Pokémon Limbo: Which Creatures Remain Trapped in Pokémon HOME?
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The world of Pokémon is constantly evolving, with new games, updates, and the ever-expanding roster of pocket monsters. But with each iteration, some Pokémon inevitably get left behind, stranded in the digital storage system that is Pokémon HOME. So, which Pokémon are currently residing in this digital purgatory? The answer is nuanced and depends on which game you’re trying to transfer to.
Currently, a substantial portion of Pokémon that aren’t obtainable in any mainline Switch games includes Patrat, Watchog, Pansage, Simisage, Pansear, Simisear, Panpour, Simipour, Blitzle, Zebstrika, Furfrou, Pikipek, Trumbeak, Toucannon, and Minior.
Pokémon HOME: A Transfer Hub With Limitations
Pokémon HOME serves as a central hub, designed to connect various Pokémon games and facilitate the transfer of Pokémon between them. However, not all Pokémon are compatible with every game. Game Freak, the developer of the Pokémon series, has made design choices regarding which Pokémon are included in each new title, leading to certain species being excluded from the latest adventures in Scarlet and Violet. This creates the situation where these forgotten Pokémon are “stuck” in Pokémon HOME. They can be stored there, but not brought into the newer games.
The Gen V Conundrum: A Generation Left Behind
A large proportion of Pokémon that have had difficulty making the jump to the Switch-era games originate from Generation V (Pokémon Black and White). While some Gen V favorites have made their way into Sword and Shield, Legends: Arceus, or Scarlet and Violet, several remain excluded. Some specific Gen V Pokémon that at one point were stranded in HOME include Serperior, Emboar, and the elemental monkeys Pansage, Pansear, and Panpour.
Furfrou’s Fashion Crisis
Furfrou presents a unique case. While Furfrou itself can be transferred to Pokémon HOME, its various forms (obtained through grooming in Pokémon GO) are often a point of contention. Certain forms might not be transferable to specific games, effectively locking a stylish Furfrou variant in HOME.
Mythical and Special Event Pokémon
Some Mythical Pokémon and Pokémon obtained through special events have limitations on their transferability. Mew, for example, cannot be traded via the GTS (Global Trade Station) in Pokémon HOME. Similarly, certain Gigantamax Pokémon forms may not be transferable between Pokémon HOME, Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl (BDSP), or Legends: Arceus. Partner Pikachu and Partner Eevee, and fused forms of Necrozma, Kyurem, and Calyrex cannot be transferred to Pokémon Home.
Addressing Transfer Issues: A Constant Evolution
It’s important to note that the situation is constantly evolving. Game Freak often adds compatibility for previously unsupported Pokémon through updates and DLC releases. For instance, the Indigo Disk DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet brought back a host of Pokémon, reducing the number stranded in HOME. Stay tuned to official announcements and community resources for the latest information on Pokémon HOME compatibility. The design and implementation of Pokemon games and apps are constantly evolving, and understanding how these types of games work is crucial. Organizations such as the Games Learning Society can help further the general understanding of the processes involved. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
FAQs: Untangling the Transfer Web
Q1: Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME?
Yes, you can! This is one of the primary functions of Pokémon HOME. However, there are some limitations. Certain Pokémon, especially Mythicals and event-exclusive Pokémon, may have restrictions. Also, transferring from Pokémon GO consumes GO Transporter Energy, which replenishes over time.
Q2: Why can’t I transfer my shiny Pokémon?
There are several reasons why you might be unable to transfer a shiny Pokémon:
- You might be trying to transfer multiple Shiny Pokémon, Lucky Pokémon, or Buddy Pokémon with whom you’ve reached Good Buddy status or above at once.
- Certain Legendary and Mythical Pokémon (e.g., Mew, Celebi) are not able to be selected for transfer.
- There might be temporary server issues or glitches affecting transfer functionality.
Q3: How do I transfer Pokémon from Legends: Arceus to Scarlet and Violet?
To transfer Pokémon from Legends: Arceus to Scarlet and Violet, follow these steps:
- Open Pokémon HOME and select the Arceus game icon.
- Move the Pokémon you wish to transfer into the Pokémon HOME storage box.
- Save the changes in HOME.
- Select the Scarlet or Violet game icon.
- Move the Pokémon from the Pokémon HOME storage box into your Scarlet or Violet boxes.
Q4: Can I transfer Pokémon from older generations (e.g., from a Game Boy Advance game) to Pokémon HOME?
Unfortunately, no. Pokémon HOME only supports direct transfers from Nintendo Switch games (Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, Scarlet, and Violet) and Pokémon GO. To transfer Pokémon from older generations, you’ll need to move them through a series of games (e.g., from a Game Boy Advance game to a Nintendo DS game, then to a 3DS game, and finally to Pokémon Bank) before they can be transferred to Pokémon HOME.
Q5: What is the Pokémon HOME storage limit?
With the Basic Plan (free), you can store up to 30 Pokémon. With the Premium Plan (paid subscription), you can store up to 6,000 Pokémon.
Q6: Why can’t I trade certain Pokémon on the GTS?
Certain Mythical Pokémon and Pokémon obtainable only through special events cannot be traded via the GTS in Pokémon HOME. This is to prevent exploitation and maintain the rarity of these Pokémon.
Q7: Can I change a Pokémon’s nature or ability in Pokémon HOME?
No, Pokémon HOME does not allow you to change a Pokémon’s nature or ability. These attributes are fixed when the Pokémon is generated in its original game.
Q8: Will all Pokémon eventually be available in Scarlet and Violet?
While there’s no guarantee, Game Freak has shown a willingness to add more Pokémon to the newer games through updates and DLC. It’s likely that more Pokémon will become available in Scarlet and Violet over time.
Q9: What happens to my Pokémon if my Pokémon HOME subscription expires?
If your Pokémon HOME subscription expires, you will only be able to access the Basic Box, which holds 30 Pokémon. Pokémon exceeding this limit will remain stored in Pokémon HOME, but you won’t be able to access them until you renew your Premium Plan.
Q10: Can I transfer Pokémon back and forth between different Switch games using Pokémon HOME?
Yes, you can, as long as the Pokémon is compatible with both games. This allows you to move Pokémon from, say, Sword and Shield to Scarlet and Violet, or vice versa, provided the Pokémon exists in both games’ data.
Q11: Is there a level requirement for transferring Pokémon to Pokémon HOME?
No, there is no level requirement. You can transfer Pokémon of any level to Pokémon HOME.
Q12: Can I transfer Pokémon with held items to Pokémon HOME?
No, Pokémon cannot hold items when transferred to Pokémon HOME. Any held items will be returned to your bag in the originating game.
Q13: What is the latest update for Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon HOME receives periodic updates to add new features, fix bugs, and improve compatibility with new games. Keep an eye on official Pokémon channels for the latest announcements.
Q14: Can I use Pokémon HOME on my mobile device?
Yes, Pokémon HOME is available as a smartphone app (iOS and Android) and as a Nintendo Switch application.
Q15: Does Pokémon HOME support cloud saves for my Pokémon games?
No, Pokémon HOME does not function as a cloud save service for your Pokémon game progress. It only stores the Pokémon themselves. Your save data is stored separately, either on your Nintendo Switch console or through the Nintendo Switch Online cloud save service (if supported by the game).