Mastering the Art of Pokémon Transfer: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you want to move your precious Pokémon from one game or account to another? Fear not, aspiring Trainer! The process, while sometimes intricate, is entirely manageable. The primary method involves utilizing Pokémon HOME, a cloud-based service designed to unite your Pokémon across various games. Depending on the source of your Pokémon (be it Pokémon GO, older 3DS games, or Nintendo Switch titles), the steps will vary slightly. This guide will walk you through each scenario, ensuring no Pokémon is left behind.

Understanding the Pokémon Transfer Ecosystem

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s clarify the key players:

• Pokémon HOME: Your central hub for storing and moving Pokémon between compatible games. Available on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.
• Pokémon Bank: The predecessor to Pokémon HOME, used for storing and transferring Pokémon from older 3DS titles. Now free to use!
• Pokémon GO: The mobile sensation where you catch Pokémon in the real world. Offers limited transfer capabilities to Pokémon HOME.
• Poké Transporter: A companion app to Pokémon Bank, essential for moving Pokémon from older generation games (e.g., Black, White, Black 2, White 2) to Pokémon Bank.

Step-by-Step Transfer Guides

Transferring from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME

This is a one-way street. You can send Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, but not the other way around.

1. Link your accounts: In Pokémon GO, go to Settings > Pokémon HOME > Sign In. Use the same Nintendo Account you use for Pokémon HOME.
2. Select Pokémon: In Pokémon GO, tap the Poké Ball icon, then Settings > Pokémon HOME. You’ll see a list of Pokémon eligible for transfer.
3. Transfer: Select up to 25 Pokémon at a time and send them to Pokémon HOME. This uses GO Transporter energy, which replenishes over time or can be refilled with PokéCoins.
4. Receive in Pokémon HOME: Open Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch or mobile device. Select Pokémon > Pokémon GO. Your transferred Pokémon will be waiting for you.

Transferring from 3DS Games (Pokémon Bank) to Pokémon HOME

This is the pathway for all your older Pokémon games (X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon).

1. Ensure Pokémon Bank is updated: Make sure you have the latest version of Pokémon Bank installed on your 3DS. If you have Pokémon from older generation games, you will also need Poke Transporter. It’s a companion app of Pokémon Bank.
2. Move Pokémon to Pokémon Bank: In your 3DS game, deposit the Pokémon you want to transfer into Pokémon Bank. If transferring from older generation games, use Poke Transporter to send Pokémon to Pokémon Bank.
3. Open Pokémon HOME on Switch: Select Pokémon from the main menu. Select the 3DS option.
4. Transfer from Bank to HOME: Follow the on-screen prompts to transfer your Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME. You will be given a Moving Key, which you must enter on your 3DS.
5. Complete the Transfer: The transfer will begin, and your Pokémon will appear in your Pokémon HOME boxes.

Transferring Between Nintendo Switch Games

This is the most straightforward method.

1. Open Pokémon HOME on Switch: Select Pokémon from the main menu.
2. Choose your game: Select the game you want to move Pokémon from.
3. Move Pokémon: Drag and drop Pokémon between your game boxes and your Pokémon HOME boxes.
4. Save changes: Save your changes to ensure the Pokémon are properly transferred.

Key Considerations

• Compatibility: Not all Pokémon can be transferred to every game. Check compatibility charts to see which Pokémon are eligible for transfer to your desired game.
• Form Changes: Some Pokémon may revert to their original forms when transferred.
• Held Items: Pokémon cannot hold items when transferred through Pokémon HOME.
• National Pokedex: Pokémon transferred to Pokémon HOME are automatically registered in the National Pokedex.

FAQs: Your Burning Pokémon Transfer Questions Answered

1. Can I transfer all my Pokémon to another account?

No, you cannot directly transfer all your Pokémon to another account. Pokémon HOME is tied to a specific Nintendo Account. There is no function to merge accounts.

2. How do I transfer Pokémon from all games?

Utilize Pokémon HOME as your central hub. Transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO, 3DS games (via Pokémon Bank), and Switch games to Pokémon HOME, then to the desired target game.

3. Can you transfer all Pokémon to Pokémon HOME?

In theory, yes. Pokémon HOME aims to be a universal storage solution. However, the availability of transferring to particular games is another issue. You may store Pokémon in Pokémon Home that cannot be transferred to, say, Sword or Shield.

4. How many Pokémon can I transfer to HOME at once?

From Pokémon GO, you can transfer up to 25 Pokémon at a time. From Pokémon Bank, you can transfer entire boxes at once. From Switch games, you can move as many as you like until your HOME boxes are full.

5. How do I transfer my Pokedex to my Pokémon HOME?

Simply transferring the Pokémon to Pokémon HOME will register them in the National Pokedex. There is no separate Pokedex transfer function.

6. Is Pokémon Bank still active?

Yes, Pokémon Bank is still active and is now free to use. You can download it (if you haven’t already) and use it to transfer your Pokémon from older 3DS games to Pokémon HOME. Poké Transporter, which is needed for older generation games, is also available.

7. How do I transfer Pokémon without Pokémon Bank?

For games prior to the Switch, you can’t bypass Pokémon Bank. It is a necessary step for getting your Pokémon from 3DS games to Pokémon HOME.

8. Is there a way to merge Pokémon accounts?

Sadly, no. Nintendo does not offer a service to merge Pokémon GO accounts.

9. What do I do with excess Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

Transfer them to Professor Willow for candy or send them to Pokémon HOME for storage.

10. Can you batch transfer Pokémon GO?

Yes, use the mass select function. Press and hold on one Pokemon, this activates the ability to tap on other Pokemon to transfer. Then simply tap the transfer button.

11. Can you mass select Pokémon in bank?

Yes, you can transfer entire PC Boxes at a time.

12. Can you use Pokémon Bank to complete Pokedex?

Pokémon transferred from Pokémon Bank to new games will be registered in your Pokedex. If the Pokémon isn’t in the target game it will be registered on Pokémon Home.

13. Can you transfer illegal Pokémon to Pokémon Bank?

Pokémon Bank has checks in place to prevent the transfer of Pokémon deemed illegal. However, this doesn’t mean all illegal Pokémon will be blocked. It’s best to avoid using such Pokémon altogether.

14. Is Pokémon HOME Now free?

No, Pokémon HOME has both a free and a premium plan. The free plan has limitations on storage and features.

15. Will my Pokémon be deleted from Pokémon bank?

It is unknown exactly how long your Pokémon will be saved. It’s safest to assume to move your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME as soon as possible, as there may be changes in the future.

Conclusion

Transferring your Pokémon may seem daunting at first, but with a clear understanding of the tools and steps involved, it becomes a manageable task. Pokémon HOME is your best friend in this endeavor, connecting your Pokémon across generations. Embrace the journey, and soon you’ll have all your beloved Pokémon united in one place!

For more on games, learning, and the power of play, explore the resources at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.