Transferring Your Pokemon from 3DS to Switch for Free: A Comprehensive Guide
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So, you’ve got a treasure trove of Pokemon on your Nintendo 3DS and you’re itching to bring them over to your Nintendo Switch. Great news! You can absolutely do this, and without spending a dime, thanks to Pokemon Bank and Pokemon HOME. Here’s the breakdown:
The core process involves using two key applications: Pokemon Bank on your 3DS and Pokemon HOME on your Switch (and/or mobile device). Since the Nintendo 3DS eShop closed on March 27, 2023, Pokemon Bank is now free to use.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Ensure you have Pokemon Bank and Poke Transporter downloaded on your 3DS. If you haven’t already, download both applications from the Nintendo eShop before it closed. If you already have them, make sure they’re updated. If you didn’t download before the eshop closed on March 27, 2023. Pop in any Pokemon DS/3DS cardridge with a savefile on it, start pokemon Bank, and when it has logged in, say you want to continue WITHOUT a pass! And voila, you’re in the main menu, can choose Poke Transporter and download it for free.
- Organize Your Pokemon in Pokemon Bank. Launch Pokemon Bank and carefully organize the Pokemon you want to transfer into specific boxes. This will make the transfer process smoother.
- Initiate the Transfer in Pokemon Bank. From the Pokemon Bank main menu, select “Move Pokemon to Pokemon HOME.” You’ll be prompted to select the boxes you want to transfer. Choose carefully and confirm your selection.
- Generate a Moving Key in Pokemon HOME on Switch. On your Nintendo Switch, open Pokemon HOME. Select the 3DS option from the main menu (it usually has a Pokemon Bank logo or a 3DS icon). Choose “Begin Move.” A Moving Key will be displayed. This key is time-sensitive, so act quickly!
- Enter the Moving Key in Pokemon Bank. Return to your 3DS and, in Pokemon Bank, you’ll be prompted to enter the Moving Key generated by Pokemon HOME on your Switch. Enter it carefully, paying close attention to capitalization and numbers (remember, codes never include the letters O, I, or Z).
- Wait for the Transfer to Complete. Once you’ve entered the Moving Key, the transfer process will begin. This may take some time depending on the number of Pokemon you’re transferring. Ensure both your 3DS and Switch remain powered on during the transfer.
- Claim Your Pokemon in Pokemon HOME on Switch. Once the transfer is complete, your Pokemon will be available in Pokemon HOME on your Nintendo Switch. You can now organize them into your Pokemon HOME boxes and prepare them for use in compatible Pokemon games.
That’s it! You’ve successfully transferred your Pokemon from your 3DS to your Switch for free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I still download Pokemon Bank and Poke Transporter after the 3DS eShop closure?
Yes, you still can. You can still access Poke Transporter by inserting a 3DS/DS game card with a saved file, and then selecting that you want to continue without a pass. This will allow you to get to the main menu, where you can then download Poke Transporter.
Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use Pokemon HOME and transfer Pokemon?
No, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required to use Pokemon HOME or to transfer Pokemon from Pokemon Bank.
Is Pokemon HOME completely free?
Pokemon HOME has both a free Basic Plan and a paid Premium Plan. The Basic Plan allows you to store a limited number of Pokemon and offers basic trading features. The Premium Plan expands storage capacity and unlocks more advanced features. However, transferring Pokemon from Pokemon Bank to Pokemon HOME can be done with the free Basic Plan.
Will Pokemon Bank be free forever?
While Pokemon Bank is currently free to use, Nintendo has stated that support for it “may also end at some point in the future.” Therefore, it’s best to transfer your Pokemon to Pokemon HOME as soon as possible to ensure their safety.
What happens to my Pokemon if I don’t transfer them from Pokemon Bank?
If Pokemon Bank support eventually ends, your Pokemon stored within it could be lost. This is why it’s crucial to transfer them to Pokemon HOME, which is intended as a long-term storage solution.
Can I transfer Pokemon from older DS games (e.g., Diamond, Pearl, Platinum) to Pokemon HOME?
Yes, but you’ll need to use Poke Transporter in conjunction with Pokemon Bank. Poke Transporter allows you to move Pokemon from older DS games to Pokemon Bank, and then you can transfer them from Pokemon Bank to Pokemon HOME as described above.
Can I transfer Pokemon back from Pokemon HOME to Pokemon Bank?
No, once Pokemon are transferred from Pokemon Bank to Pokemon HOME, they cannot be moved back. This is a one-way transfer.
What are the limitations of the free Pokemon HOME Basic Plan?
The Basic Plan has a storage limit of 30 Pokemon. It also limits the number of Pokemon you can place in the Wonder Box and GTS (Global Trade System) for trading.
Does Pokemon Bank detect hacked Pokemon?
Pokemon Bank has some checks in place to detect hacked Pokemon. It won’t allow obviously illegitimate Pokemon to be transferred. Pokemon HOME also has similar checks.
Can I transfer Pokemon from Pokemon GO directly to Pokemon HOME?
Yes, you can transfer Pokemon from Pokemon GO to Pokemon HOME, but this is a separate process from transferring from Pokemon Bank. You’ll need to link your Pokemon GO account to your Nintendo Account and use the Pokemon HOME settings within Pokemon GO.
What Pokemon games are compatible with Pokemon HOME?
Pokemon HOME is compatible with various Pokemon games on the Nintendo Switch, including Pokemon Sword and Shield, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Compatibility varies depending on the game.
I’m having trouble generating a Moving Key. What should I do?
Make sure your Nintendo Switch and 3DS are connected to the internet. Also, ensure that the date and time settings on both devices are accurate. A common issue is an incorrect time setting preventing the Moving Key from being generated correctly.
Is there a time limit for entering the Moving Key in Pokemon Bank?
Yes, the Moving Key generated by Pokemon HOME has a time limit (usually three minutes). If you don’t enter it within that time, you’ll need to generate a new key.
What happens if the transfer gets interrupted?
If the transfer is interrupted (e.g., due to a power outage or loss of internet connection), you may need to start the process again. In most cases, the Pokemon that were successfully transferred will remain in Pokemon HOME, and you’ll only need to re-transfer the remaining ones.
Can I have multiple Pokemon HOME accounts linked to the same Nintendo Account?
No, you can only link one Pokemon HOME account to a single Nintendo Account.
Transferring your Pokemon from the 3DS to the Switch is now easier and more accessible than ever, thanks to the free availability of Pokemon Bank. Don’t delay! Secure your Pokemon legacy by moving them to Pokemon HOME today!
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