Will Pokémon Bank Expire? The Definitive Guide
The short answer is: no, Pokémon Bank will not expire in the sense that it will suddenly shut down and vanish for existing users. While its era of paid subscriptions and new downloads has ended, it continues to function as a free service for those who had already downloaded it before the Nintendo eShop closed on March 27, 2023. However, there are nuances to understand, and this guide will walk you through them. Let’s delve into the details.
Understanding the Pokémon Bank Transition
The fate of Pokémon Bank is intertwined with the sunsetting of the Nintendo 3DS eShop. Nintendo made the decision to discontinue support for the eShop, meaning no new purchases or downloads were allowed after the aforementioned date. This had a significant impact on Pokémon Bank, but not in the way many initially feared.
Prior to the closure, Pokémon Bank operated on a subscription model, requiring an annual fee for use. With the eShop gone, this model was no longer viable. Nintendo responded by making the service completely free for existing users. This means that if you had already downloaded Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter before the cutoff date, you can continue to use them without any charges.
The key takeaway is that Pokémon Bank transitioned from a paid service to a free one. While you can no longer download it if you didn’t already, the service itself remains operational for those who did. There is no announced end date for this free service.
The Importance of Pokémon HOME
While Pokémon Bank continues to function, its primary purpose has shifted. It now serves largely as a bridge to Pokémon HOME, the cloud-based storage service for the Nintendo Switch. Pokémon HOME is the future of Pokémon storage and transfer, offering compatibility with newer titles.
If your ultimate goal is to have your Pokémon available in the latest games, you’ll need to transfer them from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME. This is a one-way transfer, so choose wisely! Once your Pokémon are in Pokémon HOME, they can be moved to compatible Nintendo Switch games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pokémon Bank
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the situation surrounding Pokémon Bank and its future:
1. Can I still download Pokémon Bank?
No. Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter are no longer available for download from the Nintendo eShop. The deadline to download the app was March 27, 2023.
2. Is Pokémon Bank completely free now?
Yes. If you downloaded Pokémon Bank before the eShop closure, it is now free to use. You no longer need to pay any subscription fees.
3. Will my Pokémon disappear if I don’t transfer them to Pokémon HOME immediately?
As of now, there is no announced end date for the free Pokémon Bank service. Therefore, your Pokémon should remain safe in Pokémon Bank. However, it’s always recommended to transfer them to Pokémon HOME as soon as possible for long-term security and access.
4. What happens if I didn’t download Pokémon Bank before the eShop closed?
Unfortunately, if you didn’t download Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter before the Nintendo eShop closed, you cannot download them now. You will not be able to access the service.
5. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Yes, but indirectly. You must first transfer your Pokémon from Pokémon Bank (on the 3DS) to Pokémon HOME. Then, you can move them from Pokémon HOME to Pokémon Sword and Shield (or other compatible Nintendo Switch games).
6. Does Pokémon HOME also cost money?
Pokémon HOME offers both a free Basic Plan and a paid Premium Plan. The Basic Plan has limited storage and features, while the Premium Plan unlocks all features and allows you to store up to 6,000 Pokémon.
7. How many Pokémon can Pokémon Bank hold?
Pokémon Bank can hold up to 3,000 Pokémon. It provides 100 Boxes, each capable of storing 30 Pokémon.
8. What is a “Moving Key” and how do I use it?
A Moving Key is a temporary code generated by Pokémon HOME that you enter into Pokémon Bank to initiate the transfer process. It’s a security measure to ensure only you can move your Pokémon. You’ll find the option to generate this code within the Pokémon HOME app.
9. What happens to my Pokémon in Pokémon HOME if my Premium Plan expires?
If your Pokémon HOME Premium Plan expires, you will be limited to the Basic Plan’s storage capacity of 30 Pokémon. The remaining Pokémon will still be stored on the server, but you won’t be able to access them until you renew your Premium Plan.
10. Can I transfer Pokémon back from Pokémon HOME to Pokémon Bank?
No. The transfer process from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME is one-way. You cannot move Pokémon back to Pokémon Bank once they are in Pokémon HOME.
11. What happens to hacked Pokémon transferred to Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon HOME has systems in place to detect illegitimate or hacked Pokémon. These Pokémon may become “Bad Eggs” and occupy space in your Pokémon HOME storage or may be removed from the system entirely. Be cautious when transferring Pokémon you’re unsure about.
12. Does Pokémon Bank save to the SD card?
Yes, the Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter applications are saved to your 3DS’s SD card. However, they are also linked to your Nintendo Network ID, preventing access from multiple consoles without a system transfer.
13. Is it worth using Pokémon Bank now that it’s free?
If you have Pokémon stored in older 3DS games and want to transfer them to newer Nintendo Switch titles via Pokémon HOME, then absolutely. Pokémon Bank is the necessary bridge to facilitate this transfer.
14. What should I do if I encounter errors while using Pokémon Bank?
Ensure your 3DS is connected to the internet and that your Nintendo Network ID is properly linked. If issues persist, check the official Nintendo support website for troubleshooting guides or contact their customer service.
15. Where can I learn more about games and education?
You can explore the intersection of gaming and education through organizations like the Games Learning Society. Check out their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org to discover research, resources, and insights on how games can be used for learning and development.
Conclusion
While the landscape of Pokémon storage and transfer has evolved, Pokémon Bank remains a valuable tool for those looking to bring their Pokémon from older generations to the modern era. While the Nintendo eShop is closed, the service continues without an expiration date for pre-existing users who want to transfer to Pokémon Home. Remember to act sooner rather than later to secure your digital friends and move them to the Nintendo Switch!