When Can I No Longer Use Pokémon Bank? The Definitive Guide
You can no longer download Pokémon Bank or Poké Transporter as of March 27, 2023. However, if you had already downloaded them before this date, you can continue to use Pokémon Bank for free, indefinitely, to store your Pokémon and transfer them to Pokémon HOME as long as the service remains active.
The End of an Era: Pokémon Bank and the 3DS eShop
The closure of the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops marked a significant turning point for Pokémon fans. While the shuttering of a digital marketplace might not seem like a seismic event, it had profound implications for the long-term accessibility and preservation of Pokémon games, particularly those reliant on services like Pokémon Bank. Nintendo’s decision stemmed from the lifecycle of the product line, citing decreasing consumer usage. This marked the transition point, where paid passes were no longer offered for purchase and the ability to download the software ceased.
However, fear not, fellow trainers! The silver lining in this cloud is that, provided you downloaded Pokémon Bank and its companion app Poké Transporter before the deadline, you can now use the service entirely for free. This generosity allows players to safeguard their beloved Pokémon from older generations and migrate them to newer titles via Pokémon HOME.
Navigating the Post-eShop Landscape
Understanding the current state of Pokémon Bank is essential for any trainer looking to preserve their collection. The key takeaways are simple:
- Downloading is No Longer Possible: If you missed the March 27, 2023 deadline, you cannot download Pokémon Bank or Poké Transporter.
- Free Access for Existing Users: If you downloaded the apps before the deadline, you can now use them for free.
- Pokémon HOME is Essential: Pokémon Bank serves as a bridge to Pokémon HOME, the modern cloud service for storing and transferring Pokémon.
- A Premium Plan Might Be Needed: Transferring Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME requires a paid Pokémon HOME Premium Plan.
Pokémon Bank and HOME: Your Transfer Guide
The real power of Pokémon Bank lies in its ability to connect with Pokémon HOME, the central hub for your Pokémon across multiple generations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth transition:
- Ensure You Have Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter Downloaded: This is crucial. If you didn’t download them before March 27, 2023, you’re unfortunately out of luck.
- Update Your 3DS and Pokémon Bank: Make sure your Nintendo 3DS system and Pokémon Bank application are updated to the latest versions.
- Subscribe to Pokémon HOME Premium: A Pokémon HOME Premium Plan is necessary to facilitate transfers from Pokémon Bank.
- Initiate the Transfer: Open Pokémon Bank on your 3DS and follow the in-app instructions to begin the transfer process to Pokémon HOME.
- Claim Your Pokémon in HOME: Open Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch or mobile device and claim your transferred Pokémon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the world of Pokémon Bank in the post-eShop era:
Can I still download Pokémon Bank?
No. As of March 27, 2023, Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter are no longer available for download from the Nintendo 3DS eShop.
Do I need to pay for Pokémon Bank now?
No. If you downloaded Pokémon Bank before the eShop closure, it is now free to use.
Do I need Pokémon HOME to use Pokémon Bank?
Yes, to ultimately move your Pokémon to current-generation games, you’ll need a Pokémon HOME account. Transferring from Pokémon Bank to HOME requires a Premium Plan.
What happens to my Pokémon if I don’t transfer them?
While Nintendo hasn’t given an exact date, if you leave Pokémon in Pokémon Bank without an active Premium Plan in Pokémon HOME to transfer them to, there’s a possibility they could be deleted after a certain period of time. Transfer your mons ASAP.
Can I transfer Pokémon from Gen 1 or Gen 2 games directly to Pokémon HOME?
No. You’ll need to use the Poké Transporter to move them to Pokémon Bank first. From there, you can move them to Pokémon HOME. The Games Learning Society often discusses the complexities of game preservation and the importance of understanding these evolving digital landscapes. Explore more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
What is Poké Transporter?
Poké Transporter is a companion app to Pokémon Bank that allows you to transfer Pokémon from older games like Pokémon Black, Pokémon White, Pokémon Black 2, and Pokémon White 2 to Pokémon Bank. It is also used for transferring Pokémon from the Virtual Console versions of the Gen 1 and Gen 2 games (Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, and Crystal).
What Pokémon can’t be transferred to Pokémon HOME?
Certain Pokémon are restricted from transfer. These include Partner Pikachu, Partner Eevee, and fused forms of Necrozma, Kyurem, and Calyrex. Some Gigantamax Pokémon also have restrictions when moving to specific games.
Can I transfer hacked Pokémon to Pokémon Bank?
Nintendo’s systems attempt to detect and prevent the transfer of illegitimate Pokémon. However, it’s not foolproof. While you might get away with transferring some, be aware that Nintendo reserves the right to ban you from using Pokémon Bank if you knowingly transfer Pokémon created by unauthorized means.
Will I lose my games if the eShop closes?
As long as you already own a game downloaded from the eShop, you will be able to redownload it in the “foreseeable future.”
Can I have two 3DS consoles with the same account?
No. It is not possible to link the same Nintendo Network account to multiple 3DS family systems at the same time.
How many Pokémon can Pokémon Bank hold?
Pokémon Bank can store up to 3,000 Pokémon across 100 boxes, with each box holding 30 Pokémon.
What happens if I put a hacked Pokémon in Pokémon HOME?
If Pokémon HOME detects an illegal Pokémon, it might become a “Bad Egg,” permanently occupying a space in your storage. This can be avoided by ensuring the Pokémon you transfer are legitimate.
How do I transfer Pokémon from Generation 4 to Generation 5?
To transfer Pokémon from Generation 4 to Generation 5, you’ll need two DS systems (or a 3DS and a DS). Use DS Download Play to connect the systems, and then access the Pokémon Transfer Lab in Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, or White 2 to initiate the transfer.
Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank back to a game?
With Pokémon Bank, you can directly deposit and transfer stored Pokémon into the following games: Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby, and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire.
What games should I have downloaded on the eShop before it closed?
Some popular titles to grab before the eShop closed included Picross 3D Round 2, the classic Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow/Silver/Gold/Crystal versions, Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario 3 (Wii U), and hidden gems like Pocket Card Jockey and Rusty’s Real Deal Baseball.
The Future of Pokémon Storage
While the closure of the 3DS eShop and the subsequent changes to Pokémon Bank might feel bittersweet, the long-term focus is clearly on Pokémon HOME. As newer Pokémon games continue to release, Pokémon HOME will remain the central hub for managing your collection across generations. By understanding the current limitations and opportunities, you can ensure your Pokémon team lives on for years to come.