Why Can’t I Download Pokémon Bank Anymore?

You can’t download Pokémon Bank anymore because paid passes for the service are no longer offered for purchase, and the 3DS eShop has closed, making it impossible to download the application, even for free, unless you had acquired it at least once before. The Pokémon Company has made Pokémon Bank a free service after the eShop closure, but this change only benefits players who already have the app installed on their Nintendo 3DS consoles.

Understanding the Changes to Pokémon Bank

Background on Pokémon Bank

Pokémon Bank was a useful service for Pokémon trainers, allowing them to store and manage their Pokémon from various games. However, with the closure of the 3DS eShop, the way players access and use Pokémon Bank has changed significantly.

Impact of 3DS eShop Closure

The closure of the 3DS eShop means that Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter can no longer be downloaded, even though Pokémon Bank is now a free service. This change affects how players can manage their Pokémon collections, especially for those who relied on these services.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Happened to Pokémon Bank? Pokémon Bank’s paid passes are no longer available for purchase, and the service can no longer be downloaded from the 3DS eShop due to its closure. However, existing users can continue to use the service for free.

2. Can I Still Use Pokémon Bank in 2023? Yes, you can still use Pokémon Bank in 2023, but you must have already downloaded it before the eShop closure. New downloads are no longer possible.

3. How Do I Transfer Pokémon from Bank to Home in 2023? To transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME in 2023, select “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME” from the Pokémon Bank main menu, choose the boxes you want to move, and follow the prompts.

4. Why is Pokémon Bank Unavailable for Download? Pokémon Bank is unavailable for download because paid passes are no longer offered, and the 3DS eShop has closed. The service is now free but can only be used by those who already have it installed.

5. Will Pokémon Bank Become Unusable? While Nintendo 3DS online services will be discontinued in April 2024, Pokémon Bank can still be used beyond that date. However, players are encouraged to transfer their Pokémon to Pokémon HOME as soon as possible.

6. Can I Redownload 3DS Games After the eShop Closes? Yes, you can redownload 3DS games after the eShop closes, as long as you have previously purchased them. This feature will be available for the foreseeable future.

7. How Do I Redownload Games on My 3DS in 2023? To redownload games on your 3DS in 2023, go to the Nintendo eShop, select “Settings/Other,” then “Redownloadable Software,” and choose the games you want to redownload.

8. Can You Get Poké Transporter Without Pokémon Bank? Originally, Poké Transporter was available as a separate download after purchasing and installing Pokémon Bank. However, with Pokémon Bank no longer downloadable, Poké Transporter is also inaccessible to new users.

9. Do You Have to Pay for Pokémon HOME? Pokémon HOME offers both free and premium plans. The free plan has limitations, such as storing a maximum of 30 Pokémon and depositing only one Pokémon on the Global Trade System at a time.

10. What Happens to Pokémon in Pokémon Bank When It Expires? If your Pokémon Bank pass expires and you do not renew it, you can still withdraw your Pokémon for a set period. After this period ends, any remaining Pokémon in your Pokémon Bank boxes will be lost.

11. Is the 3DS Online Shutting Down? Yes, Nintendo 3DS online services, including the eShop, will be discontinued in early April 2024. This affects online play and downloads but does not immediately impact Pokémon Bank for existing users.

12. Will Pokémon Bank Become Free? Pokémon Bank has become a free service following the closure of the 3DS eShop, but this change only benefits users who already have the application installed on their Nintendo 3DS.

13. Is the Wii U Discontinued? The Wii U was discontinued in 2017, marking the end of its production and support. This has been followed by the discontinuation of Wii U and 3DS online services.

14. Can You Still Play Games After the eShop Closes? Yes, you can still play games after the eShop closes. Additionally, you can redownload games you’ve already purchased for the foreseeable future.

15. Why is Nintendo Shutting Down the eShop? Nintendo is shutting down the eShop for Wii U and 3DS as part of the natural lifecycle of these products, reflecting decreased consumer use over time.

Conclusion

The change in Pokémon Bank‘s availability and the closure of the 3DS eShop mark significant shifts in how Pokémon trainers manage their collections. Understanding these changes and how they impact Pokémon Bank, Poké Transporter, and Pokémon HOME is crucial for making the most of these services. As the Pokémon universe continues to evolve, staying informed about updates and changes to these platforms will help trainers navigate the world of Pokémon with ease.