Do You Need Nintendo Online to Trade Pokémon in Let’s Go Pikachu? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is: Yes, you need a Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership to trade Pokémon online in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! However, there’s a crucial caveat: you can trade locally without a subscription. This article will delve into the nuances of trading in these games, exploring when NSO is required, alternative trading methods, and common questions players have.
Understanding Online vs. Local Trading
Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! offer two distinct methods for trading Pokémon:
- Online Trading: This allows you to trade with other players over the internet, regardless of their physical location. This is where the Nintendo Switch Online membership becomes essential. Without it, you can’t access the online features necessary to connect with other trainers around the world.
- Local Trading: This method facilitates trading with players who are physically near you. Both players need to be in the same room or general vicinity with their Nintendo Switch consoles. The great news? Local trading does NOT require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. You can trade and battle with friends in person without paying for the online service.
How to Trade in Pokémon: Let’s Go!
Regardless of whether you’re trading online or locally, the steps to initiate a trade are similar:
- Press X and select “Communicate” from the main menu. Note that this option will initially be grayed out until you’ve battled your Rival for the first time. This is a key story point.
- Select “Play with Others”.
- Here’s where the method diverges:
- For Local Trading: Select “Nearby player”. The game will then search for other nearby consoles in trade mode.
- For Online Trading: You’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to proceed with this option. Follow the prompts to connect online.
- A screen will appear prompting you to select a code. This code helps ensure you connect with the correct player. You and your trading partner should agree on the same code to use.
Nintendo Switch Online: What It Is and Why It Matters
Nintendo Switch Online is a paid subscription service that allows Nintendo Switch owners to access online features in many games. It provides access to:
- Online Play: Enables multiplayer functionality in games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and, of course, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! for online trading and battling.
- Cloud Saves: Backs up your game save data to the cloud, preventing data loss in case of console damage or loss.
- Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) Games: Provides access to a library of classic NES and SNES games.
- Special Offers: Exclusive deals and discounts on digital games and content.
The subscription cost varies depending on the plan you choose. Individual memberships are available, as are family memberships that cover multiple accounts. The cost is relatively low, and many consider it worth it for the breadth of features it unlocks, especially if you frequently engage in online multiplayer gaming.
Trading Beyond Pokémon: Let’s Go!
While the focus here is on Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, it’s worth noting that the requirement for Nintendo Switch Online for online trading extends to other Pokémon games on the Switch, including:
- Pokémon Sword and Shield
- Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Generally, if you want to trade Pokémon online in a Switch game, you’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Trading Limitations in Let’s Go!
It’s also crucial to understand the trading limitations within Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!. You can only trade Pokémon that were originally discovered in the Kanto region (the first 151 Pokémon) and their Alolan forms. This limitation is due to the game’s focus on the original Pokémon games.
Furthermore, you cannot trade with games outside of the Let’s Go! series directly. You can’t trade with Sword and Shield, for instance, but you can use Pokémon HOME as an intermediary.
Using Pokémon HOME for Trading
Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based service that allows you to store and trade Pokémon across compatible games. While Pokémon HOME itself has a free version, its full functionality is unlocked with a Premium Plan.
Here’s how it works with Let’s Go!
- Transfer Pokémon from Let’s Go! to Pokémon HOME. You’ll need the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME for this.
- Once in Pokémon HOME, you can potentially trade with other players using the mobile version of the app. The Nintendo Switch version does not support trading.
- You can then transfer Pokémon from Pokémon HOME to other compatible games (like Sword and Shield or Scarlet and Violet), provided the Pokémon exist in those games. This creates a pathway to get Pokemon to other versions of the games.
Keep in mind: Not all Pokémon can be moved between all games. Compatibility is limited, especially when moving Pokémon from newer to older games. Be sure to check compatibility charts before attempting a transfer.
The Social Aspect of Trading
Trading Pokémon isn’t just about acquiring rare creatures. It’s also a significant social activity within the Pokémon community. Whether you’re trading locally with friends or connecting with trainers online, trading fosters communication, collaboration, and a sense of community. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) emphasizes the social and collaborative aspects of gaming, and Pokémon trading exemplifies these principles perfectly. You can find more resources on the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about trading in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!:
1. Can I trade with someone who has Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! if I have Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!?
Yes! You can trade between the two versions of the game, both locally and online.
2. Do I need two Nintendo Switch consoles to trade?
Yes, if you want to trade between two save files or two games on the same Switch, you’ll need a different Switch that has a copy of either Let’s Go game. You need two separate consoles to trade.
3. Can I trade Pokémon from Pokémon GO directly to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Eevee!?
Yes, but only Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region (and their Alolan forms) can be transferred. Mythical Pokémon like Mew cannot be directly transferred using the Pokemon GO method.
4. What happens if a Pokémon I receive in a trade knows a move that my Pokémon can’t learn?
The traded Pokémon will still know the move. Your Pokémon’s move set is independent of what it can naturally learn.
5. Can I trade Pokémon back and forth multiple times?
Yes, unlike Pokémon GO, there are no limitations on how many times a Pokémon can be traded back and forth in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!
6. Is there a level requirement for trading?
No, there is no level requirement for trading. You can trade Pokémon at any level.
7. What if the trade gets interrupted during the process?
The trade will be cancelled, and both players will retain their original Pokémon. It’s best to ensure a stable internet connection (for online trades) to prevent interruptions.
8. Can I trade Shiny Pokémon?
Yes, you can trade Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!
9. Can I trade a Pokémon that is holding an item?
No, Pokémon in Let’s Go! cannot hold items, so this is not a concern for Let’s Go! versions of the game.
10. What happens to my Pokémon’s nickname after trading?
The Pokémon will retain its nickname after being traded.
11. Is there a trade evolution mechanic in Pokémon: Let’s Go!?
Yes, Pokémon like Haunter, Machoke, Graveler, and Kadabra evolve when traded in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!
12. Can I trade with friends in other countries?
Yes, as long as you both have a Nintendo Switch Online membership and a stable internet connection, you can trade with friends anywhere in the world.
13. Can I use Pokémon HOME to trade from Let’s Go to another Let’s Go save file on a different switch without NSO?
No, Pokémon HOME requires an internet connection to function, so you need a NSO membership to do this.
14. Are there any special items I need to have to perform trades?
No, you do not need any special items to perform trades. You just need access to the “Communicate” menu in the game, which becomes available after you battle your Rival for the first time.
15. Can I trade with a friend locally if we only have one copy of the game between us?
No, both players need their own copy of either Let’s Go Pikachu or Let’s Go Eevee! for local trades.
Conclusion
Trading Pokémon in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! is a fun and rewarding experience. While a Nintendo Switch Online membership is necessary for online trades, the option for local trading provides an excellent alternative for those who prefer in-person interactions. Understanding the limitations, utilizing Pokémon HOME, and appreciating the social aspects of trading will enhance your gameplay and allow you to fully enjoy all that these games have to offer. Now go out there and catch (and trade) ’em all!