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Can You Transfer Pokémon From Pokémon GO to Sword and Shield? A Trainer’s Guide

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Alright, fellow Pokémon trainers, let’s cut to the chase. You’re itching to know if you can bridge the gap between the augmented reality of Pokémon GO and the sprawling Galar region of Pokémon Sword and Shield. The direct answer is: not directly. You cannot directly transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Sword and Shield. But don’t despair! There’s a crucial intermediary app that makes a form of transfer possible: Pokémon HOME.

Pokémon HOME acts as a cloud-based storage system for your Pokémon, allowing you to move them between compatible games. Think of it as the Grand Central Station of the Pokémon world. While you can’t send your Pokémon directly from your phone to your Nintendo Switch, you can send them from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, and then, some Pokémon can be moved from Pokémon HOME to Pokémon Sword and Shield. The key word here is “some.” Not every Pokémon is transferable. Let’s delve into the specifics, because, as any seasoned trainer knows, details are everything.

Understanding the Transfer Process: Pokémon HOME as the Bridge

Here’s the breakdown of how this convoluted, but ultimately rewarding, transfer process works:

Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME: This transfer is one-way. Once a Pokémon is sent from Pokémon GO, it cannot be returned. You’ll need a Nintendo Account linked to both your Pokémon GO and Pokémon HOME accounts.
Pokémon HOME: This is where your Pokémon reside temporarily. Pokémon HOME has both a free and a paid (Premium) version. The Premium version is required to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon HOME to Sword and Shield. Also, the free version has limits on the number of Pokémon you can store.
Pokémon HOME to Pokémon Sword and Shield: This transfer is also one-way for most Pokémon. This is where the compatibility comes into play. Only Pokémon that exist in the Sword and Shield Pokédex can be transferred from Pokémon HOME to those games. This includes Pokémon available via the DLC expansions.

Restrictions and Considerations

Before you start packing up your Pokémon boxes, there are a few crucial points to keep in mind:

Legendary and Mythical Pokémon: Certain Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, like Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, and Deoxys, require special conditions to be met before they can be transferred from Pokémon HOME to Sword and Shield. These conditions often involve having previously obtained the Pokémon in the target game or having transferred them from other compatible titles.
Pokémon GO Characteristics: Pokémon transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME will have their stats and abilities adjusted to fit the Sword and Shield battle system. Nature, Abilities, and even Shiny status are preserved.
Cost: Transferring Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME costs Pokémon GO Transporter Energy. This energy recharges over time, but you can also replenish it instantly by using PokeCoins. Rarer Pokémon cost more energy to transfer.
Pokémon HOME Subscription: As mentioned, a paid Pokémon HOME Premium Plan is required to move Pokémon from Pokémon HOME into Pokémon Sword and Shield. The free plan only allows for storing Pokémon and trading with other users through Pokémon HOME.

Why This Indirect Method?

You might be wondering, “Why can’t I just directly transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Sword and Shield?” There are several reasons for this indirect approach.

Balancing: The Pokémon GO battle system and mechanics differ significantly from the core series games. Direct transfer could potentially introduce unbalanced Pokémon into Sword and Shield.
Compatibility: Not all Pokémon in Pokémon GO are present in Sword and Shield, and vice versa. Pokémon HOME acts as a filter, ensuring that only compatible Pokémon can make the leap.
Monetization: Let’s be honest, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are businesses. Pokémon HOME and the energy system in Pokémon GO provide avenues for monetization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding transferring Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Sword and Shield, to further solidify your understanding of the process:

1. Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use Pokémon HOME and transfer Pokémon to Sword and Shield?

No, you do not need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use Pokémon HOME or to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon HOME to Pokémon Sword and Shield. You only need a Nintendo Account and a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan.

2. Can I transfer Shiny Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Sword and Shield?

Yes, Shiny Pokémon can be transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME and then to Sword and Shield, assuming they are compatible with Sword and Shield.

3. Can I transfer Shadow Pokémon or Purified Pokémon from Pokémon GO?

No, you cannot transfer Shadow Pokémon or Purified Pokémon directly from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME. You must purify the Shadow Pokémon first before transferring them.

4. What happens to the movesets of Pokémon transferred from Pokémon GO?

The movesets of Pokémon transferred from Pokémon GO are reset upon arrival in Pokémon HOME and again upon arrival in Sword and Shield. They will learn new moves based on their level and compatibility with the target game.

5. How much does it cost to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME?

Transferring Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME uses Pokémon GO Transporter Energy, which replenishes over time. The energy cost varies depending on the rarity and CP of the Pokémon. You can also use PokeCoins to refill the energy instantly. A Pokémon HOME premium subscription is also needed for the move to Pokémon Sword and Shield.

6. Can I transfer Pokémon back from Sword and Shield to Pokémon GO?

No. The transfer process is primarily one-way, from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME and then to Sword and Shield. You cannot send Pokémon back to Pokémon GO once they’ve been transferred.

7. What happens if I don’t have Pokémon Sword or Shield?

If you don’t have Pokémon Sword or Shield, you can still use Pokémon HOME as a storage system for your Pokémon from Pokémon GO and other compatible games, and trade with other players using Pokémon HOME’s trading features.

8. Is there a limit to the number of Pokémon I can transfer from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME at once?

No, there is no limit to the number of Pokémon you can transfer simultaneously, as long as you have enough Pokémon GO Transporter Energy.

9. How do I link my Pokémon GO account to my Nintendo Account?

You can link your Pokémon GO account to your Nintendo Account within the Settings menu of the Pokémon GO app.

10. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee!?

Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, but only Pokémon originally found in the Kanto region (and their Alolan forms), as well as Meltan and Melmetal. This transfer happens directly through the GO Park Complex in Fuchsia City.

11. What are the benefits of using Pokémon HOME?

Pokémon HOME provides several benefits, including a centralized storage system for your Pokémon, the ability to trade with other players, and the opportunity to transfer Pokémon between compatible games. This offers a new avenue for trainers to expand their collections.

12. How do I claim the Mystery Gifts in Pokémon HOME?

You can claim Mystery Gifts in Pokémon HOME through the app’s menu. These gifts often include Pokémon, items, or other rewards.

13. Can I transfer Pokémon from older Pokémon games (like Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald) to Sword and Shield?

To transfer Pokémon from older games (like Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald), you’ll need to go through a series of transfers using multiple games and systems, including Pokémon Bank on the Nintendo 3DS. This is a complex process.

14. What should I do if I encounter an error during the transfer process?

If you encounter an error during the transfer process, check your internet connection, ensure your accounts are properly linked, and consult the Pokémon HOME and Pokémon GO support pages for troubleshooting tips. Also, ensure that all software is updated to the latest versions.

15. Where can I learn more about the mechanics of Pokémon and how they are incorporated into educational games?

You can learn more about game-based learning and the mechanics of games, including how they’re used in education, by visiting the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society provides valuable resources and insights into the intersection of gaming and education.

Final Thoughts

While the process of transferring Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Sword and Shield isn’t as straightforward as we might like, it’s still a rewarding experience. Pokémon HOME provides a valuable link between different Pokémon games and allows you to bring your favorite companions along on your journey through Galar. So, get those Pokémon GO catches ready, subscribe to Pokémon HOME Premium, and prepare for adventure!