Will Pokémon Bank be Free in 2023? A Deep Dive into Pokémon Storage and Transfers
Yes, Pokémon Bank is indeed free since March 27, 2023. The Pokémon Company made this move in conjunction with the closure of the Nintendo 3DS eShop. This allows players to transfer their Pokémon from older 3DS titles to Pokémon HOME without incurring any additional costs for the Bank service itself. However, keep in mind that you might still need a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan depending on how many Pokémon you intend to transfer. Let’s delve into the details and address some frequently asked questions about this important change in the Pokémon ecosystem.
Pokémon Bank: A Necessary Stepping Stone
For years, Pokémon Bank served as a critical tool for Pokémon trainers looking to preserve and transfer their beloved creatures from older 3DS games like Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon. Before the introduction of Pokémon HOME, Pokémon Bank was the only way to bridge the gap between generations, allowing you to keep your team with you as you moved to new adventures. This was particularly important for those who invested countless hours breeding, training, and bonding with their Pokémon. The decision to make it free ensured that no Pokémon were left behind as Nintendo transitioned away from 3DS online services.
The Shift to Pokémon HOME
The Pokémon Company introduced Pokémon HOME as the successor to Pokémon Bank, expanding the compatibility to include Pokémon GO, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, and Pokémon Sword and Shield, as well as the latest games in the series. It functions as a centralized cloud-based service for storing all your Pokémon across various games. While Pokémon Bank was primarily focused on transferring Pokémon between 3DS games, Pokémon HOME is designed to be the long-term storage solution for the entire franchise moving forward. It also provides additional features, such as trading with other players online and completing challenges.
Navigating the Transfer Process
The process of transferring Pokémon from Bank to HOME involves a few steps. First, make sure you have both Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME downloaded on your respective devices. Then, within Pokémon Bank, select the option to “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME”. This will generate a moving key, which you will then input into Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch or mobile device. This connects your Pokémon Bank account to Pokémon HOME and allows you to begin the transfer. While the Pokémon Bank service itself is now free, keep in mind that transferring a large number of Pokémon may require a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan.
3DS Online Services Discontinuation
It’s crucial to remember that Nintendo 3DS online services were discontinued in April 2024. While Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter remained operational for a period beyond that date, the window to utilize these services is closing. The GamesLearningSociety.org explores various aspects of game-based learning and engagement, showcasing how games like Pokémon can foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It’s highly recommended to transfer your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME as soon as possible to ensure they are not lost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you still use Pokemon Bank after 2023?
Yes, Pokémon Bank could be used beyond 2023, but with the 3DS online services discontinuing in April 2024, it’s vital to transfer your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME as soon as possible. While Bank was functional for a period after the 3DS online services shutdown, that window is closing, making immediate transfer essential.
2. Will you be able to use Pokemon Bank for free?
Yes, Pokémon Bank is available at no cost to players since March 27, 2023, coinciding with the closure of the Nintendo 3DS eShop.
3. Why was Pokebank made free?
Pokébank was made free to facilitate the transition of Pokémon from the 3DS to Pokémon HOME after the closure of the 3DS eShop. This allowed players to move their Pokémon without additional costs.
4. When can I no longer use Pokemon Bank?
While there’s no definite date given yet, given the discontinuation of 3DS online services in April 2024, it’s advised to transfer your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME as soon as possible. While Bank remained active for some time after the initial shutdown, it won’t be functional indefinitely.
5. How to Transfer Pokemon from Bank to Pokemon HOME?
To transfer:
- Download both Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME.
- Open Pokémon Bank and select “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME”.
- Generate a moving key.
- Open Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch and enter the moving key.
- Begin the transfer.
6. Will Pokémon Bank be free after eShop closes?
Yes, Pokémon Bank is free after the eShop closed. If you downloaded the Pokémon Bank app before the eShop closed, you can now start using it completely for free and even move your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME.
7. What happens if I don’t pay for Pokémon Bank?
Since Pokémon Bank is now free, this question is largely irrelevant. Previously, if your pass expired without renewal, you had a grace period to withdraw your Pokémon before they were permanently lost.
8. How do I transfer money from Pokémon Bank to Pokemon Home for free?
You cannot directly transfer money. Pokémon HOME searches for a Pokémon Bank account under the same Nintendo Account, and if it finds one, it transfers your Pokémon. The Pokémon Bank service itself is free, but a HOME Premium Plan may be needed depending on the number of Pokémon you plan to transfer.
9. How do I transfer Pokemon from 3DS to switch for free?
- Open Pokémon Bank on your 3DS.
- Select the Boxes you want to move to Pokémon HOME.
- Press the Y Button, then Yes.
- Within three minutes (before the Moving Key expires), enter the Moving Key that was displayed on Nintendo Switch’s Pokémon HOME.
10. Is Pokemon Home free on switch?
Pokémon HOME has a free Basic Plan and a paid Premium Plan. The Basic Plan has limited storage and features, while the Premium Plan offers more storage space and additional functionalities.
11. Will Pokémon Bank become free on 3DS?
Yes, Pokémon Bank is usable at no cost since the discontinuation of Nintendo eShop service for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
12. Will Pokémon Bank go offline?
While Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter remained operational for a period beyond the discontinuation of 3DS online services in Spring 2024, it’s vital to transfer your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME as soon as possible. No specific timeline has been given, so the window for transferring Pokémon is closing.
13. Can you download poke transporter without paying for Pokémon Bank?
Yes, as Pokémon Bank is now free, you can download Poke Transporter without any cost. Just download Pokémon Bank from the eShop, and Poke Transporter will be available from within the Pokémon Bank app.
14. How much does it cost to transfer Pokemon from bank to home?
Transferring Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME requires a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan, which costs $2.99 for one month (30 days), $4.99 for three months (90 days), and $15.99 for one year (365 days). However, the Pokémon Bank service itself is free.
15. What is the difference between Pokémon Bank and home?
Pokemon Bank is only for 3DS handheld Pokemon rpg main games. Pokemon Home is for Pokemon Bank, Pokemon Go, Pokemon Let’s Go, Pokemon Sword and Shield, and more. Pokemon Home is the next generation of pokemon storage, intended for the Nintendo Switch Pokemon players.