How do I transfer Pokemon from old games?

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How to Transfer Pokémon from Old Games

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To transfer Pokémon from old games, you can use Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter to move your Pokémon to newer games, and then use Pokémon HOME to transfer them to the latest games, including Pokémon Scarlet, Pokémon Violet, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon Sword, and Pokémon Shield. The process involves launching Pokémon HOME from the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu, selecting the game you want to connect to, and choosing the user’s save data you will access, allowing you to move Pokémon from any user on the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Transfer Process

  1. How do I transfer Pokémon from previous games?: You can transfer Pokémon from previous games by using Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter to move your Pokémon to newer games, and then using Pokémon HOME to transfer them to the latest games.
  2. Does Pokémon Transporter still work?: Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter are no longer available for download, and paid passes are no longer offered for purchase, but you can still use them if you had previously downloaded them.
  3. What Pokémon games can you transfer Pokémon from?: You can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Scarlet, Pokémon Violet, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon Sword, and Pokémon Shield using Pokémon HOME.

Compatibility and Limitations

  1. Can Pokémon Bank transfer Pokémon between games?: Pokémon Bank allows you to directly deposit and transfer stored Pokémon into Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, Pokémon Omega Ruby, Pokémon Sun, Pokémon Moon, Pokémon Ultra Sun, and Pokémon Ultra Moon.
  2. Can you transfer Pokémon back and forth between games?: You can freely move Pokémon into Pokémon HOME from other Switch games and move them into another Switch game, as long as they are allowed in that game, with the exception of Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee.
  3. What Pokémon cannot be transferred?: You’re unable to transfer multiple Shiny Pokémon, Lucky Pokémon, or Buddy Pokémon with whom you’ve reached Good Buddy status or above at a time, as well as certain Legendary and some Mythical Pokémon.

Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter

  1. Can I get Pokémon Bank after the eShop closes?: Pokémon Bank is available for free to all players, but you can no longer download Poké Transporter unless you had previously downloaded it.
  2. Will Pokémon transfer shut down?: You will still be able to transfer Pokémon you’ve deposited in Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME even after the paid service is discontinued.
  3. Can you get Pokémon Transporter for free?: Poké Transporter is no longer available for download, even for free, unless you had previously downloaded it.

Costs and Expiration

  1. How long is Pokémon Bank free for?: Pokémon Bank is now usable at no cost due to the discontinuation of Nintendo eShop service for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
  2. Is Pokémon Bank free now in 2023?: Pokémon Bank‘s paid passes are no longer offered for purchase, and it is now available for free.
  3. Do you lose your Pokémon if Pokémon Bank expires?: If your trial pass or annual pass expires and you do not purchase a new annual pass, the Pokémon you left deposited in your Pokémon Bank boxes will disappear after a certain period of time.

Games and Compatibility

  1. What games are compatible with Pokémon Bank?: Pokémon Bank is compatible with Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, Pokémon Omega Ruby, Pokémon Sun, Pokémon Moon, Pokémon Ultra Sun, and Pokémon Ultra Moon.
  2. How do I get my Pokémon from Soulsilver to home?: To transfer from Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, or SoulSilver, you need to reach the Poké Transfer Lab on Route 15 by beating the Elite Four in Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, or White 2.
  3. How much does Pokémon Bank cost?: Pokémon Bank is now usable at no cost due to the discontinuation of Nintendo eShop service for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, and you can use it for free to store and transfer your Pokémon.

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