Pokémon Bank Connectivity: A Comprehensive Guide for Trainers
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So, you’re wondering which games can connect to Pokémon Bank? As a seasoned Pokémon Professor (unofficially, of course!), I’m here to give you the definitive answer. Pokémon Bank, a cloud-based storage system for your beloved Pokémon, is compatible with the following Nintendo 3DS games:
- Pokémon X
- Pokémon Y
- Pokémon Omega Ruby
- Pokémon Alpha Sapphire
- Pokémon Sun
- Pokémon Moon
- Pokémon Ultra Sun
- Pokémon Ultra Moon
Essentially, all mainline Pokémon games released on the 3DS generation (Gen VI & Gen VII) can directly connect to Pokémon Bank. This connectivity allows you to deposit, withdraw, and manage your Pokémon across these titles, streamlining the process of building your dream team across multiple adventures. Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to further clarify Pokémon Bank’s functionality and its place in the ever-evolving Pokémon ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pokémon Bank Connectivity
Here are 15 FAQs to address any further questions you might have.
Can I still use Pokémon Bank today?
Yes! While the paid subscription model for Pokémon Bank ended on March 27, 2023, the service is now available for free. You can continue to use Pokémon Bank to store and transfer your Pokémon, but remember that the download for Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter is no longer available.
What is Poké Transporter and how does it relate to Pokémon Bank?
Poké Transporter is a companion application to Pokémon Bank. Its primary function is to transfer Pokémon from the Generation V games (Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2) to Pokémon Bank. It acts as a bridge, allowing Pokémon from older games to ultimately be brought to the more modern systems. Please remember, Poké Transporter cannot be downloaded anymore.
Can I transfer Pokémon from older games like Diamond and Pearl directly to Pokémon Bank?
Unfortunately, no. Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter are not directly compatible with Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, HeartGold, or SoulSilver. To transfer Pokémon from those games, you must first move them to Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, or White 2 using the Poke Transfer Lab, and then use Poké Transporter to upload them to Pokémon Bank.
Does Pokémon Bank work with Pokémon GO?
No, Pokémon Bank does not directly interact with Pokémon GO. To get Pokémon from Pokémon GO to other games, you need to use Pokémon HOME, the Nintendo Switch and mobile application. From Pokémon GO Pokémon are transferred to Pokémon HOME, then from Pokémon HOME they can be transferred to Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, or Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.
What is Pokémon HOME and how does it compare to Pokémon Bank?
Pokémon HOME is the successor to Pokémon Bank, offering a more comprehensive storage and trading system across multiple platforms (Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android). Pokémon HOME supports Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. It also allows transfers from Pokémon Bank (on the 3DS) and Pokémon GO. Think of Pokémon Bank as the Gen 6 and 7 storage solution, and Pokémon HOME as the current, all-encompassing hub.
Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME?
Yes! The primary purpose of Pokémon Bank now is to act as a bridge to Pokémon HOME. You can transfer your stored Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME using the Nintendo 3DS version of Pokémon Bank and a Nintendo Switch.
Are there any Pokémon that cannot be transferred from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME?
Yes, there are some exceptions. Notably, Partner Pikachu, Partner Eevee, and fused forms of Necrozma, Kyurem, and Calyrex cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME.
What happens to Pokémon in Pokémon Bank if I don’t transfer them to Pokémon HOME?
Currently, there is no announced end date for the free Pokémon Bank service. However, it’s always wise to transfer your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME as a precaution, ensuring their safety in case of any future changes to the service.
Does Pokémon Bank support multiple save files from the same game?
Yes, Pokémon Bank can handle multiple save files from the same game. Any number of physical or digital copies of Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon can be used.
Can I transfer illegal or hacked Pokémon to Pokémon Bank?
While technically possible, it’s strongly discouraged. Nintendo explicitly states that if you use Pokémon Bank and/or Poké Transporter to transfer Pokémon that have been created through unauthorized means, you risk forfeiting your right to use the service.
Will Pokémon Bank be free forever?
While there is currently no planned end date for the free service, it’s important to stay informed. Nintendo has stated that any further changes will be announced in advance on Pokemon.com and other official channels.
Why did Pokémon Bank become free?
Pokémon Bank became free as a consequence of the Nintendo 3DS eShop closing down. With the eShop no longer available to purchase the annual subscription, Nintendo opted to make the service free to continue supporting players who wanted to transfer their Pokémon.
What are the system requirements for using Pokémon Bank?
To use Pokémon Bank, you need a Nintendo 3DS system, a stable internet connection, and a Nintendo Network ID. The games you wish to connect (Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon) need to be properly installed (either physically or digitally) on your 3DS.
Can I still download Pokémon Bank if I haven’t already?
Unfortunately, no. As of March 27, 2023, Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter are no longer available for download from the Nintendo eShop.
Does Pokémon Bank work with the Virtual Console versions of Pokémon games (like Crystal)?
Yes, but indirectly. While Pokémon Bank does not directly interact with the Virtual Console versions of the Gen 1 & 2 Pokémon games, you can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Crystal, Pokémon Gold, and Pokémon Silver (via the Virtual Console) to Pokémon Bank using the Poké Transporter, after first sending them to the Pokémon Bank compatible Gen VII titles, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon. It’s also good to remember that gaming is also a great learning tool for youth. For more insight into that, please visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. I hope this comprehensive guide has shed some light on Pokémon Bank connectivity. Happy transferring, Trainers!