How do I transfer old Pokemon to sword and shield?
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 old Pokémon to Sword and Shield, you can use the Pokémon Home service, which allows you to transfer Pokémon from previous games, including Generation 1 to Generation 8, to the Nintendo Switch versions of Sword and Shield. This process involves using Pokémon Home to connect your Nintendo Switch to your previous Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Go, Pokémon Let’s Go, or other Nintendo 3DS or GBA games, and then transferring your desired Pokémon to Sword and Shield.
Transferring Old Pokémon: A Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding the Transfer Process
The process of transferring old Pokémon to Sword and Shield can be complex, but it’s a great way to reunite with your favorite Pokémon from previous games. To start, you’ll need to use Pokémon Home, which is a cloud-based service that allows you to store and transfer Pokémon between games.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Transfer Pokémon from Generation 1 to Sword and Shield?
Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from Generation 1 to Sword and Shield using Pokémon Home. However, you’ll need to use Poké Transporter to transfer your Pokémon from Generation 1 to Generation 5, and then use Pokémon Bank to transfer them to Pokémon Home.
2. How Do I Transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Go to Sword and Shield?
To transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Go to Sword and Shield, you’ll need to use Pokémon Home. Simply open Pokémon Home on your Nintendo Switch, select Pokémon Go as the source game, and follow the prompts to transfer your desired Pokémon.
3. Can I Use Pokémon Bank to Transfer Pokémon to Sword and Shield?
Yes, you can use Pokémon Bank to transfer Pokémon to Sword and Shield. However, you’ll need to use Poké Transporter to transfer your Pokémon from Generation 4 or Generation 5 to Pokémon Bank, and then transfer them to Pokémon Home.
4. How Do I Transfer Pokémon from Generation 4 to Generation 5?
To transfer Pokémon from Generation 4 to Generation 5, you’ll need to use the Poke Transfer Lab on Route 15 in Black or White. You’ll need two DS or 3DS consoles to complete the transfer.
5. Can I Transfer Pokémon from Generation 5 to Generation 6?
No, you cannot directly transfer Pokémon from Generation 5 to Generation 6. Instead, you’ll need to use Poké Transporter to transfer your Pokémon from Generation 5 to Pokémon Bank, and then transfer them to Pokémon Home.
6. How Do I Transfer Pokémon without Using Pokémon Bank?
You can transfer Pokémon without using Pokémon Bank by using Pokémon Home. Simply select the game you want to transfer from, and follow the prompts to transfer your desired Pokémon.
7. Can I Use Pokémon Bank in 2023?
Yes, you can still use Pokémon Bank in 2023, although the paid passes are no longer available for purchase. You can still download and use Pokémon Bank for free.
8. Can I Get Pokémon Bank after the eShop Closes?
Yes, you can still download Pokémon Bank even after the eShop closes. However, you’ll need to have previously purchased or downloaded Pokémon Bank to do so.
9. Why Can’t I Move Pokémon from Home to Sword and Shield?
You may not be able to move Pokémon from Home to Sword and Shield if the Pokémon is not registered in your Pokédex or if it’s a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon.
10. How Far Back Can I Transfer Pokémon?
You can transfer Pokémon from as far back as Generation 3 using Pokémon Home. However, you may need to use Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank to transfer Pokémon from earlier generations.
11. Which Pokémon Should I Transfer?
You should transfer Pokémon that you no longer need or want, or duplicates of Pokémon with weaker CP. This will help you manage your Pokémon collection and free up space in your games.
12. Can I Transfer All My Pokémon to Sword and Shield?
No, you cannot transfer all your Pokémon to Sword and Shield. Only Pokémon that appear in the Galar, Isle of Armor, and Crown Tundra Pokédex can be transferred.
13. Can You Transfer Pokémon Back to Sword and Shield?
Yes, you can move Pokémon back and forth between Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! or into Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. However, once a Pokémon is moved to Sword or Shield, it cannot be returned to its original game.
14. Can You Trade Pokémon from Sword to Shield?
Yes, you can trade Pokémon between Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. You’ll need to get the Pokedex before you can trade, and you can trade both locally and online.
15. Will Pokémon Bank Be Removed?
No, Pokémon Bank is not shutting down, although Nintendo has stated that support may end at some point in the future. You can still use Pokémon Bank to transfer Pokémon to Pokémon Home and other games.