Will My Pokémon Get Deleted from Pokémon HOME? The Ultimate Guide
The short answer is: No, your Pokémon will not be deleted from Pokémon HOME just because your Premium Plan expires. Unlike the now-defunct Pokémon Bank, Pokémon HOME operates under a different model. However, there are crucial nuances you need to understand to ensure the safety and accessibility of your digital pocket monsters.
Let’s dive deep into what happens when your Pokémon HOME subscription lapses and explore related concerns, offering you a comprehensive guide to navigating this popular cloud service.
Understanding Pokémon HOME’s Storage System
Pokémon HOME is essentially a cloud-based storage and management system for your Pokémon. It connects to various Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, allowing you to transfer Pokémon between compatible titles. The service offers two tiers: a Basic (free) plan and a Premium (paid) plan.
The Basic plan offers limited storage – enough for only 30 Pokémon. The Premium plan, on the other hand, provides significantly expanded storage capacity, allowing you to store up to 6,000 Pokémon. This is where the potential for confusion arises when your subscription ends.
What Happens When Your Premium Plan Expires?
When your Pokémon HOME Premium Plan expires, your account reverts to the Basic Plan. This means a few key changes take effect:
- Limited Access: You can only access the first 30 Pokémon stored in your “Basic Box.” Any Pokémon beyond that number, housed in the Premium boxes, become inaccessible.
- No Deletion: The crucial point is that your Pokémon in the Premium boxes are not deleted. They remain stored on Nintendo’s servers.
- Re-Subscription Required: To regain access to all your Pokémon, you must re-enroll in the Premium Plan. Upon renewal, all your previously stored Pokémon will become accessible again.
In essence, think of it as putting your extra Pokémon into storage. They’re still yours, but you can’t get to them until you pay the storage fee (re-subscribe). This contrasts with the now discontinued Pokémon Bank on the 3DS, which was confirmed to delete your Pokémon after an unspecified period of inactivity following subscription expiry.
Pokémon HOME: Safety, Hacking, and Other Concerns
While Pokémon HOME provides a convenient way to store and transfer Pokémon, it also raises questions about data security, hacking, and the use of “genned” (artificially created) or cloned Pokémon.
Safety of Your Pokémon
Pokémon HOME stores your data on Nintendo’s servers, meaning your Pokémon are generally safe from local data loss issues like a corrupted game cartridge or a broken Nintendo Switch. However, no online service is entirely immune to potential breaches or unforeseen issues. It’s wise to keep this in mind and understand that while unlikely, there’s always a small risk associated with cloud storage.
Dealing with Hacked or Cloned Pokémon
The presence of hacked or cloned Pokémon in Pokémon HOME is a complex issue. While Nintendo actively monitors the service, it’s not always easy to detect these Pokémon, especially if they are skillfully created to appear legitimate.
The consequences of having hacked Pokémon vary:
- Potential Ban: In extreme cases, using blatantly hacked Pokémon in online battles or competitions could result in a ban from those specific events.
- “Bad Eggs”: If Pokémon HOME detects a heavily modified Pokémon, it might convert it into a “Bad Egg,” essentially an unusable placeholder that occupies storage space.
- Deletion (Rare): While rarer in HOME than in previous systems, a flagrantly hacked Pokemon could be deleted.
It’s generally recommended to avoid transferring obviously hacked Pokémon to Pokémon HOME. If you’re unsure about a Pokémon’s legitimacy, it’s best to keep it offline or release it to be safe.
Transfer Restrictions
Certain Pokémon cannot be transferred to or from Pokémon HOME due to compatibility issues or specific game restrictions. For example:
- Special Forms: Partner Pikachu, Partner Eevee, and fused forms of Necrozma, Kyurem, and Calyrex often have transfer restrictions.
- Game-Specific Restrictions: Some Gigantamax Pokémon cannot be transferred from Pokémon HOME to certain games like Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl.
Always check the official Pokémon HOME documentation and game compatibility lists before attempting to transfer Pokémon to avoid encountering errors.
FAQs: Pokémon HOME and Pokémon Storage
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Pokémon HOME and related issues:
FAQ 1: How long will my Pokémon stay in Pokémon HOME if my subscription expires?
Your Pokémon will remain in Pokémon HOME indefinitely. You just won’t be able to access any beyond the 30 stored in your basic box until you renew your Premium Plan.
FAQ 2: What happens to my Pokémon if I don’t renew Pokémon HOME?
You can only view and withdraw the first 30 Pokémon you deposited. The rest remain stored but inaccessible.
FAQ 3: Do you lose your Pokémon if Pokébank expires?
Yes. Unlike Pokemon Home, Pokémon Bank will delete your Pokemon after a time if your subscription expires. The time period for this is unspecific.
FAQ 4: How many Pokémon can I store in Pokémon HOME with the Basic Plan?
You can store a maximum of 30 Pokémon with the Basic Plan.
FAQ 5: Why can I only store 30 Pokémon in Pokémon HOME without paying?
The Basic Plan is a free, limited-storage option. The Premium Plan offers expanded storage as a paid service.
FAQ 6: Can I get banned for putting hacked Pokémon in Pokémon HOME?
It’s unlikely for minor infractions. However, using blatantly hacked Pokémon in online battles or competitions can lead to a ban from those specific events.
FAQ 7: What happens if you put a hacked Pokémon in Pokémon HOME?
It could be flagged as a “Bad Egg” or, in rarer cases, deleted.
FAQ 8: Will my Pokémon stay in a gym forever in Pokémon GO?
No. A Pokémon will stay in a gym until its motivation reaches zero or it is defeated by another trainer.
FAQ 9: What Pokémon are not allowed in Pokémon HOME?
Certain special forms and game-specific Pokémon may have transfer restrictions. Check official compatibility lists for details.
FAQ 10: Are hacked Pokémon illegal?
Officially, yes. Using illegally obtained Pokémon in official competitions can result in disqualifications and bans.
FAQ 11: Do you get 100 coins if your Pokémon is in a gym for 2 days in Pokemon GO?
No, you can only get a maximum of 50 coins per day in Pokemon Go, regardless of how long your Pokémon has been defending a Gym.
FAQ 12: Can you earn more than 50 PokéCoins a day in Pokemon GO?
No. The daily limit for earned PokéCoins from Gym defense is 50.
FAQ 13: Can Pokemon home detect clones?
Pokémon Home can detect clones. Any Pokemon that has been uploaded as a clone may be deleted.
FAQ 14: How do I stop paying for Pokémon HOME?
You can cancel your subscription through your device’s app store settings.
FAQ 15: Should I use Pokémon HOME?
If you play multiple Pokémon games and want to easily manage and transfer your Pokémon, Pokémon HOME is an essential resource.
Conclusion: Managing Your Digital Pokémon Collection
Pokémon HOME offers a convenient way to store and transfer your Pokémon across different games. While your Pokémon won’t be deleted simply because your Premium Plan expires, understanding the limitations of the Basic Plan is crucial. By staying informed about transfer restrictions, the risks associated with hacked Pokémon, and the service’s overall mechanics, you can ensure the safety and accessibility of your valuable digital collection. Remember to check out Games Learning Society for more information about gaming and education. You can visit their website via this link: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. With careful management, Pokémon HOME can be a valuable tool for any serious Pokémon trainer.