Table of Contents

How to Transfer Pokémon from Gen 1 to Sword and Shield

Quick answer

This page answers How do I transfer my Pokemon from Gen 1 to sword and shield? quickly.

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 transfer your Pokémon from Gen 1 to Sword and Shield, you will need to use a combination of Pokémon Bank, Poké Transporter, and Pokémon Home, as direct transfers from Gen 1 games to Sword and Shield are not possible due to the differences in game technology and compatibility. The process involves transferring your Pokémon from Gen 1 games to Pokémon Bank using Poké Transporter, then to Pokémon Home, and finally to Sword and Shield, provided the Pokémon are compatible with the later games.

Introduction to Pokémon Transfer

Transferring Pokémon from one generation to another can be complex, especially when moving from the earliest Gen 1 games to the latest Sword and Shield. Understanding the process and the tools involved, such as Pokémon Bank, Poké Transporter, and Pokémon Home, is crucial for a successful transfer.

Understanding Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter

Pokémon Bank is a service that allows you to deposit, store, and manage your Pokémon in a private storage system, and Poké Transporter is a software that enables the transfer of Pokémon from older games to Pokémon Bank. However, with the discontinuation of the Nintendo eShop service for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, downloading Poké Transporter and using Pokémon Bank require specific steps and subscriptions.

Transferring Pokémon from Gen 1 to Later Generations

The journey from Gen 1 to Sword and Shield involves several steps and intermediate games or services. Initially, Pokémon from Gen 1 can be traded to Gen 2 games using the Time Capsule feature, and then from Gen 2 to Gen 3 and beyond through Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter. For Gen 1 to Gen 9, the process is more straightforward with Pokémon Home, which allows for direct transfers from compatible games.

Pokémon Home and Its Role

Pokémon Home is a cloud-based service that allows you to store and transfer Pokémon from various games, including Sword and Shield, making it a key tool in the transfer process from Gen 1 to the latest games. It supports transfers from Pokémon Bank, enabling a pathway from older games to the newest titles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Transfer Pokémon from Gen 1 to Gen 9 Directly? No, direct transfers from Gen 1 to Gen 9 are not possible due to compatibility issues, requiring intermediate steps and services like Pokémon Bank and Pokémon Home.
What is Pokémon Bank, and How Does it Work? Pokémon Bank is a service that allows the storage and management of Pokémon. It works by depositing Pokémon from compatible games and storing them for potential transfer to other games.
Can I Still Use Pokémon Bank After the eShop Closure? Yes, Pokémon Bank remains usable, but downloading Poké Transporter requires an active Pokémon Bank subscription, which has become free due to the eShop discontinuation.
How Do I Transfer Pokémon from DS to Switch? To transfer Pokémon from DS games to Switch games like Sword and Shield, use Pokémon Bank on the 3DS to deposit the Pokémon, then transfer them to Pokémon Home on the Switch, and finally to Sword and Shield.
What Games Can Transfer to Pokémon Bank? Pokémon Bank can directly accept Pokémon from games like Pokémon X, Y, Alpha Sapphire, Omega Ruby, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon.
Can I Trade Pokémon from Gen 1 to Gen 8? Yes, with Pokémon Home, Pokémon from Gen 1 can be traded to Gen 8 games, provided the Pokémon are compatible and the necessary steps through Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter are taken.
Why Can’t I Move Pokémon from Home to Sword? Some Pokémon cannot be moved from Pokémon Home to Sword and Shield if they are not registered in the Pokédex or are certain Legendary or Mythical Pokémon.
How Many Pokémon Are There from Gen 1 to Gen 9? There are 1015 Pokémon spread across the nine generations, offering a vast array of characters to collect and transfer.
Can I Bring a Gen 1 Pokémon to Gen 8? Yes, with the use of Pokémon Bank, Poké Transporter, and Pokémon Home, you can bring Gen 1 Pokémon to Gen 8 games, following the compatibility and transfer guidelines.
Which Pokémon Refuse to Evolve? In the anime, certain Pokémon like Bulbasaur and Squirtle have remained unevolved, but in games, evolution is generally possible with the right items or trades, except for certain Pokémon that evolve through trades, like Kadabra and Haunter.
Will Pokémon Transfer Shut Down? Pokémon Bank will still allow transfers to Pokémon Home even after its paid service is discontinued, ensuring that your Pokémon can be moved to Sword and Shield.
What Pokémon Cannot Be Transferred to Home? Pokémon like Spinda, favored Pokémon, Buddy Pokémon, Pokémon defending Gyms, costumed Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, and Mega-Evolved Pokémon cannot be transferred to Pokémon Home.
How Do I Download Poké Transporter After eShop Closes? If you haven’t downloaded Poké Transporter before the eShop shutdown, you will need an active Pokémon Bank subscription to access it, which now is free but was previously a paid service.
Can I Trade Pokémon from DS to Switch? Yes, by using Pokémon Bank on the 3DS and then transferring to Pokémon Home on the Switch, you can move Pokémon from DS games to Switch games.
What is Error Code 006-0811? This error code indicates that the service you are attempting to use is currently unavailable due to ongoing maintenance, and you can find more information on the Nintendo support website.