Do I need Pokemon bank for Pokémon HOME?
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Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
To answer this question directly, you don’t necessarily need Pokémon Bank to use Pokémon HOME, but having it can be beneficial if you want to transfer Pokémon from older games. The Pokémon Bank service allows you to store and transfer Pokémon from Nintendo 3DS games to Pokémon HOME, making it a useful tool for players with extensive collections from previous generations.
Understanding Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME
Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME are two separate services offered by The Pokémon Company to help players manage their Pokémon collections. Pokémon Bank was originally designed for the Nintendo 3DS and allowed players to store up to 3,000 Pokémon in an online cloud, while Pokémon HOME is a more recent service that offers expanded features, including the ability to store and transfer Pokémon from various games, including Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Let’s Go, and Pokémon Go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME to help you better understand their features and uses:
- What is the point of Pokémon Bank? Pokémon Bank allows players to store up to 3,000 Pokémon from Nintendo 3DS games in an online cloud, providing a convenient way to manage large collections.
- Do I need a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank? Yes, a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan subscription is required to move Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.
- Can I still use Pokémon Bank after the Nintendo eShop closes? Yes, Pokémon Bank will still be usable after the Nintendo eShop closes, and it is now free to use, but it must have been downloaded before March 27, 2023.
- How do I transfer Pokémon to Pokémon HOME? To transfer Pokémon to Pokémon HOME, tap the Poké Ball icon, open Settings, select Connected Devices and Services, then Pokémon HOME, and log in to the Nintendo Account used with the Pokémon HOME account.
- What are the requirements to use Pokémon HOME? Pokémon HOME requires a Nintendo Account and can be used on Nintendo Switch and/or smart devices.
- What is the difference between Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME? Pokémon Bank is only for 3DS handheld Pokémon RPG main games, while Pokémon HOME is the next generation of Pokémon storage, intended for Nintendo Switch Pokémon players and compatible with multiple games, including Pokémon Go and Pokémon Let’s Go.
- Do I have to pay for Pokémon Bank? Pokémon Bank is now free to use due to the discontinuation of Nintendo eShop service for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- How do I transfer Pokémon without Pokémon Bank? You can transfer Pokémon without Pokémon Bank by accessing Nintendo eShop on a Nintendo Switch console, downloading Pokémon HOME, and following the in-game instructions.
- Why won’t Pokémon HOME let me transfer Pokémon? Some Pokémon cannot be sent to Pokémon HOME, including Spinda, favorited Pokémon, Buddy Pokémon, Pokémon defending Gyms, costumed Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, and Mega-Evolved Pokémon.
- Why can’t I transfer my Pokémon from Pokémon HOME? You may not be able to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon HOME if they do not appear in the Pokédex of the game you are trying to transfer them to, or if they have red and yellow warning signs next to them.
- Why is Pokémon Bank becoming free? Pokémon Bank is becoming free due to the end of the 3DS eShop, which may open new opportunities for Pokémon fans.
- How long will Pokémon Bank be free? Pokémon Bank will be free to use after March 27, 2023, but it must have been downloaded before this date.
- What happens if I don’t pay for Pokémon Bank? If you don’t pay for Pokémon Bank, your Pokémon will not be deleted immediately, but you will have a limited time to withdraw them before they are deleted.
- What Pokémon cannot be transferred from Bank to Home? Certain Pokémon, such as Partner Pikachu, Partner Eevee, and fused forms of Necrozma, Kyurem, and Calyrex, cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME.
- Can I get Pokémon Bank after the eShop closes? Yes, Pokémon Bank is available for free to all players, even after the 3DS eShop has closed, but it must have been downloaded before March 27, 2023.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Pokémon Bank is not necessary to use Pokémon HOME, it can be a useful tool for players with Nintendo 3DS games who want to transfer their Pokémon to Pokémon HOME. With Pokémon Bank now being free to use, players can easily manage their Pokémon collections and transfer them to Pokémon HOME. By understanding the features and uses of Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME, players can make the most of these services and enjoy their Pokémon gaming experience.