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How to Transfer Pokémon from Ruby to Pokémon HOME: A Comprehensive Guide

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The journey of a Pokémon Trainer is a long and winding one, often spanning multiple generations of games. If you’re a nostalgic player looking to bring your beloved Pokémon from Pokémon Ruby to the modern Pokémon HOME service, you’re in for a bit of a multi-step process. Unfortunately, it’s not a direct transfer, but with the right tools and steps, you can reunite with your pixelated pals on your Switch.

The short answer is that you cannot directly transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Ruby to Pokémon HOME. Instead, the process involves several intermediary steps, requiring access to a Nintendo DS (or DS Lite), a compatible Nintendo DS Pokémon game, and the Pokémon Bank app on a 3DS. You will also need a Nintendo Switch, a Nintendo Network ID linked to your Pokémon HOME account, and a subscription to the premium plan of Pokémon HOME.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to do it:

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

Step 1: Migrate from Ruby to a Generation IV DS Game

The first step is getting your Pokémon out of the Game Boy Advance (GBA) era. This requires a Nintendo DS or DS Lite (the DSi and 3DS are not compatible with GBA cartridges) and a copy of either Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum. This method uses the Pal Park, a location in these DS games specifically designed for bringing over Pokémon from GBA games.

Insert your Pokémon Ruby cartridge into the GBA slot of your DS/DS Lite, and your Generation IV game (Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum) into the DS slot.
Boot up your Generation IV game.
At the main menu, you’ll see a new option labeled “Migrate from [Game Name]”. Select this.
The game will prompt you to choose six Pokémon from your Ruby game to transfer. Note: Eggs cannot be transferred.
Head to the Pal Park in your Gen IV game once it loads. In Diamond, Pearl and Platinum, the location can be found on Route 221.
The Pal Park is where you’ll capture the Pokémon that you have just migrated. This step isn’t a guaranteed catch, so be prepared for some mini-games.

Step 2: Transfer from Generation IV to Pokémon Black or White (Optional)

If you would like to further evolve your Pokemon before moving to the next step, you can transfer Pokémon from your Generation IV game to Pokémon Black or White or Pokémon Black 2 or White 2 using the Poke Transfer Lab. In this step, you need two systems.

Insert your Generation IV game in one system, and your Generation V game into another.
In Pokémon Black and White or Black 2 and White 2, start your game, then go to the Poke Transfer Lab.
Follow the onscreen prompts to transfer six Pokemon.
Now you are ready for the next step.

Step 3: Transfer to Pokémon Bank

Now that your Pokémon are in a Nintendo DS-era game, it’s time to move them to Pokémon Bank, a service on the Nintendo 3DS. Please note that Pokémon Bank is no longer purchasable, but the service is still active for those who have downloaded the app.

Insert your Gen V DS game, or your Gen IV game if you did not transfer them, into your Nintendo 3DS (or 2DS).
Download and Launch Pokémon Bank from the 3DS eShop if you have not already done so.
Use the built-in Poké Transporter to transfer your Pokémon from your DS game to Pokémon Bank.

Step 4: Transfer from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME

With your Pokémon safely stored in Pokémon Bank, it’s time for the final leg of their journey to Pokémon HOME. You’ll need both your Nintendo 3DS and your Nintendo Switch with Pokémon HOME installed.

On your Nintendo 3DS, launch Pokémon Bank.
Select “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME” from the main menu.
Select the boxes containing the Pokémon you want to transfer.
On the Nintendo Switch, launch Pokémon HOME.
On the main menu, select “Move”.
A Moving Key will be displayed on your Nintendo Switch.
Enter the Moving Key on your 3DS Pokémon Bank.
Your Pokémon will now be transferred from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.

Step 5: Access Your Pokémon in Pokémon HOME

Finally, your Pokémon from Ruby will be available in Pokémon HOME. You can now move them to compatible Nintendo Switch Pokémon games like Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Scarlet, or Violet, provided they are in those game’s respective Pokedexes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I transfer Pokémon from Ruby directly to Pokémon HOME using an emulator?

No, you cannot directly transfer Pokémon from an emulator to Pokémon HOME. The transfer process requires the use of genuine Nintendo hardware and official software. Emulators do not have the necessary integration with Pokémon Bank or Pokémon HOME for transfers.

2. Do I need a paid Pokémon HOME subscription to transfer Pokémon from Ruby?

Yes, you need a Premium Plan for Pokémon HOME to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank. The free plan does not allow for transferring Pokémon from the 3DS service.

3. Is Pokémon Bank still available to download?

Pokémon Bank is no longer available for download on the 3DS eShop. However, if you have already downloaded it, you can still use it for transfers.

4. Can I transfer all Pokémon from Ruby to Pokémon HOME?

Yes, any Pokémon that can be captured in Ruby can be transferred, however, Pokemon that cannot be caught in Sword and Shield, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and Scarlet and Violet can only remain in Pokémon HOME.

5. Can I move Pokémon back from Pokémon HOME to Pokémon Bank?

No, once a Pokémon has been moved from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME, it cannot be moved back to Pokémon Bank. This transfer is a one-way process.

6. What if I don’t have a Nintendo DS/DS Lite?

Unfortunately, a Nintendo DS or DS Lite is essential for migrating Pokémon from the GBA era games. Without one, you can not start the multi-step process.

7. Can I trade Pokémon between Ruby and other GBA games for transfer?

Yes, you can trade Pokémon between Ruby and other GBA games using a link cable. However, this doesn’t directly help with transferring to Pokémon HOME; it just allows you to move Pokémon within the GBA generation.

8. Why can’t I transfer Pokémon with HM moves?

You cannot transfer Pokémon with HM moves directly using methods such as the Poke Transporter or when trading with an NPC. HM moves can cause issues with the game data they are linked to when used across different generations.

9. What are the limitations on what can be moved to Pokemon HOME?

Certain special Pokemon, such as costumed or shadow pokemon, and Mega-Evolved Pokémon or favorited Pokemon cannot be transferred. Additionally, only Pokemon from compatible games can be moved to a game in Pokemon HOME.

10. How long does it take to complete the transfer process?

The overall transfer process can take around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of Pokémon and your experience with each step.

11. Can I transfer Pokémon from Ruby to a 3DS directly?

No, you cannot directly transfer Pokémon from Ruby to a 3DS. You must first use a DS or DS Lite to migrate to a Gen IV (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum) or Gen V (Black/White) game.

12. Do I need a separate Poké Transporter app?

No, Poké Transporter is a built-in feature of Pokémon Bank. You do not need to download it separately.

13. What happens to items held by Pokémon when transferring?

Items held by Pokémon are not transferred through any of the steps. They will be returned to your bag.

14. Is there a risk of losing my Pokémon during the transfer?

If you follow the instructions carefully, there is minimal risk of losing your Pokémon during the transfer. Always ensure your devices are charged and you have a stable internet connection.

15. Can I use a Nintendo 2DS for this transfer process?

Yes, a Nintendo 2DS can be used in place of a 3DS, as it also supports Pokémon Bank.

By following these steps and FAQs, you can successfully transfer your beloved Pokémon from Ruby to Pokémon HOME. It’s a journey through time, but the reward of seeing your old partners on a new adventure makes it all worthwhile.