Table of Contents

Why Can’t I Transfer Some Pokémon? The Definitive Guide

Quick answer

This page answers Why can’t I transfer some Pokémon? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

So, you’re trying to move your beloved Pokémon from one game to another and hitting a wall? Frustration abounds! The short answer is that transfer restrictions exist for a multitude of reasons, primarily relating to game compatibility, Pokémon rarity, game mechanics, and anti-cheating measures. Each Pokémon game operates within its own ecosystem, with specific Pokémon lists (Pokédex), features, and limitations. This means not every Pokémon can freely move between every game. Think of it like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole – sometimes, it just doesn’t work!

Understanding Transfer Restrictions

The Pokémon franchise, despite its interconnectedness, isn’t a seamless open world where all Pokémon are universally available. Each new generation introduces new Pokémon, and not all of them are retroactively added to older games. Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons you might encounter transfer issues:

Game Compatibility: This is the biggest hurdle. Each Pokémon game has its own roster of available Pokémon. If a Pokémon isn’t in the target game’s Pokédex, it’s generally untransferable. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, for example, only allow transfers of Pokémon already present in their respective region’s Pokédex. This is why you can’t just send any Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Scarlet and Violet.
Game-Specific Mechanics: Some Pokémon are tied to specific game mechanics that don’t exist in other titles. Think of Mega Evolution, Gigantamax, or even regional forms like Alolan or Galarian Pokémon. These forms, while exciting, can cause complications when transferring. Generally, you can’t transfer Pokémon in a form that the receiving game doesn’t recognize.
Pokémon Status: Certain Pokémon statuses prevent transfers. These include:
- Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO.
- Pokémon defending Gyms in Pokémon GO.
- Favorited Pokémon in Pokémon GO.
- Buddy Pokémon in Pokémon GO.
- Pokémon holding items in some games (you’ll need to remove the item first).
Rarity and Special Events: Mythical Pokémon like Mew, Celebi, Darkrai, and Shaymin are often subject to stricter transfer rules. This is due to their limited availability and the desire to maintain their rarity. Some of these Pokémon might be blocked from transfer altogether, or only transferable under specific conditions (e.g., obtained through legitimate in-game events).
Anti-Cheating Measures: Nintendo actively works to prevent players from using illegitimate Pokémon in their games. Pokémon obtained through hacking, botting, or spoofing are often flagged and rendered untransferable. This is a crucial step to maintain the integrity of the online battling and trading ecosystem.
Unique Pokémon Characteristics: In Pokémon GO, Spinda is a unique case. Each Spinda has a different spot pattern, leading to billions of variations. This unique characteristic is the reason for the difficulty in transferring Spinda to other Pokémon games. The game has a unique system of creating Spinda’s spots and that system does not translate to the mainline games.

Using Pokémon HOME as a Bridge

Pokémon HOME acts as a central hub for storing and transferring Pokémon between compatible games. However, it’s not a magic bullet. It’s still subject to the rules and limitations of the individual games. Think of it as a postal service with very strict rules about what it can deliver and where.

Compatibility is Key: Just because a Pokémon is in Pokémon HOME doesn’t mean you can transfer it to any game. You can only transfer Pokémon to games that are compatible with that Pokémon and that meet all of the required conditions.
Pokémon HOME Updates: Game Freak often updates Pokémon HOME to add compatibility with new titles or to allow transfers of previously restricted Pokémon. Keep an eye on these updates!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why can’t I transfer my costumed Pikachu from Pokémon GO?

Costumed Pokémon are generally not transferable from Pokémon GO to other games. This is likely because the costumes don’t exist in those games, and they are specific to Pokémon GO.

2. Why can’t I transfer my Mew from Pokémon GO to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Eevee!?

In Pokémon: Let’s Go, Mew is exclusively obtainable through the Poké Ball Plus accessory. This is a design choice to incentivize the purchase of the peripheral.

3. Why can’t I transfer my Shadow Pokémon from Pokémon GO?

Shadow Pokémon cannot be transferred to other games. You need to purify them first, but even then, they might not be compatible with all titles.

4. Why can’t I transfer all my Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet only allow transfers of Pokémon already present in their respective regional Pokédex (or those subsequently added via updates). Many Pokémon from Pokémon GO are not available in these games and therefore cannot be transferred directly.

5. Why can’t I transfer Pokémon from Sword and Shield to Legends: Arceus?

Only Pokémon natively available in Legends: Arceus can be transferred to it. Legends: Arceus has a limited selection of Pokémon compared to Sword and Shield.

6. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

No. You cannot transfer directly from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Legends: Arceus. You must transfer from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, and then from Pokémon HOME to a compatible game (like Sword or Shield if the Pokémon is compatible) that can then transfer to Legends: Arceus. However, be aware of the limitations, such as the Pokémon needing to be available in Legends Arceus.

7. Can I transfer a Pokémon from Pokémon Emerald to Pokémon Scarlet or Violet?

This is a multi-step process. You’d need to transfer from Emerald to a Generation IV game (Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum), then to a Generation V game (Black or White), then use the Pokémon Bank to transfer to Pokémon HOME, and finally to Pokémon Scarlet or Violet, if the Pokémon is compatible with those games. It’s a long journey!

8. Why can’t I transfer certain Legendary Pokémon to Scarlet and Violet even though they are in Pokémon HOME?

Nintendo has implemented a new limitation: you must first obtain the Legendary or Mythical Pokémon in a main series title that is compatible with Scarlet and Violet. If you haven’t registered the Pokémon in your game, you likely won’t be able to transfer it from Pokémon HOME.

9. How do I know which Pokémon can be transferred to a specific game?

The best way is to consult online resources, such as Serebii.net or Bulbapedia, which have detailed lists of compatible Pokémon for each game. You can also check official announcements from Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.

10. What happens to the moves of a Pokémon when it is transferred to Legends: Arceus?

Pokémon transferred into Legends: Arceus from other games will have their moves replaced by that species’ level-equivalent moveset in Legends: Arceus. These changes revert if the Pokémon is returned to its original game.

11. Why can’t I transfer my Meloetta from Pokémon GO to Scarlet or Violet?

As of right now, Meloetta is able to be transferred into Scarlet and Violet if you have Meloetta in another game. You just need them from a different game first. The common issue is that Pokémon HOME reverts the Meloetta back into the Aria form if someone transfers it out of Pokémon GO.

12. Can Purified Pokémon be transferred to Let’s Go games?

Purified Pokémon cannot be transferred to Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon Let’s Go, Eevee!.

13. Is it true that there are Pokémon that cannot be traded at all?

Yes. Certain Pokémon cannot be traded at all. These typically include Mythical Pokémon like Celebi, Darkrai, Deoxys, Diancie, Genesect, and others. Additionally, Shadow Pokémon, Eggs, current buddies, Pokémon defending a gym, fainted Pokémon, and Pokémon obtained through illegitimate means cannot be traded.

14. Why can’t Gigantamax Pikachu and Eevee be moved from Pokémon HOME into Pokémon Legends: Arceus or Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl?

This appears to be a bug, but for now, Gigantamax Pikachu and Gigantamax Eevee cannot be moved from Pokémon HOME into Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Similarly, Gigantamax Pikachu, Eevee, and Meowth can’t be moved over to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

15. I used an AR to get Shaymin and Darkrai in Diamond and Pearl, but they won’t pass through to Pokémon Bank. Why?

If you used an AR (Action Replay) to get Shaymin and Darkrai, they won’t pass through Pokémon Bank because the event flags weren’t properly set off. Diamond and Pearl Shaymin/Darkrai will never pass, since the events for them were only released in Platinum.

Understanding these restrictions can save you a lot of time and frustration. Always research compatibility before attempting a transfer, and be aware of the limitations of Pokémon HOME. Enjoy your Pokémon journey!

Further exploration into the impact of games on learning and society can be found at the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.