When Can You No Longer Download Pokémon Bank?
You can no longer download Pokémon Bank as of March 27, 2023, due to the closure of the Nintendo 3DS eShop, but if you have already downloaded it before this date, you can still use it for free and transfer your Pokémon to Pokémon Home. The Pokémon Bank service will continue to operate for preexisting users, allowing them to store and transfer their Pokémon, even after the 3DS eShop closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
- Can you still download Pokémon Bank?: No, Pokémon Bank is no longer available for download as of March 27, 2023, due to the Nintendo 3DS eShop closure.
- Will Pokémon Bank work after March 27?: Yes, Pokémon Bank will continue to work for preexisting users, and it is now free to use, allowing users to store and transfer their Pokémon.
- How will Pokémon Bank work when eShop closes?: After the eShop closure, Pokémon Bank will still be operational, and users who have already downloaded it can continue to use it for free.
Pokémon Bank and Pokémon Home
- Can you transfer Pokémon from Bank to Home after March 2023?: Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon Home, but you need to have a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan subscription and have downloaded Pokémon Bank before March 27, 2023.
- Do you have to pay for Pokémon HOME?: Pokémon Home offers both free and premium plans, with the free plan having limited storage and features.
- Can you still play games after eShop closes?: Yes, you can still play games and redownload previously purchased games and DLC from the eShop for the foreseeable future.
Nintendo 3DS and Wii U
- Is Pokémon Bank on 3DS free now?: Yes, Pokémon Bank is now free to use on Nintendo 3DS for preexisting users.
- Can you still download games on 3DS?: No, you can no longer purchase or download new games on Nintendo 3DS as of March 27, 2023, but you can still redownload previously purchased games and DLC.
- Is 3DS online shutting down?: Yes, Nintendo 3DS online services, including online play, will be discontinued in early April 2024.
Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter
- Can you get Poke Transporter without Pokémon Bank?: No, you need to have Pokémon Bank to download Poke Transporter, and you must have had an active Pokémon Bank subscription before the eShop closure.
- How do I download Poke Transporter after eShop closes?: Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to download Poke Transporter after the eShop closure, unless you have already purchased it before March 27, 2023.
- Is Nintendo shutting down Pokémon Bank?: No, Pokémon Bank is not shutting down, but it is no longer available for new downloads, and some of its features may be affected by the eShop closure.
Wii U and Discontinuation
- Is the Wii U discontinued?: Yes, the Wii U was discontinued in 2017, and its online services will be discontinued in early April 2024, along with the Nintendo 3DS online services.
- Why did the Wii U fail?: The Wii U failed due to a lack of games, including third-party titles, and a poorly received console design.
- Why did Nintendo discontinue Wii?: The Wii was discontinued to make way for the Wii U, which was designed to appeal to the core gaming audience with more advanced features and games.