Transferring Your Pokemon Treasures to Omega Ruby: A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can transfer Pokemon from Pokemon Bank to Pokemon Omega Ruby. However, there are some crucial caveats and steps you need to understand to ensure a smooth and successful transfer. Let’s dive into the details and address all your burning questions about bringing your beloved Pokemon to the Hoenn region!
The Pokemon Bank Bridge: Connecting Generations
Pokemon Bank acts as a cloud-based storage system that bridges the gap between various Pokemon games across different Nintendo handheld generations. Think of it as a digital Noah’s Ark for your Pokemon, allowing you to safeguard and transport them between compatible titles. Omega Ruby is, thankfully, one of those compatible titles.
However, it’s not a simple drag-and-drop process. You can’t directly move Pokemon from older generations (like Game Boy Advance games) directly to Omega Ruby. Instead, you’ll need to leverage intermediary games to move them through the generations until they reach a game compatible with Pokemon Bank.
The Transfer Chain: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a general outline of the transfer process, assuming you’re starting with Pokemon from an older generation:
- Starting from Game Boy Advance (Gen 3): You’ll need to transfer your Pokemon to a Gen 4 game (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, or SoulSilver) using the Pal Park feature in those games.
- Gen 4 to Gen 5: From a Gen 4 game, you’ll transfer your Pokemon to a Gen 5 game (Black, White, Black 2, or White 2) using the Poke Transfer machine (accessed after beating the game). This requires two Nintendo DS or DS Lite systems.
- Gen 5 to Pokemon Bank: Now that your Pokemon are in a Gen 5 game, you can use the Pokemon Transporter (a separate application that works in conjunction with Pokemon Bank) to upload them to your Pokemon Bank account.
- Pokemon Bank to Omega Ruby: Finally, from Pokemon Bank, you can download your Pokemon to your Omega Ruby game.
Important Considerations:
- You’ll need an active subscription to Pokemon Bank to utilize its services.
- Pokemon Bank is only compatible with 3DS family systems (3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS, New 3DS, New 3DS XL, New 2DS XL).
- Pokemon Bank requires a stable internet connection for uploading and downloading Pokemon.
- Items held by Pokemon will not be transferred through Pokemon Bank. They will be returned to your bag in the originating game.
- Certain event Pokemon or Pokemon with specific ribbons might not be transferable.
FAQs: Answering Your Pokemon Transfer Queries
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the Pokemon Bank and Omega Ruby transfer process:
1. Do I need a Nintendo Network ID to use Pokemon Bank?
Yes, you need a Nintendo Network ID (NNID) linked to your Nintendo 3DS system to use Pokemon Bank. This ID is what allows you to access online services on your 3DS.
2. How much does Pokemon Bank cost?
Pokemon Bank requires a yearly subscription fee. The price may vary depending on your region, but it is generally around $4.99 USD per year.
3. What happens if my Pokemon Bank subscription expires?
If your Pokemon Bank subscription expires, you have a limited time (typically, a few weeks or months) to renew your subscription and retrieve your Pokemon. After that period, there is a risk of losing your stored Pokemon. Nintendo usually sends reminders before permanent deletion.
4. Can I transfer Pokemon from Pokemon GO to Pokemon Bank and then to Omega Ruby?
No. Pokemon GO is not directly compatible with Pokemon Bank. You can, however, transfer Pokemon from Pokemon GO to Pokemon HOME, and from Pokemon HOME to compatible 3DS titles, including Omega Ruby, provided the species is present in that game. This requires both Pokemon GO and Pokemon HOME accounts, and a paid Pokemon HOME subscription might be needed for transferring from HOME to 3DS.
5. Can I transfer Pokemon from Virtual Console (Gen 1 and Gen 2) games to Omega Ruby?
Yes, you can! However, the process involves Pokemon Bank and Poke Transporter. After you catch your Pokemon in your Virtual Console game, download the Poke Transporter tool to transfer them to Pokemon Bank, then download your Pokemon from the Pokemon Bank app on your 3DS to Omega Ruby.
6. Are there any restrictions on the Pokemon I can transfer to Omega Ruby?
Yes. Omega Ruby can only receive Pokemon that exist within its game data. Pokemon introduced in later generations (Gen 7 and beyond) cannot be transferred to Omega Ruby.
7. What happens to my Pokemon’s moves when transferred through Pokemon Bank?
When a Pokemon is transferred through Pokemon Bank, its moves are generally retained. However, if a Pokemon knows a move that is not available in the target game (Omega Ruby), that move will be replaced with a default move from the Pokemon’s level-up moveset.
8. Can I transfer event Pokemon from older games to Omega Ruby?
Yes, but with potential limitations. Some event Pokemon with special ribbons or flags might not be transferable. It depends on the specific event and the restrictions placed on the Pokemon by Nintendo.
9. Can I transfer items held by my Pokemon through Pokemon Bank?
No. Pokemon Bank only transfers the Pokemon themselves. Any items held by a Pokemon will be returned to your bag in the game the Pokemon is being transferred from. Make sure to remove all items before transferring!
10. What if I have Pokemon Bank on one 3DS and Omega Ruby on another?
You can use Pokemon Bank to transfer Pokemon between different 3DS systems as long as both systems are linked to the same Nintendo Network ID.
11. Is there a limit to the number of Pokemon I can store in Pokemon Bank?
Pokemon Bank allows you to store up to 3,000 Pokemon across 100 boxes.
12. Can I transfer eggs through Pokemon Bank?
No, you cannot transfer Pokemon eggs through Pokemon Bank. You can only transfer hatched Pokemon.
13. Will transferring Pokemon through Pokemon Bank affect their stats or IVs?
No, transferring Pokemon through Pokemon Bank will not affect their stats, IVs (Individual Values), EVs (Effort Values), or natures. They will remain the same.
14. Can I transfer shinies through Pokemon Bank?
Yes, you can transfer Shiny Pokemon through Pokemon Bank just like regular Pokemon, as long as they meet all other transfer requirements.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokemon and gaming in general?
There are many online resources dedicated to Pokemon and video games! Consider checking out academic organizations like the Games Learning Society, which explores the educational and social aspects of gaming. You can find them at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Conclusion: Bringing Your Team to Hoenn
Transferring Pokemon to Omega Ruby via Pokemon Bank involves a multi-step process, especially when starting from older generations. However, the ability to reunite your favorite Pokemon team in the updated Hoenn region makes the effort worthwhile. Remember to keep your Pokemon Bank subscription active and be aware of the compatibility restrictions between games. Now go forth and conquer the Pokemon League with your carefully curated team!