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Is Pokémon Bank linked to Nintendo ID?

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Is Pokémon Bank Linked to Nintendo ID? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, Pokémon Bank is linked to your Nintendo Network ID (NNID). This connection is crucial for ensuring the safe transfer of your beloved Pokémon from older Nintendo 3DS games to Pokémon HOME, the cloud-based storage service for newer Pokémon titles. The NNID acts as the key to unlocking your Pokémon Bank data and facilitating the migration process.

The Importance of the Nintendo Network ID

The Nintendo Network ID (NNID) was a user identification system used on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS consoles. Think of it like a passport for the Nintendo ecosystem. It allowed users to access online services, download games from the Nintendo eShop, and connect with friends through Miiverse (now discontinued). More importantly for Pokémon fans, it’s the credential associated with your Pokémon Bank account.

Why Link Pokémon Bank to NNID?

The primary reason for this link is data security and ownership. By associating Pokémon Bank with your NNID, Nintendo ensured that only you could access and transfer your Pokémon stored within the application. This prevented unauthorized access and protected your valuable collection.

The Transition to Nintendo Account

With the arrival of the Nintendo Switch and the introduction of the Nintendo Account, Nintendo began transitioning away from the NNID system. A Nintendo Account is a more comprehensive account system used across Nintendo’s platforms, including the Switch, mobile devices, and PC.

Moving Pokémon to Pokémon HOME

While Pokémon Bank is linked to your NNID, Pokémon HOME requires a Nintendo Account. To move your Pokémon from Bank to HOME, you need to ensure that the Nintendo Account linked to Pokémon HOME is also linked to the same NNID associated with your Pokémon Bank account. This creates a bridge between the old and new systems, allowing for a seamless transfer.

Understanding the Transfer Process

The process of transferring Pokémon from Bank to HOME involves a few key steps:

  1. Ensure both Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME are registered to the same linked Nintendo Account. This is the most crucial step. If they aren’t linked, the transfer will not work.

  2. Download Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch. The transfer process requires the Switch version of Pokémon HOME.

  3. Access the “Move Pokémon” option in Pokémon HOME. This option initiates the transfer process from Pokémon Bank.

  4. Select Pokémon Bank as your source. You will be prompted to link your NNID if it isn’t already connected.

  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to move your Pokémon. This may involve selecting specific boxes of Pokémon to transfer.

The Role of Pokémon Transporter

Pokémon Transporter is a separate 3DS application that works in conjunction with Pokémon Bank. It allows you to transfer Pokémon from older Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS Pokémon games (such as Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen, Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver) into Pokémon Bank. You’ll need this application to get your Pokémon from those older generations into Bank before moving them to HOME.

What if You Don’t Have a 3DS Anymore?

Even if you no longer have your Nintendo 3DS, it’s still possible to move your Pokémon from Bank to HOME. As long as your Nintendo Account linked to Pokémon HOME is linked to the NNID that was used with Pokémon Bank, you can initiate the transfer process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Pokémon Bank, Nintendo Network ID, and Nintendo Account:

  1. Can I use Pokémon HOME with different Nintendo IDs? No, each Pokémon HOME account can be linked to only one Nintendo Account at a time. However, the same Nintendo Account can be linked to both the Switch and mobile versions of Pokémon HOME, syncing information between the two.

  2. Do I need the same Nintendo Account to transfer from Pokémon Bank to HOME? Yes, both Pokémon HOME and Pokémon Bank must be registered to the same Nintendo Account for the transfer to work, especially if you no longer have your 3DS.

  3. Can I get Pokémon Bank after the eShop closed? Now that the 3DS eShop has closed, Pokémon Bank is available for free to all players. However, Poké Transporter, which is required for moving Pokémon from Gen 5 games, can’t be re-downloaded if you deleted it.

  4. Can you still use Pokémon Bank after the eShop closure? Yes, Pokémon Bank is now usable at no cost because the Nintendo eShop service for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems was discontinued.

  5. What account is Pokémon HOME linked to? A Nintendo Account is required to sync activity with a Nintendo Switch console, transfer data to a different smart device, or move any Pokémon Bank Pokémon to Pokémon HOME.

  6. Will I lose my Pokémon data if I get a new Switch? No, but you need to transfer your save data to the new Switch. This is done the same way as most Nintendo Switch games. Link your Nintendo Account to your new Switch, and you’ll be able to re-download any digital games you own.

  7. Can you connect two profiles to Pokémon HOME? You can only use one user profile per device in the mobile version of Pokémon HOME. Similarly, you can only link to one Nintendo Account per device.

  8. What is the difference between Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo Account? A Nintendo Network ID (NNID) was used on the Wii U and 3DS, while a Nintendo Account is used for applications and services on the Nintendo Switch, smart devices, and personal computers. The Nintendo Account is the current account system.

  9. What does unlinking a Nintendo Network ID do? Unlinking the NNID from the Nintendo Account won’t affect the games downloaded to the Nintendo Account.

  10. Is the Nintendo Network ID still active? The ability to use a Nintendo Network ID to sign in to an existing Nintendo Account or to create a new Nintendo Account has been discontinued.

  11. What does Pokémon Bank connect to? It is compatible with Pokémon X and Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Pokémon Sun and Moon, and Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. It’s also the gateway for Pokémon from older games to get to Pokemon Home.

  12. Does Pokémon Bank check for hacked Pokémon? Bank won’t ban you for trying to bring in a hacked Pokemon; it just won’t let you bring it over. HOME has a slightly better detection method, so it may catch a couple that Bank missed.

  13. What happens to my Pokémon on Bank if my subscription expired before it was free? After a year without renewal, they were deleted.

  14. Is Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME the same? No. Pokémon Bank is an app on the Nintendo 3DS, whereas Pokémon HOME is an app on the Nintendo Switch and smartphones. Pokémon Bank is used for transferring from older generations, while Pokémon HOME is a central hub for modern Pokémon games.

  15. How long will Pokémon Bank stay active? Nintendo has stated that Pokémon Bank support “may also end at some point in the future,” so it’s best to move your Pokemon as soon as possible to avoid losing them.

Conclusion

While the transition from the Nintendo Network ID to the Nintendo Account can seem confusing, understanding the link between Pokémon Bank and your NNID is vital for preserving your Pokémon collection. By ensuring that your Nintendo Account and NNID are properly linked, you can successfully move your Pokémon from older games to Pokémon HOME and continue your adventure on the Nintendo Switch. It’s important to keep up with these changes in gaming technology, and organizations such as the Games Learning Society keep track of these transformations in the world of video games. Check them out at GamesLearningSociety.org to discover more.

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