Transferring Pokémon from Diamond to White: A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from Diamond to White, but not through a direct trade. It involves a specific post-game mechanic in Pokémon Black and White designed for transferring Pokémon from Generation IV (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver). This transfer utilizes a mini-game within the Pokémon Transfer Lab in Black and White and requires you to have completed certain milestones in both games.

The Transfer Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to transfer your beloved Pokémon from Diamond to White:

1. Complete the Main Story in Pokémon White: You need to have defeated the Elite Four and the Champion (N) in Pokémon White to unlock the necessary area.
2. Obtain the National Pokédex: This is a prerequisite to access the Pokémon Transfer Lab.
3. Reach Route 15 in Pokémon White: After becoming Champion, head to Route 15. Here, you’ll find the Pokémon Transfer Lab.
4. Prepare Your Diamond Game: In your Diamond game, ensure the Pokémon you want to transfer are not holding any items. The items will not transfer. It is also generally advisable to ensure the Pokémon you wish to transfer are healthy and have good friendship levels, although this doesn’t directly affect the transfer process itself.
5. Initiate the Transfer at the Lab: Talk to the scientist inside the Pokémon Transfer Lab in White. They’ll explain the transfer process.
6. Use DS Download Play: You’ll need two Nintendo DS or Nintendo 3DS systems for this process. On one system, you’ll have Pokémon White. On the other, you’ll have Pokémon Diamond. Initiate the DS Download Play feature on both systems.
7. The Mini-Game: The Diamond system will act as the host, and the White system will connect. A mini-game will start on the Diamond system where you use the stylus to “capture” the Pokémon you want to transfer. Be quick and accurate! You can only transfer 6 Pokémon at a time.
8. Receive Your Pokémon in White: Once the mini-game is complete, the Pokémon will be transferred to a special box within your Pokémon White game. You can then retrieve them from there.

Important Considerations

• One-Way Transfer: Remember, this transfer is one-way. Once Pokémon are transferred from Diamond to White, they cannot be sent back.
• Pokémon Limits: You can only transfer a maximum of six Pokémon at a time.
• DS/3DS Systems: You must have two DS or 3DS systems to perform this transfer. A single system cannot handle both parts of the process simultaneously.
• No Items: As mentioned earlier, items held by Pokémon will not be transferred. Be sure to remove them before initiating the transfer.
• Compatibility: This method only works for transferring from Generation IV (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver) to Generation V (Black, White, Black 2, White 2).

This transfer method was a groundbreaking feature for its time, allowing players to bring their carefully trained Pokémon forward into new adventures. This type of game mechanic highlights the importance of player investment and long-term engagement, which are key aspects studied within the Games Learning Society and discussed further on GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about transferring Pokémon from Diamond to White, along with their answers:

1. Can I trade Pokémon directly from Diamond to White?

No, you cannot perform a direct trade between Diamond and White. The only way to transfer Pokémon is through the Pokémon Transfer Lab after completing the post-game requirements in White.

2. What do I need to transfer Pokémon from Diamond to White?

You need:

• A copy of Pokémon Diamond
• A copy of Pokémon White
• Two Nintendo DS or Nintendo 3DS systems
• Completion of the Elite Four and Champion in Pokémon White to access the Pokémon Transfer Lab

3. Can I transfer Pokémon from Diamond to Black 2?

Yes, the process is the same as transferring to White. You’ll use the Pokémon Transfer Lab in Black 2, following the same steps.

4. Can I transfer Pokémon from Diamond directly to Pokémon Bank?

No, you cannot directly transfer from Diamond to Pokémon Bank. You must first transfer them to Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, or White 2, and then use Poke Transporter to move them to Pokémon Bank. This requires a Nintendo 3DS.

5. Is Pokémon Bank still required for transferring Pokémon?

If your goal is to get your Pokémon to newer games on the Nintendo Switch, Pokémon Bank is still a necessary step in the chain. It acts as a bridge between the older DS games and the more modern Pokémon HOME service.

6. What happens to items held by Pokémon during the transfer?

Items will not be transferred. They will be left behind in your Diamond game. Remember to remove any valuable items before initiating the transfer.

7. Can I transfer Pokémon back from White to Diamond?

No, the transfer process is one-way only. Once you transfer Pokémon from Diamond to White, they cannot be sent back.

8. Do I need to beat the Elite Four in Diamond to transfer Pokémon?

No, you only need to have completed the main story in Pokémon White. There are no specific requirements in Pokémon Diamond beyond having the Pokémon you want to transfer.

9. What if I only have one Nintendo DS system?

Unfortunately, you cannot transfer Pokémon from Diamond to White with only one system. The process requires two systems to run simultaneously.

10. Is there a limit to the number of Pokémon I can transfer at once?

Yes, you can only transfer a maximum of six Pokémon at a time through the Pokémon Transfer Lab.

11. Can I transfer legendary or mythical Pokémon from Diamond to White?

Yes, you can transfer legendary and mythical Pokémon as long as they are legitimate and not hacked or altered in any way. The game will detect illegitimate Pokémon and prevent them from being transferred.

12. What is DS Download Play and why is it needed?

DS Download Play is a feature on Nintendo DS and 3DS systems that allows one system to send a limited version of a game to another system. In this case, it’s used to initiate the mini-game on the Diamond system that is essential for transferring the Pokémon.

13. Does the Pokémon’s level or stats affect the transfer process?

No, the Pokémon’s level, stats, or individual values (IVs) do not affect the transfer process. As long as the Pokémon is legitimate, it can be transferred.

14. Can I transfer Pokémon from FireRed/LeafGreen/Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald directly to White?

No, you cannot transfer Pokémon from these Generation III games directly to White. You must first transfer them to a Generation IV game (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver) via the Pal Park in those games. Then, you can transfer them from the Generation IV game to White.

15. Is the Pokémon Transfer Lab available in Pokémon Black and White 2?

Yes, the Pokémon Transfer Lab is also available in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, and the transfer process is identical. You can transfer from your Generation IV games to Black 2 or White 2 using the same method.

Transferring Pokémon between generations can seem complex, but with the right information and a little patience, it’s a rewarding way to preserve your Pokémon legacy!