Is Transferring Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME Still Possible? The Definitive Guide
Yes, transferring Pokémon from Pokémon Bank on your Nintendo 3DS to Pokémon HOME is still possible, but with specific requirements. You’ll need an active Pokémon HOME Premium Plan to facilitate the transfer. The process involves using both applications and ensuring your Nintendo Account is linked correctly. Let’s dive into the details and address some frequently asked questions.
Understanding Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s clarify what these two services are:
- Pokémon Bank: This is an online storage service for Nintendo 3DS Pokémon games, allowing you to store up to 3,000 Pokémon. It was initially a paid service, but it became free to use after March 27, 2023. You must have downloaded the Pokémon Bank app before March 27, 2023.
- Pokémon HOME: This is a cloud-based service for Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android devices. It allows you to manage your Pokémon collection from various games, including Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Pokémon GO.
How to Transfer Pokémon from Bank to HOME: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to move your beloved Pokémon from the 3DS era to the modern Pokémon HOME ecosystem:
- Ensure you have a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan: A paid subscription is necessary to enable transfers from Pokémon Bank.
- Link your Nintendo Account: Make sure the Nintendo Account you use for Pokémon HOME is the same one linked to your Nintendo Network ID on your 3DS. This is crucial for the systems to recognize each other. Note that it is not possible to link the same Nintendo Network account to multiple Wii U or multiple Nintendo 3DS family systems at the same time.
- Open Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch or Mobile Device: Navigate to the main menu.
- Select “Move Pokémon”: Look for the “Move Pokémon” option within the Pokémon HOME menu.
- Choose “Begin”: You’ll be presented with options. Select the option to move from Pokémon Bank.
- Launch Pokémon Bank on your 3DS: After starting the process in Pokémon HOME, the app will generate a transfer key. Now, go to your 3DS and open Pokémon Bank.
- Select “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME”: This option should now be available in Pokémon Bank.
- Enter the Transfer Key: Input the transfer key displayed in Pokémon HOME into your Pokémon Bank application on the 3DS.
- Choose Boxes to Transfer: Select the Pokémon Bank boxes you wish to transfer. Be aware that every Pokémon in the boxes you select will be moved; you cannot individually choose which Pokémon to transfer over.
- Confirm the Transfer: Once you’ve selected your boxes and confirmed, the transfer will begin. This may take some time depending on the number of Pokémon being moved.
- Receive Pokémon in HOME: Go back to Pokémon HOME. After the transfer completes, your Pokémon will be available in your Pokémon HOME boxes. All Pokémon will be received at once. You cannot select individual Pokémon to receive.
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Incorrect Nintendo Account: The most common issue is using different Nintendo Accounts. Double-check that both Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME are linked to the same account.
- Premium Plan Required: Remember, a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan is mandatory for this transfer.
- Transfer Key Issues: Make sure you enter the transfer key correctly and within the given time limit.
- Game Updates: Ensure both Pokémon Bank and the Pokémon games you are transferring from are updated to the latest versions.
What Pokémon Can and Cannot be Transferred
Most Pokémon can be transferred from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME. However, some Pokémon might have restrictions based on their origin game or specific characteristics. Transferred Pokémon that cannot be sent to Pokémon HOME from Pokémon GO include Spinda, favorited Pokémon, Buddy Pokémon, Pokémon defending Gyms, costumed Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, and Mega-Evolved Pokémon.
Pokémon HOME and the Games Learning Society
The Pokémon franchise and services like Pokémon HOME offer interesting insights into digital ownership, community building, and evolving game ecosystems. For more on the educational and societal impacts of gaming, consider exploring the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They provide valuable research and perspectives on how games influence learning and culture.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
1. Is a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan absolutely required for transferring from Bank?
Yes, you absolutely need a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank. The free version does not support this feature. Note that transferring Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME requires a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan, which costs $2.99 for one month (30 days), $4.99 for three months (90 days), and $15.99 for one year (365 days).
2. Can I still download Pokémon Bank if I don’t have it?
No. As of March 27, 2023, Pokémon Bank and Poke Transporter are no longer available to download. Paid passes for Pokémon Bank are no longer offered for purchase. However, if you downloaded the app before that date, you can still use it.
3. What happens if my Pokémon HOME Premium Plan expires after transferring Pokémon?
If your Pokémon HOME Premium Plan expires, you’ll be limited to storing only 30 Pokémon. Any Pokémon exceeding this limit will become inaccessible until you renew your subscription.
4. Can I transfer Pokémon from Virtual Console games (like Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow) to HOME?
Yes, but they must first be transferred to Pokémon Bank using Poke Transporter, and then from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.
5. Are there any Pokémon that cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME at all?
Generally, no Pokémon are permanently restricted from entering Pokémon HOME, although some may require specific conditions to be met first (like being in a compatible game).
6. I am getting an error code during the transfer. What should I do?
Error codes usually indicate a connection issue or a problem with your Nintendo Account. Restart your devices, check your internet connection, and ensure your Nintendo Account is properly linked. If the problem persists, contact Nintendo Support.
7. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO directly to Pokémon Bank?
No. Pokémon GO can only transfer to Pokémon HOME, and it requires a separate process using the GO Transporter. To transfer Pokémon from Pokemon go to Pokémon HOME 2023, open Settings, then select Pokémon HOME. Sign in to the Nintendo Account used with the Pokémon HOME account that you want to transfer your Pokémon to. Select Send Pokémon. Check the GO Transporter Energy, as well as how long it will take to recharge, and select Continue.
8. Is there a limit to the number of Pokémon I can transfer at once from Bank to HOME?
A maximum of 25 Pokémon can be moved at once. All Pokémon will be received at once. You cannot select individual Pokémon to receive.
9. Can I transfer Pokémon from multiple 3DS systems to the same Pokémon HOME account?
Yes, as long as all the Pokémon Bank accounts are linked to the same Nintendo Account that’s connected to Pokémon HOME.
10. If I transfer a Pokémon with a nickname, will the nickname carry over to Pokémon HOME?
Yes, nicknames will typically transfer along with the Pokémon.
11. I used to have a paid Pokémon Bank account, but I cancelled it. Can I still transfer for free now?
No. While Pokémon Bank is now free to use, transferring to Pokémon HOME still requires a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan. The cost is not for Pokémon Bank, but for the Pokémon HOME functionality.
12. Will Pokémon Bank work after eShop closes?
Despite the Nintendo eShop’s demise, Pokemon Bank and Poke Transfer will still work like normal after the platform shuts down. However, players won’t be able to download them if they aren’t already on their 3DS.
13. What can Pokémon Bank transfer to?
With Pokémon Bank, you can directly deposit and transfer stored Pokémon (including Pokémon transferred via the Poké Transporter) into any of the following games: Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, Pokémon Omega Ruby, Pokémon Sun, Pokémon Moon, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon.
14. Can you get banned from Pokémon Bank?
To summarize it you CAN be banned from Pokebank via banning your Nintendo ID from its services BUT Nintendo is unlikely to do that as they’ll be losing potential future revenue once the free trial for Pokebank is over.
15. Can I have 2 3DS with the same account?
It is not possible to link the same Nintendo Network account to multiple Wii U or multiple Nintendo 3DS family systems at the same time.
Transferring Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME is still possible! With a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan, you can move your digital companions to the newest games and continue your adventures.