Pokémon Limbo: Which Pokémon Are Stuck in Pokémon HOME?

Let’s face it, Pokémon HOME is a fantastic service for storing and transferring our beloved digital pocket monsters. But sometimes, you’re faced with the frustrating reality that certain Pokémon are just… stuck. They languish in digital storage, unable to be transferred to the latest games. So, the straightforward answer: Pokémon are “stuck” in Pokémon HOME when they are not compatible with the currently available Pokémon games or when specific conditions aren’t met for transferring. This could be due to the Pokémon’s origin game, its species not being included in the target game’s data, or specific limitations imposed by the Pokémon Company.

It’s a sad truth, but let’s delve into why this happens and which Pokémon are the most likely to find themselves in this predicament.

The Reasons for Pokémon HOME Limbo

Several factors can contribute to a Pokémon’s inability to transfer from Pokémon HOME:

• Game Compatibility: This is the most common reason. Not every Pokémon is included in every Pokémon game’s data. For example, many Pokémon from older generations haven’t made it into Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. If a Pokémon isn’t coded into the game, it cannot be transferred. The provided extract mentions Serperior, Emboar, Watchog, Pansage, Pansear, Panpour, Zebstrika, Leavanny, Swanna, Furfrou, Toucannon, and Minior as examples of Pokémon that were previously unsupported in Scarlet and Violet.

• Origin Game Restrictions: Some Pokémon originate from Pokémon GO, and certain Legendary and Mythical Pokémon from GO have transfer restrictions. The article notes that you cannot transfer Pokémon Go Legendaries/Mythicals unless you have already had it in your Scarlet/Violet game. If it comes from an actual game, it will transfer fine.

• Form Restrictions: Certain Pokémon have multiple forms, and some of these forms may not be transferable. Pirouette Meloetta reverts to Aria Form when transferred out of Pokémon GO due to its form being intended as a temporary change. Zen Mode Darmanitan is another example where the form change causes transfer issues.

• Gigantamax Factor: Pokémon with the Gigantamax factor are often locked out of transfer because Scarlet and Violet do not support Gigantamaxing. Max Soup is needed in previous games to remove the factor.

• Event-Exclusive Pokémon: Some Pokémon, like Zarude, are distributed through special events with limited availability and potential transfer restrictions after event expiry.

• Technical Issues: As the article notes, sometimes the Pokédex data in Pokémon HOME isn’t accurately reflected, potentially requiring a cache clear.

Which Pokémon Are Most Vulnerable?

Based on these factors, the Pokémon most likely to be stuck in Pokémon HOME often fall into these categories:

• Pokémon from Unova (Gen V): As highlighted in the extract, Pokémon from Generation V are disproportionately affected by compatibility issues.

• Mythical Pokémon: These event-exclusive Pokémon often have stricter transfer rules.

• Pokémon with Multiple Forms: Form changes sometimes cause conflicts and prevent transfers.

• Pokémon with Gigantamax factor.

Navigating the Pokémon HOME Transfer Maze

Understanding these limitations is key to managing your Pokémon collection. Always check the compatibility of a Pokémon with your target game before attempting a transfer. Stay informed about updates from The Pokémon Company regarding which Pokémon are being added to new games.

The complexities of transferring Pokémon can be a great discussion point in the context of Games Learning Society.

FAQs: Unsticking Your Pokémon

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the world of Pokémon HOME transfers:

1. Will Pokémon that are currently stuck in Pokémon HOME eventually become transferable?

It’s possible! The Pokémon Company often adds new Pokémon to games through updates. Keep an eye on official announcements for news about compatibility updates.

2. What can I do with Pokémon that are currently stuck?

Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do besides wait for a compatibility update. You can still view them in Pokémon HOME, admire their stats, and strategize for when they eventually become transferable.

3. If I remove a Pokémon’s Gigantamax factor, can it then be transferred to Scarlet and Violet?

Yes. If you use Max Soup to remove the Gigantamax factor from a Pokémon in Sword or Shield, it should then be transferable to Scarlet and Violet.

4. Can I transfer costumed Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME?

No. As stated in the article, costumed Pokémon cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME.

5. What happens if I try to transfer a Pokémon that is incompatible with the target game?

Pokémon HOME will prevent the transfer from happening, displaying an error message.

6. Can I transfer Shadow Pokémon from Pokémon GO?

No, Shadow Pokémon cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME.

7. If I have a Pokémon in Pokémon HOME from a game I no longer own, can I still transfer it to a new game if it’s compatible?

Yes, as long as the Pokémon is compatible with the new game and you have a Pokémon HOME account, you can transfer it, regardless of whether you still own the original game.

8. What is the Pokémon HOME Basic Plan, and how does it affect transfers?

The Basic Plan allows you to store up to 30 Pokémon. While you can transfer Pokémon with the Basic Plan, the limited storage space might require frequent transfers.

9. Can I transfer a Pokémon back from Pokémon HOME to its original game?

In some cases, yes. You can move Pokémon between compatible games. However, Pokémon transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME cannot be sent back to Pokémon GO.

10. What should I do if my Pokémon disappears from Pokémon HOME?

First, clear the cache as suggested in the article. If that doesn’t work, contact Pokémon Support.

11. Is it safe to store Pokémon in Pokémon HOME long-term?

Yes, your Pokémon are generally safe in Pokémon HOME. If your Premium Plan expires, you’ll lose access to the extra storage boxes, but your Pokémon will still be there.

12. Why can Victini be transferred to Scarlet and Violet for some people but not others?

You can only transfer Victini if you have previously obtained it in another game and have it registered in your Pokémon HOME Pokédex. This is often true of other Mythical Pokémon.

13. Will the Pokémon Bank shutdown affect my Pokémon in Pokémon HOME?

No, Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME are separate services. While the article mentions that Pokemon Bank may be discontinued at a later date, it doesn’t affect your Pokémon in HOME. However, it emphasizes the importance of transferring your Pokemon.

14. Why can’t I transfer multiple shiny Pokémon at once from Pokémon GO?

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.

15. Are there specific levels of Pokémon that cannot be transferred?

No, level doesn’t affect transferability, compatibility with the target game does.

Final Thoughts

While the limitations of Pokémon HOME can be frustrating, understanding the reasons behind them and staying informed about updates can help you manage your collection effectively. Keep checking for compatibility updates, and hopefully, your stuck Pokémon will eventually find a new home in the latest games. In the meantime, you can explore the innovative approaches to learning through games and simulations championed by the Games Learning Society. Visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to discover more.

The frustrations encountered with Pokemon Home also reinforce the importance of preservation in game design, a topic often discussed within the context of GamesLearningSociety.org.

We hope this clears up any confusion you may have. Happy transferring!