Can You Transfer Pokemon from Diamond DS to Switch? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you can transfer Pokemon from Diamond DS to Switch, but it’s not a direct process. It requires a few intermediary steps involving multiple Pokemon games and consoles. Think of it like a carefully orchestrated Pokemon migration spanning across different generations! This journey involves Pokemon Diamond (or Pearl or Platinum) on the Nintendo DS, Pokemon Black (or White or Black 2 or White 2) on the Nintendo DS, Pokemon Bank on the Nintendo 3DS, and finally, Pokemon Home on the Nintendo Switch. Get ready for a bit of Pokemon history and a multi-platform adventure!

The Pokemon Transfer Pipeline: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

The key to understanding this process is realizing that each generation of Pokemon games has its own unique transfer methods. Direct transfers across large generational gaps are typically not possible due to changes in game mechanics, data structures, and hardware. Therefore, we have to utilize the transfer mechanisms within each generation and gradually move our Pokemon forward.

Step 1: From Diamond/Pearl/Platinum to Black/White/Black 2/White 2

The first leg of this Pokemon journey begins in the Sinnoh region and ends in Unova. You’ll need two Nintendo DS consoles for this step. Pokemon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2 have a “Poke Transfer” feature designed specifically to import Pokemon from the Generation IV games (Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum).

Here’s how it works:

1. Start Pokemon Black/White/Black 2/White 2: Load your copy of the Gen V game on one Nintendo DS console.
2. Reach the Poke Transfer Lab: Progress through the game until you reach the Poke Transfer Lab in Route 15. You’ll need to have defeated the Elite Four to unlock this feature.
3. Initiate the Transfer: Talk to the scientist inside the lab. He will explain the process.
4. Insert Diamond/Pearl/Platinum: On a second Nintendo DS console, insert your copy of Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum.
5. Download the Poke Transfer application: Follow the on-screen instructions in the Gen V game to download the Poke Transfer application to the Gen IV game.
6. Start the Poke Transfer: On the Diamond/Pearl/Platinum DS, start the downloaded Poke Transfer application.
7. Select Pokemon: You can choose up to six Pokemon to send to the Gen V game. These Pokemon will be sent to the Transfer Box within the Gen V game. Important note: Pokemon holding HMs (Hidden Machines) cannot be transferred and you cannot transfer Eggs.
8. Play the Catching Game: In the Gen V game, you will play a mini-game where you use the stylus to catch the transferred Pokemon as they appear on the screen. This is a fun little activity that adds a bit of interactivity to the process.
9. Retrieve Your Pokemon: Once you’ve “caught” your Pokemon, they will be available in the Transfer Box within the Gen V game. You can then move them to your party or PC boxes.

Step 2: From Black/White/Black 2/White 2 to Pokemon Bank

The next stage requires a Nintendo 3DS system and access to Pokemon Bank, a now discontinued online service that acted as a storage system for Pokemon from the Gen V and Gen VI games. Although the eShop has closed for the 3DS, Pokemon Bank is still available to download and use for free.

Here’s how to move your Pokemon from the Gen V game to Pokemon Bank:

1. Download and Install Pokemon Bank and Poke Transporter: If you haven’t already, download Pokemon Bank and its companion app, Poke Transporter, from the Nintendo eShop on your 3DS. Both are now free to download.
2. Insert Black/White/Black 2/White 2: Insert your copy of Pokemon Black, White, Black 2, or White 2 into your Nintendo 3DS.
3. Use Poke Transporter: Open Poke Transporter from the 3DS home menu. This application will detect your Gen V game.
4. Transfer Pokemon to the Transfer Box: Poke Transporter will move all the Pokemon in Box 1 of your Gen V game to a special “Transport Box” within Pokemon Bank. You can only transfer Pokemon stored in Box 1.
5. Open Pokemon Bank: Once the transfer is complete, open Pokemon Bank. You will see your Pokemon waiting in the Transport Box.
6. Organize Your Pokemon: From here, you can move your Pokemon from the Transport Box to other boxes within Pokemon Bank, organizing them as you see fit.

Step 3: From Pokemon Bank to Pokemon Home

The final leg of the journey involves transferring your Pokemon from Pokemon Bank on the 3DS to Pokemon Home on the Nintendo Switch. Pokemon Home is the current online service for storing and managing your Pokemon across various Switch games.

Here’s how to transfer your Pokemon:

1. Download and Install Pokemon Home: Download and install Pokemon Home on your Nintendo Switch from the Nintendo eShop. Also, download and install Pokemon Home on your 3DS.
2. Link Nintendo Accounts: On both your Switch and 3DS, ensure that both Pokemon Home applications are linked to the same Nintendo Account. This is crucial for the transfer to work.
3. Open Pokemon Home on Switch: Open Pokemon Home on your Nintendo Switch and select the option to transfer from Pokemon Bank.
4. Initiate Transfer from 3DS: Follow the instructions on the Switch screen. You will be prompted to open Pokemon Home on your 3DS.
5. Enter the Moving Key: Pokemon Home on the Switch will generate a “Moving Key”. Enter this key into Pokemon Home on your 3DS. This key is a one-time code that connects the two applications.
6. Select Boxes to Transfer: On your 3DS, select the boxes from Pokemon Bank that you want to transfer to Pokemon Home.
7. Wait for the Transfer: The transfer process will begin. This may take some time depending on the number of Pokemon you are transferring.
8. Access Your Pokemon in Pokemon Home: Once the transfer is complete, your Pokemon will be available in your Pokemon Home boxes on the Nintendo Switch.

Reunited at Last: Your Pokemon on the Switch

Once your Pokemon are in Pokemon Home, you can then transfer them to compatible Nintendo Switch games such as Pokemon Sword and Shield, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, provided that the Pokemon are present in those games’ respective Pokedex.

Keep in mind that some Pokemon may not be transferable to all Switch games due to their absence in the game’s data. Also, you’ll need a paid Pokemon Home Premium Plan to transfer Pokemon from Pokemon Bank, though the service is free if you’re only moving Pokemon to Pokemon Bank.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about transferring Pokemon from Diamond DS to Switch:

1. Do I need two Nintendo DS/3DS consoles to perform these transfers?

Yes, you will need two Nintendo DS consoles to transfer Pokemon from Diamond/Pearl/Platinum to Black/White/Black 2/White 2. You only need one 3DS for the subsequent steps involving Pokemon Bank.

2. Is Pokemon Bank still available?

Yes, Pokemon Bank is still available for download and use on the Nintendo 3DS, and it is now free. While the 3DS eShop has closed, Pokemon Bank can still be downloaded if you have downloaded it previously.

3. Do I need a Pokemon Home Premium Plan?

Yes, you need a Pokemon Home Premium Plan to transfer Pokemon from Pokemon Bank to Pokemon Home. The free version of Pokemon Home has limited storage and features.

4. Can I transfer Pokemon holding HMs?

No, Pokemon holding HMs (Hidden Machines) cannot be transferred using the Poke Transfer in Black/White/Black 2/White 2. You must remove the HMs before attempting to transfer.

5. Can I transfer Eggs?

No, Eggs cannot be transferred using the Poke Transfer.

6. What happens if a Pokemon from Diamond doesn’t exist in the Switch game I want to transfer it to?

If a Pokemon is not present in the Pokedex of the Switch game you are trying to transfer it to, it cannot be transferred to that game. It will remain in your Pokemon Home boxes.

7. Can I transfer Pokemon from Pokemon Diamond directly to Pokemon Home?

No, there is no direct transfer from Pokemon Diamond to Pokemon Home. You must go through the intermediary steps involving Pokemon Black/White/Black 2/White 2 and Pokemon Bank.

8. What is Poke Transporter?

Poke Transporter is a companion application to Pokemon Bank that is used to transfer Pokemon from Generation V games (Black, White, Black 2, White 2) to the Pokemon Bank.

9. Where is the Poke Transfer Lab in Black/White/Black 2/White 2?

The Poke Transfer Lab is located on Route 15 in Pokemon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2. You need to have defeated the Elite Four to access it.

10. How many Pokemon can I transfer at a time from Diamond to Black/White/Black 2/White 2?

You can transfer six Pokemon at a time using the Poke Transfer feature.

11. What if I don’t have access to Pokemon Black/White/Black 2/White 2?

Unfortunately, if you don’t have access to a Gen V game, you cannot transfer Pokemon directly from Diamond/Pearl/Platinum to the Switch. You will need to find a way to obtain a copy of one of these games, even if it is a used copy.

12. Are there any risks involved in transferring Pokemon using these methods?

While the transfer process is generally reliable, there is always a small risk of data corruption or errors. It is highly recommended to back up your game data whenever possible. However, because you can’t easily back up the original games, consider the fact that your game might become corrupt.

13. Is there a faster way to transfer Pokemon from Diamond to Switch?

Unfortunately, there is no faster or more direct way to transfer Pokemon from Diamond to the Switch. These are the official methods provided by Nintendo and Game Freak.

14. Can I transfer Shiny Pokemon using these methods?

Yes, you can transfer Shiny Pokemon using these methods. Shiny Pokemon will retain their shiny status throughout the transfer process.

15. Where can I learn more about game-based learning?

To delve deeper into the fascinating world of game-based learning and how games like Pokemon can be used in educational contexts, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society explores the intersection of gaming and education, providing valuable insights and resources.

A Labor of Love: Why Bother?

Transferring Pokemon across generations can be a bit of a project, but for dedicated Pokemon trainers, it’s a rewarding way to preserve their cherished Pokemon and continue their adventures on newer consoles. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the Pokemon franchise and the connection that players forge with their virtual companions. Happy transferring!