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Securing Your Pokémon Legacy: A Pre-eShop Closure Guide

The Nintendo 3DS eShop closure on March 27th, 2023, sent ripples of concern through the Pokémon community. While the initial panic has subsided, it’s crucial to understand what actions were necessary before the closure to safeguard your beloved digital Pokémon collection and ensure continued access to essential services. The key actions revolved around downloading Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter, as well as purchasing any desired digital games. These actions allow you to continue transferring Pokémon between generations and enjoying your favorite 3DS titles.

Essential Downloads: Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter

The cornerstone of Pokémon preservation on the 3DS was, and still is, the Pokémon Bank application. This cloud-based storage system allows you to store up to 3,000 Pokémon from various 3DS Pokémon titles, including:

Pokémon X
Pokémon Y
Pokémon Omega Ruby
Pokémon Alpha Sapphire
Pokémon Sun
Pokémon Moon
Pokémon Ultra Sun
Pokémon Ultra Moon

Crucially, to move Pokémon into Pokémon Bank from older generations (specifically, from Pokémon Black, Pokémon White, Pokémon Black 2, and Pokémon White 2), you needed the companion app Poké Transporter. This application acts as a bridge, allowing you to transfer Pokémon from those Generation 5 games into Pokémon Bank.

Before the eShop closure, downloading both Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter was paramount. Fortunately, Nintendo made Pokémon Bank free to use following the closure. This means you can still access your stored Pokémon and transfer them to Pokémon HOME, albeit with a Premium Plan.

Why These Downloads Were Critical

The closure of the eShop meant that new users could no longer download these applications. Without them, transferring Pokémon from older 3DS titles (and, critically, from the Nintendo DS generation) into the modern Pokémon ecosystem becomes impossible through legitimate means. The only alternative would involve modifying your 3DS system which is a different topic.

Digital Game Preservation: Which Titles Were Worth Grabbing?

Beyond Pokémon Bank, the eShop offered a treasure trove of digital-only games and Virtual Console titles. Deciding which ones to purchase before the closure was a personal choice, but some were universally recommended. Here’s a look at some of the titles players felt were essential:

Virtual Console Pokémon Games: Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue, Pokémon Yellow, Pokémon Gold, Pokémon Silver, and Pokémon Crystal offered a nostalgic trip back to the origins of the franchise. These games could also be used to transfer to Pokemon Bank.
Picross 3D Round 2: This puzzle game was considered a must-have for fans of the series, offering hours of engaging gameplay.
Rusty’s Real Deal Baseball: This quirky baseball simulator was praised for its unique gameplay mechanics and charming presentation.
Pocket Card Jockey: A unique blend of solitaire and horse racing, Pocket Card Jockey offered a surprisingly addictive experience.

Redownloading Purchased Games

While new purchases are no longer possible, users who previously purchased games digitally can still redownload them “for the foreseeable future.” This is tied to your Nintendo Account, so as long as you remember your login credentials, you should be able to access your digital library.

The Future of Pokémon Transfers: Pokémon HOME

The ultimate goal for many Pokémon collectors is to consolidate their collection in Pokémon HOME, a cloud-based service available on the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. Pokémon HOME acts as a central hub for storing Pokémon from various games, including:

Pokémon Sword
Pokémon Shield
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond
Pokémon Shining Pearl
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu!
Pokémon Let’s Go, Eevee!

To transfer Pokémon from the 3DS to Pokémon HOME, you need to use Pokémon Bank. This involves a one-way transfer; once Pokémon are moved from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME, they cannot be returned. To transfer Pokémon from 3DS games to Pokemon HOME, you’ll need a Nintendo Switch and a paid Pokemon HOME Premium Plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions that address common concerns surrounding the 3DS eShop closure and its impact on Pokémon games.

1. Will I be able to use Pokémon Bank after the eShop closes?

Yes! Pokémon Bank is usable at no cost due to the discontinuation of the Nintendo eShop service for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. However, to transfer to Pokemon HOME, you’ll need a Pokemon HOME Premium Plan.

2. How do I transfer Pokémon after the eShop shuts down?

If you downloaded Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter before the closure, you can still use them to transfer Pokémon from older 3DS games to Pokémon HOME. The process involves using Poké Transporter to move Pokémon from Black, White, Black 2, and White 2 to Pokémon Bank, and then using Pokémon Bank to move them to Pokémon HOME.

3. Is Pokémon HOME free after the eShop closes?

Pokémon HOME has a free version with limited storage and features. A paid Premium Plan is required to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank and to store a larger number of Pokémon.

4. What happens if I didn’t download Pokémon Bank before the eShop closed?

Unfortunately, if you didn’t download Pokémon Bank before the eShop closed, you cannot obtain it through official means. Your only option would involve modifying your 3DS system.

5. Can I still download 3DS games I purchased after the eShop closes?

Yes, as long as you already own a game on the 3DS, you can redownload it from the eShop “for the foreseeable future.”

6. How long will Pokémon Bank be free?

While there’s no definitive end date, Nintendo has stated that Pokémon Bank support “may also end at some point in the future.” It’s best to transfer your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME as soon as possible.

7. Can I still transfer Pokémon from the Nintendo DS games to Pokémon HOME?

Yes, but you need Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter. You can use the Pokemon Home app on a Nintendo Switch console to transfer Pokemon from a 3DS game. To do this, you will need to link your Nintendo account with your Pokemon Home account and follow the instructions to transfer your Pokemon.

8. Are eShop games permanent?

Yes, all games you buy digitally are stored via your Nintendo Account ID. You can redownload them as many times as you want when you delete games to free up space.

9. Is Poké Transporter still available?

No, Poké Transporter is no longer available for new downloads since March 27, 2023, due to the discontinuation of the Nintendo 3DS eShop. However, users who previously downloaded it can redownload it.

10. Why can’t I transfer certain Pokémon?

Certain restrictions apply when transferring Pokémon. You’re unable to transfer multiple Shiny Pokémon, Lucky Pokémon, or Buddy Pokémon with whom you’ve reached Good Buddy status or above at a time. Additionally, certain Legendary and Mythical Pokémon may not be eligible for transfer depending on the game.

11. Can I redownload games on 3DS after eShop closes?

Yes, you can redownload games, apps, themes, and special demos you’ve purchased. Normal demos will not redownload.

12. How do I transfer Pokémon without Pokémon Bank?

Unfortunately, there is no legitimate way to transfer Pokémon from 3DS games to Pokémon HOME without using Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter.

13. Can I have 2 3DS systems with the same account?

It is not possible to link the same Nintendo Network account to multiple Nintendo 3DS family systems at the same time.

14. How many times can I transfer 3DS games to my account?

The only limits are both systems involved cannot do another transfer for 7 days, in either direction; both consoles must be from the same region; target console cannot have an NNID linked to it, you must reformat it if it does; New consoles are not allowed to transfer to original consoles, but the opposite way is allowed.

15. What happens when my Pokémon Bank subscription expired?

You will still be able to transfer the Pokémon you’ve deposited in Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME even after the paid service is discontinued, and you’ll still be able to bring Pokémon into Pokémon Bank from compatible titles. However, you’ll need to be enrolled in a paid Pokémon HOME Premium Plan to do so.

Conclusion: A Legacy Preserved

The 3DS eShop closure marked the end of an era, but it doesn’t mean the end of your Pokémon journey. If you took the necessary steps before the closure – downloading Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter, and purchasing desired digital games – you can continue to enjoy your collection and transfer your beloved Pokémon to future generations. Remember to act proactively and transfer your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME sooner rather than later, given Nintendo’s statement about the potential future end of Pokémon Bank support.

For more insights into the intersection of games and education, explore the Games Learning Society and visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

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