Is There a Way to Still Get Pokémon Bank? Your Comprehensive Guide
Yes, there is a way to still use Pokémon Bank, but with a crucial caveat: you can no longer download it if you didn’t already have it on your Nintendo 3DS before the eShop closed on March 27, 2023. If you were one of the savvy trainers who downloaded it before the shutdown, congratulations! You can now use it for free to transfer your beloved Pokémon from older generations to more recent games.
The Pokémon Bank Situation: A Deep Dive
The closure of the Nintendo 3DS eShop marked a significant shift in how we access and preserve older Pokémon games. Pokémon Bank, a cloud-based storage system for Pokémon, initially required a paid subscription. However, with the eShop’s closure, Nintendo made Pokémon Bank free for all users who had already downloaded it. This generous move allows players to continue transferring Pokémon from classic titles like Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon to Pokémon HOME, the current cloud service on Nintendo Switch.
The key element to understand is that downloading Pokémon Bank is no longer possible. If you missed the deadline, you’re out of luck in terms of directly acquiring the application. The only way to get Pokémon Bank now is to have had it downloaded before the eShop closure, which happened on March 27, 2023.
Navigating the Post-eShop Landscape
The inability to download Pokémon Bank post-eShop closure presents a challenge for newcomers or those who didn’t prioritize it earlier. While you can’t get the app itself, the fact that it’s now free for existing users is a consolation. You will still need Poké Transporter in order to transfer your Pokémon into Pokémon Bank, for the generation 5 games Black, White, Black 2, and White 2. If you had already downloaded Poké Transporter prior to the eShop shutdown, you can still re-download it and use it.
Poké Transporter: A Vital Companion
Poké Transporter is a crucial piece of the puzzle. This application allows you to move Pokémon from Generation V (Black, White, Black 2, and White 2) games to Pokémon Bank. Similar to Pokémon Bank, Poké Transporter is no longer available for download if you didn’t have it before the eShop closure. If you already have it installed, you can redownload it for free.
Pokémon HOME: The Modern Hub
Pokémon HOME is the current cloud service on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices that serves as the central hub for storing and managing Pokémon. Once your Pokémon are in Pokémon Bank, you can transfer them to Pokémon HOME using the Pokémon HOME app on your Nintendo 3DS. However, this requires a Premium Plan on Pokémon HOME.
Transferring Without Bank
If you don’t have access to Pokémon Bank, direct transfer options are limited. There’s no direct way to move Pokémon from the 3DS games to newer generations without using Pokémon Bank as an intermediary step. Once your Pokémon are transferred to Pokémon Bank, they can then be transferred to Pokémon HOME, and then to more recent games such as Scarlet, Violet, Legends Arceus, Sword, and Shield.
Pokémon Bank: A Limited Time Offer
While Pokémon Bank is currently free, it’s essential to remember that Nintendo has stated that support for the service “may also end at some point in the future.” This means the window to utilize Pokémon Bank and transfer your cherished Pokémon might not be open forever. It’s highly recommended to take advantage of the free service while you can.
The Future of Pokémon Preservation
The situation with Pokémon Bank highlights the challenges of preserving older games and the importance of digital preservation. While Nintendo made a commendable decision to offer Pokémon Bank for free, the fact that it’s no longer downloadable raises questions about future accessibility. As gamers, it’s crucial to support initiatives that prioritize game preservation and accessibility. Organizations like the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, are at the forefront of this effort, exploring the educational and cultural significance of games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify the Pokémon Bank situation further:
1. Can I download Pokémon Bank now that the eShop is closed?
No, Pokémon Bank is no longer available for download from the Nintendo 3DS eShop. If you didn’t download it before the closure on March 27, 2023, you cannot obtain it now.
2. Is Pokémon Bank free to use now?
Yes, Pokémon Bank is free to use for those who downloaded it before the eShop closure. You no longer need a paid subscription.
3. What is Poké Transporter, and do I need it?
Poké Transporter is an application that allows you to transfer Pokémon from Generation V (Black, White, Black 2, and White 2) games to Pokémon Bank. You need it if you want to move Pokémon from those older games to newer generations.
4. Can I still download Poké Transporter?
No, similar to Pokémon Bank, Poké Transporter is no longer available for download from the eShop if you didn’t have it installed before the eShop closed on March 27, 2023. If you had already downloaded Poké Transporter prior to the eShop shutdown, you can still re-download it and use it.
5. What happens to my Pokémon in Pokémon Bank if I didn’t transfer them yet?
As long as Pokémon Bank remains operational, your Pokémon will be stored there. However, Nintendo has stated that support for the service “may also end at some point in the future,” so it’s best to transfer your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME as soon as possible.
6. How do I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME?
You need a Nintendo Switch and a Pokémon HOME account. Download the Pokémon HOME app on your 3DS and Nintendo Switch. Link your Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo Account to the respective apps, and then follow the instructions to transfer your Pokémon. You will need a Paid Premium Plan to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.
7. Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use Pokémon HOME?
No, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required to use Pokémon HOME. However, you will need a Premium Plan to move Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.
8. Is there a limit to how many Pokémon I can store in Pokémon Bank?
Pokémon Bank can store up to 3,000 Pokémon across 100 boxes.
9. Which games are compatible with Pokémon Bank?
Pokémon Bank is compatible with:
- Pokémon X
- Pokémon Y
- Pokémon Omega Ruby
- Pokémon Alpha Sapphire
- Pokémon Sun
- Pokémon Moon
- Pokémon Ultra Sun
- Pokémon Ultra Moon
10. What happens if I put a hacked Pokémon in Pokémon Bank?
Pokémon Bank has cheat detection, and any hacked Pokémon will likely be deleted upon detection. Pokémon HOME has similar measures, and hacked Pokémon might become “Bad Eggs,” permanently occupying a space in your storage.
11. What happens if my Pokémon HOME subscription expires?
If your Pokémon HOME subscription expires, you will only be able to access the Basic Box, which has limited storage. Pokémon beyond that storage limit will remain in Pokémon HOME but will be inaccessible until you renew your subscription.
12. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Bank?
No, you cannot transfer Pokémon directly from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Bank. You can transfer them from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME and then to subsequent games, but Pokémon Bank is not involved.
13. How long will Pokémon Bank be free?
Nintendo has not announced an end date for the free Pokémon Bank service. However, they have indicated that support for it may end in the future, so it’s best to use it while you can.
14. What are some resources for learning more about Pokémon game preservation?
Organizations like the Games Learning Society focus on the educational and cultural aspects of games. Explore their resources at GamesLearningSociety.org to understand the importance of game preservation.
15. Why is Pokémon Bank becoming free?
Pokémon Bank became free due to the closure of the Nintendo 3DS eShop. Nintendo likely made this decision to allow players to continue accessing and transferring their Pokémon from older games, even without the eShop’s services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while you can’t download Pokémon Bank if you didn’t already have it, if you are one of the lucky ones that can still use it, it’s a valuable tool for transferring your Pokémon from older generations to Pokémon HOME and beyond. Remember to take advantage of the free service while it’s available, as its future remains uncertain. The legacy of Pokémon lives on, and with services like Pokémon HOME, we can continue to enjoy our favorite creatures across different generations of games.