Why Can’t I Transfer Pokémon To Pokémon GO? Understanding Transfer Restrictions
Pokémon GO, the augmented reality phenomenon, allows players to catch, train, and battle Pokémon in the real world. However, one common frustration is understanding why you can’t transfer Pokémon to Pokémon GO. The simple answer is: you cannot transfer Pokémon to Pokémon GO from other games. Pokémon GO is a closed ecosystem when it comes to receiving Pokémon. You can only transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to other compatible games, like the Pokémon Let’s Go series, Pokémon HOME or other Pokémon games through Pokemon HOME. Understanding this fundamental limitation is the key to avoiding confusion.
The core of Pokémon GO revolves around catching Pokémon within the game itself. Niantic, the game’s developer, wants players to explore the real world and engage with the game’s unique mechanics. Allowing transfers into Pokémon GO would disrupt this experience and potentially introduce Pokémon with stats or abilities not intended for the GO environment. This could lead to imbalances in gameplay and undermine the core principles of the game. It’s important to catch them all by playing Pokémon GO in order to build a collection.
Understanding Pokémon GO Transfer Mechanics
While you can’t transfer to Pokémon GO, understanding from Pokémon GO transfers is equally important. Pokémon GO allows transfers from itself to Pokémon HOME, a cloud-based storage service, or to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! for the Nintendo Switch, or to other Pokémon games through Pokemon HOME. This allows players to connect their mobile Pokémon adventures with the broader Pokémon universe. It’s a one-way street, though. Once a Pokémon leaves GO, it cannot return.
Limitations on Transfers From Pokémon GO
Even when transferring from Pokémon GO, there are several limitations to consider. These restrictions are in place to maintain balance and prevent exploitation within the receiving games. Certain Pokémon types, statuses, and conditions prevent you from transferring them at all. Understanding what conditions can restrict Pokémon transfers are vital to prevent any issues down the line.
- Shiny, Lucky, and Buddy Pokémon: You can’t transfer multiple Shiny Pokémon, Lucky Pokémon, or Buddy Pokémon with whom you’ve reached Good Buddy status or above at a time.
- Legendary and Mythical Pokémon: Some Legendary and Mythical Pokémon (e.g., Mew, Celebi) are restricted from transfer to Let’s Go games. These can be transferred to other Pokémon games through Pokémon HOME, with some exceptions.
- First-Generation Pokémon (for Let’s Go): The Let’s Go games are remakes of the original Pokémon Yellow, so you can only transfer first-generation Pokémon (Kanto region). Certain exceptions do apply.
- Pokémon Status: You can’t transfer Pokemon that are fainted, current buddies, or pokemon currently defending a gym.
- Meltan/Melmetal Exception: You may transfer these pokémon from GO to Sword/Shield without ever having caught them in Sword/Shield.
Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify Pokémon GO’s transfer mechanics and limitations.
1. How do I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Eevee!?
- Open the Pokémon GO app.
- Tap the Poké Ball icon in Map view.
- Tap the Settings icon at the top right.
- Scroll down and tap on “Nintendo Switch.”
- In Let’s Go, talk to the GO Park complex warden in Fuchsia City.
- Select the Pokémon you want to transfer in Pokémon GO, and then confirm the transfer to the GO Park.
2. What Pokémon cannot be traded within Pokémon GO?
Mythical Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, Eggs, Current Buddies, Pokémon currently defending a Gym, Pokémon that are fainted, Pokémon that have already been traded, and Pokémon obtained through hacking, botting, or spoofing cannot be traded in Pokémon GO.
3. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Sword and Shield to Pokémon GO?
No, it’s not possible to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Sword and Shield to Pokémon GO. This is a one-way transfer to Pokémon HOME from GO.
4. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Sun and Moon to Pokémon GO?
No. While you can transfer Pokémon from Ultra Sun and Moon to the Switch via Pokémon Bank and then to Pokémon HOME, you cannot transfer them directly to Pokémon GO.
5. How do I transfer Pokémon from 3DS to Pokémon GO?
You cannot directly transfer Pokémon from a 3DS game to Pokémon GO. You must use Pokémon Bank (for older games) and Pokémon HOME to transfer them to compatible Switch games, and even then, they cannot go to Pokémon GO.
6. How do I get Mew in Pokémon GO?
In order to catch Mew, players must complete the Special Research “A Mythical Discovery”. Complete all tasks to encounter and catch Mew.
7. Can you transfer Purified Pokémon to Let’s Go?
Yes, Purified Pokémon can be transferred to the Let’s Go games, unless they are specifically restricted, such as being a Buddy or having certain status effects.
8. Why can’t I transfer Pokémon from GO to Sword/Shield?
The only way you can send any Legendary/Mythical Pokémon from GO to Sword/Shield is to have already obtained that specific Legendary/Mythical in Sw/Sh (The only exception is Meltan/Melmetal).
9. What earns you the most Stardust in Pokémon GO?
The best ways to get Stardust in Pokémon GO are catching Pokémon, hatching Pokémon, opening Gifts, and PVP rewards. Weather boosts can also increase the amount of Stardust you earn from catching certain Pokémon.
10. What does CP mean in Pokémon GO?
CP stands for Combat Power. It indicates how well a particular Pokémon will perform in battle. A higher CP generally means a stronger Pokémon.
11. What is Pokémon HOME and how does it relate to Pokémon GO transfers?
Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based storage service for Pokémon. It allows you to manage your Pokémon collection across multiple games. You can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, and then potentially to other compatible Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch.
12. Is Pokémon Bank still active?
While paid passes for Pokémon Bank are no longer offered, and it’s no longer available for download, the service is currently available for free.
13. Can I get Pokémon Bank after the eShop closes?
No, you cannot download Pokémon Bank after the 3DS eShop has closed. However, if you downloaded it previously, you can still use it while the servers remain active.
14. What are the limitations of transferring to Pokemon HOME?
Keep in mind that transferring certain Mythical and Legendary Pokémon to Pokémon HOME may require you to have already registered them in your Pokémon HOME Pokédex. This is a common requirement to prevent exploiting rare Pokémon.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?
For more insights into the educational potential of games, explore resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org offers valuable research and information on how games can be used effectively in learning environments.
Conclusion
While the inability to transfer Pokémon to Pokémon GO can be disappointing, it’s a design choice intended to preserve the game’s unique experience and prevent imbalance. By understanding the transfer mechanics from Pokémon GO and its limitations, you can effectively manage your Pokémon collection and enjoy the broader Pokémon ecosystem. Remember to always check compatibility and restrictions before attempting a transfer to avoid frustration. Happy catching!