Premium Plan.
7. Will my Pokémon be deleted from Pokémon Bank if I stop paying?
This is a common concern. While officially there is a grace period after subscription expiration before Pokémon are potentially deleted, there are cases where Pokemon were not lost from expired subscriptions.
8. Why can’t I transfer Shiny Pokémon?
You can transfer Shiny Pokémon from Bank to HOME. There might have been limitations within Pokémon GO transfers, and these rules do not apply to Bank transfers.
9. How many Pokémon can I transfer from Bank to HOME at once?
Pokémon are transferred in batches during the transfer process. This feature is for pokemon go and is not applicable to Pokemon Bank.
10. Can you trade Purified Pokémon to HOME?
Purified Pokémon will lose their Purified status when sent to Pokémon HOME. Other form changes may also occur during the transfer (e.g., Origin Forme Giratina becoming Altered Forme Giratina).
11. Will Pokémon Bank work after the 3DS eShop closes?
Yes, Pokémon Bank will continue to function after the 3DS eShop closure, provided you downloaded it before the deadline. This allows you to transfer your Pokémon to HOME even without access to the eShop.
12. What’s the difference between Pokémon Bank and HOME?
Pokémon Bank is primarily for storing Pokémon from the 3DS main series games (X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon). Pokémon HOME is a more comprehensive cloud service that connects with multiple games, including Pokémon Bank, Pokémon GO, Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Eevee!, Sword and Shield, Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, and Scarlet and Violet. HOME is designed as the future of Pokémon storage and connectivity.
13. Can Pokémon Bank detect hacked Pokémon?
Yes, Pokémon Bank has a system to detect and prevent the transfer of hacked Pokémon. However, its detection methods might not be perfect, and some might slip through. Pokémon HOME has an additional layer of detection.
14. Will Pokémon HOME delete your Pokémon if you stop paying?
No, Pokémon HOME will not delete your Pokémon if your Premium Plan expires. You will simply be limited to the 30 Pokémon in the Basic Box until you renew your subscription.
15. I can’t move Pokémon from Bank to Omega Ruby?
You cannot move them back to the previous generation games.
Conclusion: A Worthwhile Migration
Transferring your Pokémon from Bank to HOME is a crucial step in ensuring that your cherished team members can continue their journey with you in newer games. Understanding the requirements, limitations, and intricacies of the transfer process is key to making the transition smooth and successful. Although a premium plan is needed, it is a worthy investment to keep your pokemon alive.
For those interested in the educational aspects of gaming, consider exploring resources at the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org, which offers valuable insights into how games can be used for learning and development.