Transferring Your Pokémon Legacy: From 3DS to Nintendo Switch

So, you’re looking to bring your beloved Pokémon from the 3DS era to the shiny, modern world of the Nintendo Switch? Great! While you can’t directly transfer 3DS games to the Nintendo Switch due to hardware incompatibility, you can migrate your Pokémon! The key is Pokémon HOME, a cloud-based service designed to unite your Pokémon collections across different games and platforms. Let’s get started on how to make this happen.

The Core Method: Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME

The primary method for transferring your Pokémon involves two applications: Pokémon Bank on your 3DS and Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Prepare Pokémon Bank:

   • Ensure you have Pokémon Bank installed on your 3DS. It’s now free to use, thanks to the closure of the 3DS eShop.
   • Open Pokémon Bank and select “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME” from the main menu.
   • Choose the boxes from your 3DS Pokémon games (e.g., Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby, Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, Pokémon Sun, Pokémon Moon, Pokémon Ultra Sun, Pokémon Ultra Moon) that you want to transfer.
   • Confirm your selection and tap “Done.”

2. Generate a Moving Key in Pokémon HOME:

   • Download and launch Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch.
   • From the main menu of Pokémon HOME, select “Move Pokémon.”
   • Choose the option to move Pokémon from a 3DS system.
   • Pokémon HOME will generate a Moving Key: a unique alphanumeric code. This key is time-sensitive, so be ready to use it quickly.

3. Link Pokémon Bank with Pokémon HOME:

   • Return to Pokémon Bank on your 3DS.
   • Select “Begin Move” and enter the Moving Key generated by Pokémon HOME. This will link your Pokémon Bank account to your Pokémon HOME account.

4. Complete the Transfer:

   • Once the key is entered correctly, the transfer process will begin. This may take some time depending on the number of Pokémon being moved.
   • Once complete, open Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch. Your transferred Pokémon will now be available in your Pokémon HOME boxes.

5. Moving to Switch Games:

   • From Pokemon HOME, you can transfer your Pokemon into compatible Nintendo Switch games like Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Scarlet, and Pokémon Violet, depending on species availability within each game.

It’s that simple! With Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME, you can continue your Pokémon journey on the Nintendo Switch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions regarding the transfer process:

1. Do I Need a Nintendo Online Subscription to Use Pokémon HOME?

A Nintendo Online subscription is required to use the trading functionalities and cloud saves within Pokémon HOME. However, transferring Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME does not require a Nintendo Online subscription. A paid plan is only needed to move Pokemon from Pokémon HOME to a compatible Nintendo Switch game.

2. Can I Transfer Items Along With My Pokémon?

No, items held by Pokémon in the 3DS games cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME. Before initiating the transfer, make sure to remove any valuable items you want to keep.

3. What Happens to Pokémon That Can’t Be Transferred to a Specific Switch Game?

Some Pokémon may not be compatible with certain Nintendo Switch games. In such cases, the Pokémon will remain in your Pokémon HOME boxes, waiting for compatibility with a future game or update.

4. Can I Transfer Pokémon from Virtual Console Games (e.g., Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow) to Pokémon HOME?

Yes! You can transfer Pokémon from the Virtual Console versions of Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue, and Pokémon Yellow (available on the 3DS eShop) to Pokémon Bank using the Poké Transporter application, and then from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.

5. Can I Transfer Pokémon Back to My 3DS Games After Moving Them to Pokémon HOME?

No, once Pokémon are transferred from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME, the transfer is one-way. You cannot move them back to your 3DS games.

6. What If I Don’t Have Pokémon Bank?

While the 3DS eShop has closed, Pokémon Bank is now available for free download for anyone who downloaded it before the e-shop closed. If you did not download before the e-shop closure, you need to either find a 3DS that already has Pokémon Bank, or you will need to mod/hack your 3DS in order to download it.

7. How Long Does the Moving Key Last?

The Moving Key generated by Pokémon HOME is time-sensitive and typically expires within a few minutes. Be prepared to enter the key into Pokémon Bank immediately after it’s generated.

8. Is There a Limit to How Many Pokémon I Can Transfer at Once?

You can transfer multiple boxes of Pokémon at once from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME. The process is designed to handle large transfers efficiently.

9. What Happens If My Internet Connection Is Interrupted During the Transfer?

If the internet connection is interrupted during the transfer, the process may be paused or corrupted. It is recommended to wait for a stronger connection before beginning.

10. Can I Transfer My Entire Save Data From a 3DS Game to the Switch?

No, you cannot directly transfer entire 3DS game save data to the Nintendo Switch. The Switch is a different platform with no backwards compatibility. Only Pokémon can be transferred via Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME.

11. Does Pokémon HOME Cost Money?

Pokémon HOME offers both a free and a premium subscription. The free version has limited storage and features. The premium version unlocks additional storage space and features.

12. I Just Got a Switch, Can I Still Get Pokemon Bank?

Unfortunately, with the closing of the 3DS eShop in March 2023, obtaining new copies of Pokémon Bank is no longer possible through official channels. If you did not download before the e-shop closure, you need to either find a 3DS that already has Pokémon Bank, or you will need to mod/hack your 3DS in order to download it.

13. Can you transfer pokemon from 3DS to Switch without Pokemon bank?

Unfortunately, the only method to move Pokemon from 3DS to Switch is through Pokemon Bank. This method requires a Nintendo 3DS system, Pokemon Bank, and a Nintendo Switch with Pokemon HOME installed.

14. How do I link my 3DS and switch to transfer money?

• Select Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu to launch the Nintendo eShop.
• Select the account you want to use.
• Select the picture of your icon in the upper-right corner to access your Account Information.
• Select Merge Funds from Nintendo 3DS/Wii U.

15. Do 3DS SD cards work on switch?

No, only microSD cards can be used on the Nintendo Switch console. Due to the slot size, SD cards and miniSD cards are not compatible with Nintendo Switch.

Conclusion

While you can’t bring your entire 3DS game library to the Nintendo Switch, transferring your cherished Pokémon is entirely possible thanks to Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME. Embrace the transition, reconnect with your Pokémon, and continue your adventure on the latest Nintendo console. Plus, consider how gaming continues to evolve and learn more about game-based learning at the GamesLearningSociety.org!