Pokemon Platinum: A Comprehensive Trading Guide
Pokemon Platinum, a gem in the Nintendo DS library, offers a rich trading experience but with nuances that can be confusing. Understanding its trading capabilities and limitations is crucial for any aspiring Pokemon Master. Let’s dive in!
Pokemon Platinum can directly trade with other Generation IV (Gen 4) games, namely Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, HeartGold, and SoulSilver. Trading between these games is seamless and forms the core of Platinum’s multiplayer interaction. It’s a playground of possibilities, allowing you to complete your Pokedex and battle with friends.
Trading Mechanics in Pokemon Platinum
Trading in Platinum isn’t just about swapping Pokemon; it’s about understanding the in-game mechanics that govern these interactions.
The Union Room
The Union Room, located in any Pokemon Center, is the heart of local trading in Platinum. By connecting two DS consoles, players can enter the Union Room and initiate trades. It’s a simple, yet effective system. All you need is a second DS, and you’re golden.
Trading Requirements
To trade, each player needs at least two Pokemon in their party. You’ll also need to head to the Union Room, found in the Pokemon Centre, on both games and trade from there.
Trade Evolution
Certain Pokemon, like Haunter and Graveler, evolve through trading. This encourages interaction with other players and adds a social element to the game.
The Global Trade System (GTS)
Platinum also features the Global Trade System (GTS), an online trading platform that allows players to trade with others worldwide. While the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service has been discontinued, understanding its historical significance is important.
FAQ: Pokemon Platinum Trading
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the trading capabilities of Pokemon Platinum:
1. Can Pokemon Platinum trade with Black and White?
No, you cannot directly trade from Platinum to Black and White. However, after obtaining the National Pokedex in Black and White, you can transfer Pokemon from Platinum to these games using the Poke Transfer feature on Route 15. This requires two DS consoles and is a one-way transfer, not a trade.
2. How do I transfer Pokemon from Platinum to SoulSilver?
Trading between Platinum and SoulSilver is straightforward. As both are Gen 4 games, you can head to the Union Room in any Pokemon Center with two DS consoles and directly trade.
3. Can I trade Pokemon from Platinum to Sun and Moon?
Trading directly from Platinum to Sun and Moon isn’t possible. You need to follow a multi-step process: Platinum to Black/White (or Black 2/White 2), then use Poke Transporter to transfer to Pokemon Bank, and finally transfer from Pokemon Bank to Sun/Moon. It’s a convoluted journey, but it’s the only way.
4. What are the restrictions on trading in Platinum?
There are no specific restrictions on trading between Platinum and other Gen 4 games. However, you need to have at least two Pokemon in your party to initiate a trade.
5. Can I trade Pokemon from Platinum to Diamond?
Yes, trading between Platinum and Diamond is possible, as they are both Gen 4 games. Simply use the Union Room in any Pokemon Center.
6. Is it possible to trade Pokemon from older generations (Gen 3) directly to Platinum?
No, direct trading isn’t possible. However, you can transfer Pokemon from Game Boy Advance (GBA) games (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen) to Platinum using the Pal Park feature, provided you have a Nintendo DS or DS Lite (the DSi and 3DS models removed the GBA slot).
7. What is the Pal Park and how does it work?
The Pal Park is a location in Platinum where you can transfer Pokemon from GBA games. You need to insert the GBA game into the GBA slot of your DS, and after meeting certain requirements in Platinum (like obtaining the National Dex), you can access the Pal Park and transfer up to six Pokemon per day. This transfer is also one way.
8. What happens if a Pokemon knows a move that doesn’t exist in Platinum?
When transferring Pokemon from older generations, any moves that don’t exist in Platinum will be replaced with a generic move. This is a common occurrence, so be prepared to re-teach some moves.
9. Can I trade items along with Pokemon in Platinum?
Yes, you can trade items along with Pokemon in Platinum. Simply have the Pokemon hold the item you want to trade.
10. What happens if I trade a Pokemon that knows HM moves?
HM moves are essential for navigating the game. If you trade away a Pokemon that knows an HM move that you need, you’ll need to teach it to another Pokemon before you can progress.
11. Can you still use the Global Trade System (GTS) in Pokemon Platinum?
Unfortunately, the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service, which supported the GTS, has been discontinued. This means you can no longer use the online trading features in Platinum.
12. What are R4 cards and are they legal for trading Pokemon?
R4 cards are flash cartridges that allow you to play downloaded games on a DS. They are often associated with piracy and are illegal in many countries due to copyright infringement. Trading Pokemon obtained from R4 cards can be risky, as they may be considered illegitimate and could cause issues with online services (if they were still available).
13. What is Mindy’s Haunter and why is it a trick?
Mindy is an NPC in Snowpoint City who offers to trade a Haunter for a Medicham. However, the Haunter is holding an Everstone, preventing it from evolving into Gengar. This is a well-known trick that has frustrated many players.
14. Does trading affect a Pokemon’s happiness or friendship level?
Trading can reset a Pokemon’s happiness or friendship level, which is important for certain evolutions. Keep this in mind when trading Pokemon you’re trying to evolve through friendship.
15. Are there any differences in trading between the Japanese and international versions of Platinum?
The core trading mechanics are the same between Japanese and international versions. However, there might be differences in event Pokemon or items available.
Preserving Gaming History and Exploring the Educational Side
Understanding the mechanics of Pokemon Platinum trading goes beyond simple gameplay. It’s about appreciating the history of gaming and the evolution of multiplayer experiences. Organizations like the Games Learning Society, which is available at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, explore the educational potential of games and how they can be used for learning and development. By exploring these topics, we can understand the potential that games have to offer to the world. Learning more about the history, mechanics, and community surrounding games like Pokemon Platinum enriches our understanding of gaming culture and its impact on society.