Will Pokémon Bank End?
The Pokémon Bank will not be shut down immediately, as Nintendo has announced that it will remain online even after the 3DS online functionality is discontinued in April 2024, allowing players to continue transferring Pokémon from their old 3DS games. However, it is possible that Pokémon Bank may still be discontinued at a later date, and players are advised to transfer their Pokémon to Pokémon Home to ensure their safety.
Introduction to Pokémon Bank
The Pokémon Bank is a valuable service for Pokémon trainers, providing a convenient way to store and transfer Pokémon between different games. With the impending shutdown of 3DS online services, many players are wondering what will happen to Pokémon Bank and how it will affect their Pokémon collections.
Will Pokémon Bank Remain Online?
Nintendo has confirmed that Pokémon Bank will remain online after the 3DS online services shutdown, but it may be discontinued at a later date. This means that players can continue to use Pokémon Bank to transfer Pokémon between games, but they should be prepared for the possibility that the service may not be available forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Pokémon Bank shutting down in 2023?
No, Pokémon Bank is not shutting down in 2023, and it will remain online after the 3DS online services shutdown in April 2024.
Q2: Can I still use Pokémon Bank after the eShop closes?
Yes, you can still use Pokémon Bank after the eShop closes, as long as you have already downloaded the service and have a Nintendo account.
Q3: What happens if I don’t pay for Pokémon Bank?
If you don’t pay for Pokémon Bank, you will not be able to access your stored Pokémon after a certain period, and they may be lost forever.
Q4: Can I get banned from Pokémon Bank?
Yes, you can get banned from Pokémon Bank if you violate Nintendo’s terms of service, but this is unlikely to happen for minor infractions.
Q5: Is Pokémon Bank free to use?
Yes, Pokémon Bank is now free to use, following the discontinuation of the Nintendo eShop service for the 3DS.
Q6: Can I still download games after the eShop closes?
Yes, you can still download games and DLC that you have previously purchased after the eShop closes, but you will not be able to make new purchases.
Q7: What is the difference between Pokémon Home and Pokémon Bank?
Pokémon Home is the next generation of Pokémon storage, allowing for more features and compatibility with Nintendo Switch games, while Pokémon Bank is limited to 3DS games.
Q8: Can I use Pokémon Bank without a 3DS?
No, you need a 3DS to use Pokémon Bank, as it is specifically designed for 3DS games.
Q9: How do I download Pokémon Transporter after the eShop closes?
You will not be able to download Pokémon Transporter after the eShop closes, so you need to download it before the shutdown if you want to use it.
Q10: Can Pokémon Bank detect hacked Pokémon?
Yes, Pokémon Bank has some detection methods to prevent hacked Pokémon from being transferred, but it is not foolproof.
Q11: Will I lose my Pokémon if Pokémon Bank shuts down?
Yes, if Pokémon Bank shuts down, you may lose access to your stored Pokémon if you have not transferred them to another service like Pokémon Home.
Q12: Can I close Pokémon Home while transferring Pokémon?
No, you should not close Pokémon Home while transferring Pokémon, as this may interrupt the transfer process and result in lost Pokémon.
Q13: Do I have to pay for Pokémon Home?
No, you don’t have to pay for Pokémon Home, as it offers a free plan with limited features, but you can upgrade to a premium plan for more storage and features.
Q14: What is the point of Pokémon Bank?
The main point of Pokémon Bank is to allow Pokémon trainers to store and transfer Pokémon between different games, making it easier to manage their collections.
Q15: Is eShop money refundable?
No, eShop money is not refundable, and any unused balance will remain on your Nintendo account, but you will not be able to use it to make new purchases after the eShop closes.