What’s the Point of Pokémon HOME? Your Ultimate Pokémon Hub Explained
Pokémon HOME, at its core, is a cloud-based storage system designed to unite your Pokémon collection from various games into a single, accessible location. Think of it as the Grand Central Station of the Pokémon world, where Pokémon from different regions and generations converge. But it’s much more than just a digital storage box; it’s a comprehensive tool for trading, collecting, and managing your Pokémon across multiple titles, from the mainline series on Nintendo Switch and 3DS to the mobile phenomenon, Pokémon GO. It acts as a central hub for trainers who are eager to bring their Pokémon partners with them through every game.
Why Pokémon HOME is a Game Changer
The real value of Pokémon HOME lies in its ability to bridge the gap between different Pokémon games. Before its arrival, moving Pokémon between generations was often a convoluted process, requiring multiple systems and specific transfer tools. Pokémon HOME streamlines this process, allowing you to transfer Pokémon from titles like Pokémon Bank (3DS), Pokémon GO, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Scarlet, and Pokémon Violet.
A Centralized Pokémon Repository
Imagine having all your prized Pokémon – the ones you meticulously trained, bred, or even found as Shinies – all in one place. Pokémon HOME makes this a reality. This centralized repository offers several key benefits:
- Preservation: Pokémon HOME safeguards your valuable Pokémon collection, protecting them from lost or damaged game cartridges.
- Accessibility: You can access your Pokémon from your Nintendo Switch or mobile device, allowing you to check their stats, abilities, and memories from anywhere.
- Trading Powerhouse: Pokémon HOME features a robust trading system, allowing you to connect with trainers around the world and complete your Pokédex.
Beyond Storage: Enhanced Features
Pokémon HOME isn’t just about storing Pokémon; it’s about enriching your Pokémon experience with several features:
- Global Trading System (GTS): The GTS allows you to specify which Pokémon you’re looking for and which Pokémon you’re offering in return, making it easier than ever to find the perfect trade.
- Wonder Box: Put Pokémon into the Wonder Box and they’ll be traded with other players randomly, a fun way to get rid of duplicates or surprise someone with a rare Pokémon.
- Room Trade: Create or join a trade room and trade Pokémon with other players in a more controlled environment. This is great for trading with friends or specific groups.
- Pokémon HOME Points: Earn points based on the number of Pokémon you have deposited, which can then be exchanged for BP (Battle Points) in compatible games.
- Mystery Gifts: Receive special Mystery Gift Pokémon and items directly through Pokémon HOME, offering exclusive rewards and events.
- Pokédex Completion Assistance: Pokémon HOME automatically tracks your Pokédex progress across all compatible games, helping you identify missing Pokémon and plan your next steps. Finishing the National Pokédex in Pokemon Home will be awarded an Original Color Magearna.
Choosing the Right Plan: Basic vs. Premium
Pokémon HOME offers both a Basic (free) plan and a Premium (paid) plan. The Basic plan is a great way to get started and experience the core features of Pokémon HOME. However, the Premium plan unlocks significantly more storage and features, making it a worthwhile investment for serious Pokémon collectors.
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
| Feature | Basic Plan | Premium Plan |
|---|---|---|
| —————– | ———- | ———— |
| Pokémon Storage | 30 | 6,000 |
| Pokémon Transfers from Pokémon Bank | No | Yes |
| Wonder Box Slots | 3 | 10 |
| GTS Trades | 1 | 3 |
| Room Trade (Creating) | No | Yes |
| Judge Function | No | Yes |
The Judge Function allows you to check a Pokémon’s Individual Values (IVs), also known as “stats”. This is crucial for competitive breeding and training.
Optimizing Your Pokémon HOME Experience
To get the most out of Pokémon HOME, consider these tips:
- Prioritize Transfers: Decide which Pokémon are most important to you and prioritize transferring them to Pokémon HOME.
- Utilize the GTS: Take advantage of the GTS to trade for Pokémon you need to complete your Pokédex or obtain specific natures or abilities.
- Monitor Events: Keep an eye out for special events and Mystery Gifts that can be claimed through Pokémon HOME.
- Organize Your Boxes: Take the time to organize your Pokémon boxes in Pokémon HOME to easily find the Pokémon you need.
- Be Mindful of Compatibility: Remember that not all Pokémon can be transferred to every game. Check the compatibility charts to ensure your Pokémon can be moved to your desired title.
The Future of Pokémon Management
Pokémon HOME represents a significant step forward in how we manage and interact with our Pokémon collections. As the Pokémon franchise continues to evolve, Pokémon HOME will likely play an increasingly important role in connecting players and their Pokémon across generations. It is a valuable tool that helps in bridging different games and enriching the overall experience with the franchise. It’s more than just a storage system; it’s a central hub for trainers who want to bring their Pokémon on every adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pokémon HOME
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the ins and outs of Pokémon HOME:
1. What exactly is Pokémon HOME and what does it do?
Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based service for storing, managing, and trading Pokémon across various compatible games like Pokémon GO, Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Violet, and even older titles through Pokémon Bank. It’s the central hub for your entire Pokémon collection.
2. How does Pokémon HOME differ from Pokémon Bank?
Pokémon Bank was designed specifically for the Nintendo 3DS Pokémon games. Pokémon HOME is its successor, supporting a wider range of titles including Switch games and Pokémon GO. Think of Pokémon HOME as the next-generation storage system.
3. Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use Pokémon HOME?
No, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required to use Pokémon HOME. However, it’s needed to play the core Pokémon games like Sword and Shield online.
4. What happens to my Pokémon if my Pokémon HOME Premium subscription expires?
After your Premium subscription expires, you will revert to the Basic plan, allowing access to the first 30 Pokémon. The rest are held until you renew your subscription. Unlike Pokemon Bank, Pokemon Home does not delete Pokemon after an unspecific period of time, Pokemon Home simply disables access to the 31st and above Pokemon you have deposited on the cloud, meaning you cannot view or withdraw them until you are re-enrolled in the premium plan.
5. Can I move Pokémon back and forth between all compatible games?
No, there are restrictions. You can only transfer Pokémon between Pokémon HOME and Pokémon Scarlet, Pokémon Violet, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!, and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! using the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME. Furthermore, some Pokémon are restricted from certain games.
6. Will transferred Pokémon obey me in a new game?
Pokémon received in trades, or transferred from other games, might not obey you if their level is too high for your current progress in the game. You’ll need to earn Gym Badges to gain their trust.
7. Can I use Pokémon HOME to complete my Pokédex?
Yes, Pokémon HOME tracks your Pokédex progress across all compatible games. This is a great way to identify which Pokémon you are missing.
8. Is there a limit to how many Pokémon I can store in Pokémon HOME?
With the Basic plan, you can store up to 30 Pokémon. The Premium plan allows you to store up to 6,000 Pokémon.
9. Can I trade Shiny Pokémon through Pokémon HOME?
Yes, you can trade Shiny Pokémon through the GTS, Wonder Box, and Room Trade.
10. Can I get banned for transferring hacked Pokémon to Pokémon HOME?
While transferring a hacked Pokémon may not result in an immediate ban, it can lead to the Pokémon being flagged as a “Bad Egg,” permanently taking up a spot in your HOME.
11. How do I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME?
You need a Premium plan in Pokémon HOME to transfer from Pokémon Bank. Use the Pokémon Bank application on your 3DS to prepare the transfer, then follow the instructions within Pokémon HOME on your Switch.
12. What is the Judge Function in Pokémon HOME?
The Judge Function allows you to check a Pokémon’s Individual Values (IVs), also known as stats. This feature is only available in the Premium plan.
13. Is Pokémon Bank going to be shut down soon?
Nintendo has stated that Pokemon Bank support “may also end at some point in the future.” There is no end date planned for this no-cost service.
14. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of Pokémon and other games?
You can explore the learning potential and research surrounding games at the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.
15. How do I receive Mystery Gifts in Pokemon HOME?
From the main menu screen of Pokemon HOME, you can select “Mystery Gifts”. From there, select “Gift Box” to see the Mystery Gifts that you can receive in Pokemon HOME. You can also use Mystery Gifts to transfer items to linked Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games.