Do You Need a Subscription for Pokémon Bank? The Definitive Guide

The short answer is no, you do not currently need a subscription for Pokémon Bank. Since the Nintendo 3DS eShop closed in March 2023, Pokémon Bank became available for free to all users. Let’s delve into the details and answer some frequently asked questions about this service and its current state.

Pokémon Bank: A Vault for Your Digital Monsters

Pokémon Bank is a Nintendo 3DS application that acts as an online storage system for your Pokémon. Think of it as a digital vault where you can keep your precious pocket monsters safe and accessible. It was initially designed to bridge the gap between older Pokémon games and newer generations, allowing you to transfer creatures from titles like Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon.

Before March 2023, Pokémon Bank operated on a subscription model, requiring users to purchase a pass to access its features. However, with the shutdown of the 3DS eShop, The Pokémon Company made the service free for everyone. This was a welcome change, ensuring that players could still access and transfer their Pokémon without incurring additional costs.

Understanding the Current Status of Pokémon Bank

While Pokémon Bank is currently free, it’s essential to understand its limitations and future prospects. The service is still online, allowing users to transfer their Pokémon to Pokémon HOME, a more modern cloud-based storage system available on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.

However, The Pokémon Company has cautioned that Pokémon Bank may eventually be discontinued. Although they stated that Pokemon Bank would remain online following the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U online service shutdown in April 2024, they also mentioned that the service may still be discontinued at a later date. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you transfer your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME as soon as possible to ensure they are not lost.

Transferring to Pokémon HOME: The Next Step

Pokémon HOME is the successor to Pokémon Bank and serves as the central hub for storing and managing your Pokémon across different games. It supports a wide range of titles, including Pokémon Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, Scarlet, and Violet.

Transferring your Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME requires both applications and a Nintendo Account. The process involves using the Poké Transporter application (which also became free with the eShop shutdown) to move Pokémon from older games into Pokémon Bank, and then using Pokémon HOME to transfer them from Pokémon Bank to your Pokémon HOME account.

Linking Accounts

A crucial step in this process is linking the Nintendo Network ID (NNID) associated with your Pokémon Bank account on the 3DS to the Nintendo Account used for Pokémon HOME on your Switch or mobile device. This ensures a seamless transfer of your Pokémon between the two services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pokémon Bank

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the use of Pokémon Bank and its relationship with Pokémon HOME:

1. Is Pokémon Bank still asking for a subscription?

   No, since the closure of the Nintendo 3DS eShop, Pokémon Bank is available for free and does not require a subscription.

2. What happens if I don’t pay for Pokémon Bank?

   Previously, if your subscription expired, you could withdraw your Pokémon for a limited time. After that period, any remaining Pokémon would be lost. Now that the service is free, this is no longer a concern, but it’s still best to transfer to Pokémon HOME.

3. Can I access Pokémon Bank without a 3DS?

   No, you need a Nintendo 3DS system to use Pokémon Bank. However, you can move Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME even if you no longer have a 3DS, provided your Nintendo Account and Nintendo Network ID are linked.

4. Is Pokémon HOME free?

   Pokémon HOME offers both a free Basic Plan and a paid Premium Plan. The Basic Plan has limitations on the number of Pokémon you can store and the features you can access.

5. Do you need Nintendo Online for Pokémon Bank?

   No, a Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership is not required for Pokémon HOME, but you may need the Premium Plan to access certain features.

6. Why isn’t Pokémon Bank free yet?

   Pokémon Bank is free since the closure of the Nintendo 3DS eShop in March 2023.

7. Do you lose your Pokémon if Pokémon Bank expires?

   Previously, yes. If your subscription expired, any Pokémon left in your Pokémon Bank boxes would be lost after a certain period. Now that the service is free, this is not the case as long as the service remains active, but transferring to Pokémon HOME is highly recommended to ensure no data loss.

8. Is Pokémon Bank real?

   Yes, Pokémon Bank is a real application on the Nintendo 3DS that allows you to store and transfer Pokémon from compatible older games.

9. Is Pokémon Bank shutting down?

   In the wake of the imminent Nintendo 3DS and Wii online service shutdown in April 2024, The Pokémon Company stated on social media that while Pokemon Bank will remain online following the shutdown, the service may still be discontinued at a later date.

10. Which Pokémon games use Bank?

    Pokémon Bank is compatible with:

    • Pokémon X
    • Pokémon Y
    • Pokémon Omega Ruby
    • Pokémon Alpha Sapphire
    • Pokémon Sun
    • Pokémon Moon
    • Pokémon Ultra Sun
    • Pokémon Ultra Moon

11. Can you transfer Pokémon from 3DS to Switch?

    Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from 3DS games to Nintendo Switch using Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME. The Pokémon are first moved from the 3DS games to Pokémon Bank, and then transferred from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME on the Switch.

12. Does 3DS have Pokémon HOME?

    No, Pokémon HOME is available on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, not on the 3DS.

13. Can you still download games on 3DS?

    No, as of March 27, 2023, it is no longer possible to purchase software or DLC on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS. However, you can still redownload previously purchased games and DLC for the foreseeable future.

14. Can you still use Pokémon Bank in 2023?

    Yes, Pokémon Bank can still be used in 2023 and beyond, although it’s only available for free. The service is still online as of the latest update, although it may be discontinued at a later date, as mentioned above.

15. Is Pokémon Sword and Shield free to play?

    No, Pokémon Sword and Shield are not free to play. You must purchase the game to play it. However, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required to use online features in these games. Pokemon Home is also not free, and has two different versions; the Nintendo Switch version and the mobile version. Both versions are linked via Nintendo Account, and there exists both a free Basic Plan along with a paid Premium Plan.

The Future of Pokémon Storage

While Pokémon Bank has served as a valuable tool for Pokémon trainers for many years, its long-term future remains uncertain. Given the closure of the 3DS eShop and the eventual sunsetting of online services for the 3DS, it is highly recommended to prioritize transferring your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME.

Pokémon HOME represents the future of Pokémon storage and management, offering a more versatile and accessible platform for managing your collection across multiple games and devices. By embracing Pokémon HOME, you can ensure that your cherished Pokémon continue to travel with you on your future adventures. The evolving landscape of video games and learning is continuously being shaped by enthusiasts and professionals alike. To learn more about the intersection of gaming and education, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Conclusion

In summary, you no longer need a subscription for Pokémon Bank. However, it’s crucial to understand the context and prepare for the future. Take advantage of the free service to transfer your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME and safeguard your digital companions for years to come.