Will My Pokémon Be Deleted From Pokémon HOME? The Definitive Guide
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The short answer is no, your Pokémon will not be permanently deleted from Pokémon HOME simply due to a lapse in your subscription. However, there are nuances to this answer, so let’s dive deep into what happens to your precious pocket monsters if your Pokémon HOME subscription expires. Understanding these intricacies will help you manage your collection effectively and avoid any potential panics. Think of Pokémon HOME as a vast storage facility for your digital companions. Losing your subscription is like downgrading your storage unit.
Understanding Pokémon HOME Plans
Before we go further, it’s crucial to understand the two main tiers of Pokémon HOME:
- Basic Plan (Free): This plan gives you access to a single Basic Box that can hold up to 30 Pokémon.
- Premium Plan (Paid): This offers significantly more storage space, allowing you to store up to 6,000 Pokémon. It also unlocks other features like the Judge function and the ability to trade more Pokémon at once in the Wonder Box and GTS (Global Trade Station).
The key difference is storage capacity. When you transition from a Premium Plan to the Basic Plan, you’re not losing your Pokémon; they’re simply becoming inaccessible beyond the first 30.
What Happens When Your Premium Plan Expires?
When your Premium Plan lapses, you are automatically downgraded to the Basic Plan. This means:
- Access Limited: You can only access the first 30 Pokémon you deposited into your Basic Box.
- Pokémon Remain Safe: All your other Pokémon beyond those initial 30 are still stored safely on the Pokémon HOME servers. They are not deleted.
- No Withdrawal: You cannot view or withdraw any Pokémon that are not within your Basic Box. Think of them as being in a locked vault that only the Premium Plan key can unlock.
- Re-Enrollment Restores Access: By resubscribing to the Premium Plan, you immediately regain full access to all your stored Pokémon. It’s like getting the key back to your vault.
- Time Limit (The Real Caveat): While Pokémon HOME servers generally keep your Pokémon safe indefinitely, it’s best practice to resubscribe as soon as possible. While Nintendo hasn’t explicitly stated a deletion timeframe, it is always a good idea to renew as quickly as you can. While sources say “a certain period of time”, don’t bank on it. Assume after a year, you can lose your stored Pokémon. To prevent loss, renew as quickly as you can.
Important Considerations
It’s worth emphasizing that although it is likely you will not lose your Pokémon permanently, you might. If you are not planning to use the Premium Plan soon after lapse, it’s a good idea to take some time and transfer all valuable Pokémon out of Pokémon HOME and into the relevant save files on your system. Be sure to also use services like Pokémon Bank (now free) or Pokémon HOME to transfer them, and ensure that your local saves files are backed up.
Practical Advice
- Prioritize Your Basic Box: If you know your Premium Plan is ending, carefully select the 30 Pokémon you want to keep readily accessible in your Basic Box.
- Renew Promptly: If you value your entire collection, renew your Premium Plan as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues.
- Backup Strategy: As a precautionary measure, consider backing up your Pokémon to multiple sources, where possible.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on official Pokémon HOME announcements for any changes to the service’s terms and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify any lingering doubts:
1. Will Pokémon be deleted immediately after my Premium Plan expires?
No. Your Pokémon are not immediately deleted. You simply lose access to those beyond the initial 30 in your Basic Box.
2. Is there a time limit for keeping Pokémon in HOME after my subscription ends?
While Nintendo hasn’t explicitly stated a deletion timeframe, it is always a good idea to resubscribe as soon as possible. While sources say “a certain period of time”, don’t bank on it. Assume after a year, you can lose your stored Pokémon.
3. How do I know which Pokémon will be in my Basic Box when my Premium Plan ends?
The Pokémon that are accessible in your Basic Box are the first 30 that were stored in the basic box. You can rearrange them while on the Premium Plan, so ensure the Pokémon you want to keep in there are there before you downgrade.
4. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME on the Basic Plan?
Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME even with the Basic Plan, but they will count towards your 30-Pokémon limit.
5. What happens to items held by Pokémon when transferred to Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon can be deposited into Pokémon HOME, but any item the Pokémon was holding will be put into your Bag. This is a key difference compared to the main series games.
6. Can I transfer hacked Pokémon to Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon HOME has detection methods for hacked Pokémon. While it might catch some that slipped through Pokémon Bank, it’s unlikely to allow obviously hacked Pokémon to be transferred and traded.
7. Why can’t I transfer certain Pokémon from Pokémon GO?
Certain Pokémon, such as Spinda, favorited Pokémon, Buddy Pokémon, Pokémon defending Gyms, costumed Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, and Mega-Evolved Pokémon, cannot be directly transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME.
8. Is Pokémon HOME Premium worth the cost?
If you’re a serious Pokémon collector, breeder, or trader, the Premium Plan is definitely worth the cost due to the significantly increased storage space and additional features. If you’re a casual player, the Basic Plan might suffice.
9. Can two people use the same Pokémon HOME account?
No, Pokémon HOME can only be linked to one Nintendo Account at a time.
10. Can I close Pokémon HOME during a transfer?
No, do not shut off either Pokemon Bank or Pokemon Home while the transfer is in progress.
11. Are Mythical Pokémon tradable in Pokémon HOME?
Mythical Pokémon are intentionally made harder to trade to maintain their rarity and value. Some trading methods might still allow it, but generally, they are more restricted.
12. What happens if I complete the National Pokédex in Pokémon HOME?
Completing the National Pokédex in Pokémon HOME rewards you with an Original Color Magearna, a unique and rare form of Magearna.
13. Why aren’t my Pokémon showing up in the Pokédex on the mobile version of Pokémon HOME?
Try clearing the cache of the Pokémon HOME app on your mobile device. This often resolves issues with data synchronization.
14. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Sleep to Pokémon HOME?
Currently, there is no way to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Sleep to Pokémon HOME. Pokémon captured in Pokémon Sleep are limited to that specific app.
15. Can I get banned for having hacked Pokémon in Pokémon HOME?
Game Freak doesn’t punish you for unknowingly obtaining hacked Pokémon, they just filter out the obvious ones.
Conclusion
While your Pokémon won’t vanish into thin air the moment your Premium Plan expires, it’s essential to understand the limitations of the Basic Plan and act accordingly. Prioritize your storage, renew promptly, and stay informed to ensure the safety and accessibility of your Pokémon collection. Remember, a proactive approach is always the best defense against potential data loss. And for those interested in learning more about the educational aspects of gaming, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.