Decoding the Digital Ark: Which Pokémon Can’t Embark on the Pokémon HOME Journey?
Navigating the vast digital menagerie of the Pokémon universe can be tricky, especially when it comes to transporting your beloved pocket monsters between games via Pokémon HOME. This cloud-based service promises to be a haven for your collection, but not every Pokémon is eligible for the trip.
So, what Pokémon cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME? The answer, while seemingly straightforward, involves a few crucial caveats and exceptions. Generally, Pokémon that originate from fan-made games, ROM hacks, or are clearly illegitimate cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME. This is a non-negotiable rule designed to maintain the integrity of the service and prevent the circulation of hacked or manipulated data. Further, Pokémon from Generations I and II (Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, Crystal) that were obtained before the introduction of Pokémon Bank on the 3DS family of systems require a convoluted process, and some may effectively be stranded if the proper intermediary steps weren’t taken. The following categories offer a more granular breakdown:
- Illegitimate Pokémon: Any Pokémon generated using external tools, such as save editors or hacking devices, are ineligible. Pokémon with impossible movesets, abilities, or stats will be rejected.
- Pokémon from Unrecognized Sources: Pokémon from unofficial or fan-made games cannot be transferred. Pokémon HOME only recognizes data originating from officially licensed Pokémon titles.
- Pokémon Bank Dependency: Pokémon from Generations I and II can only be transferred to Pokémon HOME if they were first transferred to Pokémon Bank on the Nintendo 3DS. If this crucial step was missed before the 3DS eShop closed, these Pokémon are generally stuck on their original cartridges or save files.
- Pokémon Outside of HOME’s Compatibility: Pokémon that aren’t included in the specific game’s compatibility are rejected. This means that while all Pokémon might exist in HOME, not every Pokémon can be transferred to a specific game connected to HOME.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pokémon HOME Transfers
Here are 15 FAQs to further clarify the complexities of transferring Pokémon to Pokémon HOME:
1. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO directly to Pokémon HOME?
Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME. However, this process is unidirectional – once a Pokémon is transferred to HOME, it cannot be returned to Pokémon GO. Transferring from Pokémon GO also costs Transporter Energy, which replenishes over time or can be refilled using PokéCoins.
2. What happens if I try to transfer an illegal Pokémon to Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon HOME has measures in place to detect and prevent the transfer of illegal Pokémon. If the system detects a Pokémon with invalid data, the transfer will be blocked, and you may receive an error message. In severe cases, repeated attempts to transfer illegitimate Pokémon may result in account restrictions.
3. Can I transfer Pokémon from older generations (Gen 1-2) directly to Pokémon HOME?
Not directly. As mentioned above, Pokémon from Generations I and II (Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, and Crystal) must first be transferred to Pokémon Bank on a Nintendo 3DS. From there, they can be moved to Pokémon HOME using the 3DS app.
4. Is a Nintendo Switch Online subscription required to use Pokémon HOME?
No, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required to use the basic functions of Pokémon HOME, such as storing Pokémon and trading with friends. However, a paid Premium plan unlocks additional features, such as the ability to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank and store more Pokémon.
5. If a Pokémon is compatible with Pokémon HOME, does that mean it can be transferred to any game connected to HOME?
No. While a Pokémon might be storable in Pokémon HOME, it can only be transferred to games where that Pokémon naturally exists in the game’s data. For example, a Pokémon introduced in a later generation might not be transferable to an earlier generation game, even if both are connected to Pokémon HOME. The compatibility of a Pokémon is determined by the game it’s being transferred to.
6. What is Pokémon Bank, and why is it relevant to Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon Bank was a cloud-based service for the Nintendo 3DS that allowed players to store Pokémon from various 3DS Pokémon games (X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon). It served as a crucial intermediary step for transferring Pokémon from older generations to Pokémon HOME. Without Pokémon Bank, Pokémon from older generations were essentially locked into their original games.
7. Can I trade Pokémon on Pokémon HOME?
Yes, Pokémon HOME offers several trading features, including:
- Wonder Box: Allows you to trade Pokémon randomly with other users around the world.
- Global Trade System (GTS): Lets you specify which Pokémon you want to offer and which Pokémon you are looking for in return.
- Room Trade: Allows you to trade with friends in a private room.
- Friend Trade: Lets you trade directly with players on your friends list.
8. Is there a limit to how many Pokémon I can store in Pokémon HOME?
With the free Basic plan, you can store up to 30 Pokémon. With the paid Premium plan, you can store up to 6,000 Pokémon.
9. What happens if I cancel my Pokémon HOME Premium plan?
If you cancel your Premium plan, your stored Pokémon will not be deleted. However, if you have more than 30 Pokémon stored, you will only be able to access the first 30 Pokémon you deposited. To access the remaining Pokémon, you will need to resubscribe to the Premium plan or withdraw Pokémon until you have 30 or fewer.
10. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! to Pokémon HOME?
Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! to Pokémon HOME. However, there are some restrictions. Pokémon transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Let’s Go can only be transferred back to Pokémon GO or forward to Pokémon HOME; they cannot be transferred into other core series games. Also, Meltan and Melmetal can be moved.
11. Are there any Pokémon that are permanently stuck in certain games and cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME?
Potentially, yes. If you have Pokémon in Generations I and II that were never transferred to Pokémon Bank before the 3DS eShop closed, they are effectively stranded in those older games unless you have the means to extract the save data and potentially manipulate it. Furthermore, Pokémon that are deemed illegitimate due to hacking or save editing will never be allowed to transfer.
12. How does Pokémon HOME handle regional forms (e.g., Alolan Vulpix)?
Pokémon HOME handles regional forms effectively. The regional form information is preserved when transferring a Pokémon to HOME. When transferring to a compatible game, the Pokémon will retain its regional form.
13. What is the Mystery Gift feature in Pokémon HOME?
The Mystery Gift feature in Pokémon HOME allows you to receive special items and Pokémon distributions. These distributions are often time-limited, so it’s essential to check the app regularly for new gifts. Sometimes these distributions require linking your Pokémon HOME account to other accounts.
14. Can I transfer Pokémon holding items to Pokémon HOME?
No, Pokémon cannot hold items when transferred to Pokémon HOME. Any items held by Pokémon will be sent back to your Bag in the game from which they are being transferred. Make sure to remove all items before initiating the transfer process.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon, gaming, and the educational value of games?
You can explore the fascinating world of gaming and its impact on learning at the Games Learning Society! Visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to discover research, articles, and insights into the educational potential of games. This is a great resource to broaden your understanding of how games like Pokémon can contribute to cognitive development and learning. GamesLearningSociety.org offers valuable insights for educators, researchers, and anyone interested in the intersection of gaming and education.
Understanding the nuances of Pokémon HOME transfers can save you frustration and ensure your collection remains safe and accessible. Keep these FAQs in mind as you continue your journey in the ever-expanding Pokémon universe!