Unlocking Pokémon HOME: Storage Capacity and Everything You Need to Know
Pokémon HOME is the cloud-based service that allows trainers to manage their digital Pokémon collection across multiple games. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer eager to unify your teams, understanding its storage capacity is crucial. So, how many slots does Pokémon HOME have? The answer depends on your subscription plan: the Basic (free) plan offers 30 storage slots, while the Premium plan unlocks a staggering 6,000 slots.
Diving Deeper into Pokémon HOME Storage
Let’s break down the details. Pokémon HOME operates on a freemium model, offering different levels of functionality depending on whether you opt for the free Basic plan or subscribe to the Premium plan. The Basic plan is your entry point, granting access to a single “Basic Box” capable of holding 30 Pokémon. This is a great way to test the waters, move a few favorites, or simply see if the service fits your needs.
The Premium plan, on the other hand, significantly expands your storage capabilities. With this subscription, you gain access to 200 Boxes, each capable of holding 30 Pokémon. This culminates in a total capacity of 6,000 Pokémon. For serious collectors, competitive players, or those simply wishing to consolidate their massive collection, the Premium plan is practically essential.
It’s important to remember that even if you cancel your Premium plan, your Pokémon are not immediately deleted. Instead, only the 30 most recently deposited or traded Pokémon will remain accessible in your Basic Box. The rest will remain “hostage”, inaccessible until you resubscribe to the Premium plan. This provides a degree of safety and prevents the permanent loss of your valuable team members.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pokémon HOME Storage
Here are 15 commonly asked questions that will help you navigate the world of Pokémon HOME and its storage functionalities:
How many Pokémon games can connect to Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon HOME on the Nintendo Switch can connect with a wide array of games, including Pokémon Scarlet, Pokémon Violet, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!, and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!. This seamless integration allows you to centralize your Pokémon from various adventures into a single digital repository.
What happens if I exceed the 30 Pokémon limit on the Basic plan?
If you deposit more than 30 Pokémon while having a Premium plan and then revert to the Basic plan, only the 30 most recently deposited or traded Pokémon will remain accessible in your Basic Box. The other Pokémon will be unavailable until you renew your Premium subscription.
Will my Pokémon be deleted if I don’t renew my Premium plan?
No, your Pokémon won’t be deleted. They will remain stored in Pokémon HOME, but you will only be able to access the 30 most recently deposited or traded Pokémon in your Basic Box. To access the rest, you’ll need to resubscribe to the Premium plan.
Can I transfer Pokémon back from Pokémon HOME to Pokémon GO?
Unfortunately, Pokémon cannot be transferred back to Pokémon GO from Pokémon HOME. This is a one-way transfer. Be absolutely certain before sending Pokémon from GO to HOME, as there’s no going back.
What Pokémon are not allowed in Pokémon HOME?
Certain Pokémon are restricted from being transferred to Pokémon HOME. These include Spinda, favorited Pokémon, Buddy Pokémon, Pokémon defending Gyms, costumed Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, and Mega-Evolved Pokémon from Pokémon GO. Additionally, Partner Pikachu, Partner Eevee, and fused forms of Necrozma, Kyurem, and Calyrex cannot be transferred. Some Gigantamax Pokémon also face restrictions when moving between specific games. Nincada also faces very specific restrictions between games.
Does Pokémon HOME detect hacked or illegal Pokémon?
Pokémon HOME has a mechanism to detect potentially hacked or illegal Pokémon. While it may not catch every single one, it’s designed to filter out the more obvious cases. If a hacked Pokémon makes it into your HOME storage, it may become a “Bad Egg,” permanently occupying a slot.
Can I get banned for having hacked Pokémon in Pokémon HOME?
While technically, using illegal Pokemon in competitive play can lead to bans and disqualification, Game Freak generally doesn’t penalize players for unknowingly possessing hacked Pokémon, focusing on filtering out the obvious ones. However, introducing blatantly modified Pokémon might trigger flags and potentially lead to action against your account.
What is the Wonder Box and how many Pokémon can I store there with the Basic plan?
The Wonder Box is a feature in Pokémon HOME that allows you to trade Pokémon globally. With the Basic plan, you can only place a maximum of three Pokémon in the Wonder Box at any given time. The Premium plan allows you to place more.
What’s the difference between the Basic and Premium plans in terms of trading?
The Basic plan offers limited trading options. The Premium plan grants access to all trading features, including the ability to host your own trading room, providing a more personalized and controlled trading experience.
How do I increase my storage in Pokémon HOME?
To increase your storage in Pokémon HOME, you need to subscribe to the Premium plan. This unlocks all 200 Boxes, giving you a total storage capacity of 6,000 Pokémon.
Can I use Pokémon Bank with Pokémon HOME?
Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME, but it requires a Premium Plan. Pokémon Bank itself is now available for free, but Poké Transporter is required and may be difficult to acquire.
Can I link multiple Nintendo Accounts to one Pokémon HOME account?
No, Pokémon HOME can only be linked to one Nintendo Account at a time. However, the same Nintendo Account can be linked to both the Nintendo Switch and mobile versions of Pokémon HOME, synchronizing information across platforms.
What are Pokémon HOME Points and what can I do with them?
Points are earned from depositing Pokémon in Pokémon HOME. These points can be converted into Battle Points (BP) in Pokémon Sword and Shield, or League Points (LP) in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. This provides a way to earn in-game currency by leveraging your Pokémon collection.
Can EV’s, IV’s, and natures transfer through Pokémon HOME?
Yes, stats and stat-affecting attributes like natures, Individual Values (IVs), and Effort Values (EVs) will carry over through Pokémon HOME. However, moves and abilities may need to be managed on a game-to-game basis, especially when a move’s distribution has changed.
How far back can I transfer Pokémon to Pokémon HOME?
You can move Pokémon to HOME from as far back as Ruby and Sapphire — if you still have the hardware for it and the Pokémon were originally obtained in legitimate ways. The process involves transferring through multiple games and services before finally reaching Pokémon HOME.
Final Thoughts
Pokémon HOME serves as a vital tool for any serious Pokémon trainer, especially as new games continue to add new features and new Pokémon. The ability to consolidate your collections, trade with others, and even earn in-game points makes it a worthwhile investment. Understanding the storage limitations and functionalities of both the Basic and Premium plans is crucial for maximizing its potential. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated collector, Pokémon HOME offers a convenient and comprehensive solution for managing your digital Pokémon empire.
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