Trading with Your Digital Doppelganger: A Guide to Self-Trading in Pokémon Shield
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So, you want to trade with yourself in Pokémon Shield? Maybe you’re aiming to evolve a Pokémon that requires trading, or perhaps you want to replay the game with some of your favorites right from the start. Whatever your reason, here’s the core answer:
To trade with yourself in Pokémon Shield, you’ll need two Nintendo Switch consoles, two copies of Pokémon Sword or Shield (one copy on each Switch), two Nintendo accounts, and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for at least one of the accounts (if you plan to trade online). The process involves using one console and account to act as the “source” and the other as the “destination.” By connecting both consoles to the internet, or setting up a local wireless connection, you can initiate a trade between your two accounts. This allows you to send Pokémon back and forth, effectively trading with yourself.
Now, let’s delve deeper and answer some frequently asked questions about trading in Pokémon Shield and related topics:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pokémon Trading
How do I trade in Pokémon Shield without friends?
Don’t have anyone nearby to trade with? No problem! Pokémon Shield offers a few options:
- Surprise Trade: This is a random trade where you send out a Pokémon and receive one from a random player worldwide. It’s a fun, albeit unpredictable, way to trade.
- Link Trade (with Link Code): To trade with a specific person online, both of you need to input the same Link Code. You can find trading communities online where players share Link Codes for specific Pokémon.
- Local Wireless Trade: If someone is physically near you, you can use a local wireless connection without requiring Nintendo Switch Online to trade.
Can I trade a Pokémon back to myself in Pokémon GO and then to Pokémon Shield?
Unfortunately, Pokémon GO doesn’t allow for trades to be reversed. Once you trade a Pokémon in Pokémon GO, it’s permanently transferred to the other trainer. You can, however, transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, and then from Pokémon HOME to Pokémon Shield but they cannot be transferred back to Pokémon GO.
How does trading work in Pokémon HOME on Switch?
The Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME is primarily for storage and transferring Pokémon between compatible games like Pokémon Sword, Shield, Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Let’s Go, Eevee!, and Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl. Trading functionality is primarily on the mobile version of Pokémon HOME, with Friend Trade and the GTS (Global Trade System) features.
Can I evolve Pokémon using Pokémon HOME?
No. Pokémon HOME is a storage and transfer service, not a battle simulator or evolution chamber. Pokémon that need to be traded to evolve cannot evolve within Pokémon HOME. You’ll need to trade them within the compatible Pokémon games (e.g., in Pokémon Sword or Shield).
Will transferred Pokémon obey me?
In Pokémon Shield, as with other Pokémon games, traded Pokémon won’t always obey you if your trainer level (determined by Gym Badges) is too low. You’ll need to collect more Gym Badges to command higher-level traded Pokémon effectively. At the beginning of the game, you can only use traded Pokémon up to a certain level without problems.
What Pokémon cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME?
While Pokémon HOME is a fairly comprehensive storage system, some Pokémon have restrictions:
- Pokémon GO Restrictions: Spinda, favorited Pokémon, Buddy Pokémon, Pokémon defending Gyms, costumed Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, and Mega-Evolved Pokémon cannot be directly transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME.
Can you trade directly from Pokémon HOME on the Nintendo Switch?
No. As mentioned earlier, the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME doesn’t support direct trading. You need to use the mobile version of Pokémon HOME for trading functionalities.
How do you trade with a specific person in Pokémon HOME?
Using the mobile version of Pokémon HOME, you can trade with friends:
- Add the person as a friend in Pokémon HOME.
- Go to the “Friend Trade” option.
- Select your friend to initiate the trade.
- Both players choose the Pokémon they want to trade.
Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to use Pokémon HOME?
A Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required to use Pokémon HOME for storage and transfers between compatible games on the same console. However, you’ll likely need it to download Pokémon HOME from the eShop initially and for cloud saves and other online features associated with your Nintendo Account. To trade online in Pokémon Sword and Shield, you need Nintendo Switch Online.
Should I purify Shadow Pokémon before transferring them?
In Pokémon GO, purifying a Shadow Pokémon will improve its appraisal and reduce the Stardust and Candy cost to power it up or evolve it. Purified Pokémon also learn the move Return. Whether you should purify depends on your goals:
- For Battle: Shadow Pokémon, despite being initially weaker, often have higher attack stats, making them powerful in raids and battles.
- For Collection: Purified Pokémon are unique and can be valuable for collectors.
Keep in mind you might not be able to trade Shadow Pokémon, so if you want to trade them, you will have to purify them first.
Can you trade shiny Pokémon?
Yes, you can trade shiny Pokémon. However, trading Legendaries and Shinies you don’t own comes with a significant Stardust cost in Pokémon GO, affecting your ability to perform multiple trades in a short time.
Can I merge two Pokémon GO accounts?
No, Niantic (the developer of Pokémon GO) does not allow account merging. The best alternative is to trade Pokémon from one account to the account you want to keep, then retire the unused account.
Can you trade Pokémon in Sword and Shield without Nintendo Online?
You cannot trade online in Pokémon Sword and Shield without a Nintendo Switch Online membership. However, you can trade via local wireless connection with someone nearby without needing a subscription.
Can Rhydon evolve without trading in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Rhydon can evolve into Rhyperior without trading using the Protector item. However, in Pokémon Sword and Shield, trading while holding the Protector is still the primary method of evolution.
Why can’t I trade a friend in Pokémon HOME?
Ensure you are both using the mobile version of Pokémon HOME. The Nintendo Switch version lacks the direct trading feature. Also, double-check that you are correctly added as friends in Pokémon HOME, not just on your Nintendo Switch consoles.
This information aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of trading in Pokémon Shield and related aspects of the Pokémon ecosystem. Understanding the nuances of trading, Pokémon HOME, and game-specific limitations helps you maximize your Pokémon journey and collection. Remember to always check for the latest updates and announcements from The Pokémon Company for any changes to the trading system or game mechanics. Remember that you can continue to find a lot of educational games and information through GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society is a great resource for any information on education, simulation, and games.