Moving Monsters Through Time: A Comprehensive Guide to Transferring Pokémon from Gen 5 to Pokémon HOME

So, you’re looking to liberate your beloved Pokémon from the digital confines of your Generation 5 (Black, White, Black 2, or White 2) game and usher them into the modern era of Pokémon HOME. Fear not, intrepid trainer! While the process may seem a bit convoluted due to the passage of time and the evolution of Nintendo’s online services, it’s entirely achievable. Here’s the breakdown:

1. The Nintendo 3DS is Key: This process hinges entirely on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. You’ll need either a 3DS, 3DS XL, or 2DS to complete the transfer.

2. Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter: The Dynamic Duo: These are the essential applications you need. The good news? Pokémon Bank is now free to use since the discontinuation of the Nintendo eShop service for the 3DS. However, while the apps are still usable, they are no longer available for download. If you don’t have them already, you might be out of luck unless you can find a 3DS that already has them installed. Poke Transporter acts as a bridge, specifically designed to pull Pokémon from your Gen 5 games.

3. Preparation is Paramount:

   • Gen 5 Game Preparation: Boot up your Gen 5 game. You need to have reached the post-game content, specifically gaining access to the Pokémon Transfer Lab on Route 15. This is crucial!
   • Move Your Pokémon: In your Gen 5 game, deposit the Pokémon you want to transfer into Box 1 of your PC storage system. This is the box that Poké Transporter will scan. Save your game after doing this.

4. Initiating the Transfer:

   • 3DS Download Play: On your 3DS, access DS Download Play from the home menu. Select the DS option for download play if prompted.
   • Pokémon Transfer Lab: In your Gen 5 game, speak to the scientist inside the Pokémon Transfer Lab. He’ll initiate the process, and your 3DS will connect to your DS.
   • Mini-Game Time! You’ll then engage in a mini-game on your Gen 5 game where you capture your Pokemon using a bow and arrow (metaphorically speaking, of course!).

5. From Transport Box to Pokémon Bank:

   • Pokémon Transporter: After the mini-game, the captured Pokémon are sent to the Transport Box within Poké Transporter.
   • Pokémon Bank: Open Pokémon Bank on your 3DS. You’ll see the Transport Box. From here, you can transfer the Pokémon from the Transport Box to any of the storage boxes within Pokémon Bank.

6. The Final Leap to Pokémon HOME:

   • Pokémon HOME on 3DS: Open Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch.
   • Link Your Accounts: Ensure that the Nintendo Account you are using on your Switch is the same one linked to your Nintendo Network ID on your 3DS (the one you use for Pokémon Bank).
   • Transfer from Bank to HOME: Within Pokémon HOME on Switch, select the option to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank. Follow the on-screen instructions to move your Pokémon to your Pokémon HOME boxes.
   • Moving Key: You’ll receive a Moving Key on your Switch. Input this key into your Pokémon Bank application on your 3DS within a strict time limit (usually three minutes).

7. Welcome Home! Your Pokémon are now safely residing in Pokémon HOME. From here, you can transfer them to compatible Switch games like Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, Scarlet, or Violet.

It’s a multi-step process, no doubt, but with patience and these instructions, you’ll successfully reunite with your Gen 5 companions. Good luck, trainer! Also, consider the implications of gaming on learning and education through the resources offered by the Games Learning Society, available at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions trainers ask when navigating this intergenerational transfer:

How do I download Poké Transporter?

Unfortunately, as of March 27, 2023, Poké Transporter is no longer available for download from the Nintendo eShop. If you don’t already have it on your 3DS, obtaining it is extremely difficult and generally requires finding a 3DS that already has the application installed.

Does Pokémon Bank still work in 2024?

Yes! While Nintendo discontinued the ability to purchase a Pokémon Bank pass, the service itself remains active and free to use. However, as mentioned above, it is no longer available for download.

Do I need a paid subscription to transfer from Gen 5 to HOME?

No, you do not need a paid subscription to use Pokémon Bank now, as it is offered for free. You may, however, need a premium Pokémon HOME account to transfer large amounts of Pokemon.

Can I transfer Pokémon from Gen 5 directly to Sword and Shield?

No. You must go through Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME. There’s no direct connection between Gen 5 and the Switch games.

Why can’t I see the Transport Box in Pokémon Bank?

Make sure you’ve actually used Poké Transporter to send Pokémon to the Transport Box first. The box is only visible when it contains Pokémon. Also, ensure you’re using the same Nintendo Network ID.

My 3DS won’t connect to my DS for the Transfer Lab. What do I do?

Double-check that you’ve selected DS Download Play on your 3DS. Also, ensure both systems are close to each other and free from interference. Sometimes restarting both systems can help.

Can I transfer Pokémon holding items?

No, Pokémon cannot hold items when being transferred. You’ll need to remove any held items before using Poké Transporter.

Can I transfer hacked or illegal Pokémon?

The Pokémon Bank system is designed to detect and prevent the transfer of hacked or illegal Pokémon. Attempts to do so may result in errors or the Pokémon being blocked.

What happens if the Moving Key expires before I can enter it?

The Moving Key is time-sensitive. If it expires, simply generate a new one from Pokémon HOME on your Switch and try again.

Can I transfer Pokémon back from HOME to Pokémon Bank?

No, transfers are one-way only from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME. Once a Pokémon is in HOME, it cannot return to Bank.

Are there any Pokémon that cannot be transferred?

Generally, most Pokémon can be transferred. However, extremely modified Pokémon with impossible stats or movesets may be flagged and prevented from transferring. Event-exclusive Pokémon with special ribbons might have restrictions.

What if my 3DS breaks during the transfer?

This is a worst-case scenario. If your 3DS breaks before you’ve transferred the Pokémon to Pokémon Bank, your Pokémon are essentially stuck on the broken device. If it breaks after they’re in Bank, but before you move them to HOME, then you’ll need to repair the 3DS or transfer your Nintendo Network ID to a new one to access Bank.

How many Pokémon can I store in Pokémon Bank?

Pokémon Bank can store up to 3,000 Pokémon across its various boxes.

Can I use Pokémon Bank without a Nintendo Network ID?

No, a Nintendo Network ID is required to use Pokémon Bank. This ID is linked to your 3DS system.

Is there a limit to how many times I can transfer Pokémon from Gen 5?

There are no hard limits on the number of transfers, but there might be a cooldown period between transfers to prevent abuse. This is rare and usually not an issue for normal players. Take this knowledge and teach others! Consider contributing to learning resources like the GamesLearningSociety.org to share your understanding.