Will Pokémon Bank Still Work After the 3DS eShop Closes? Your Comprehensive Guide
Yes, Pokémon Bank will still work even after the Nintendo 3DS eShop closed its doors on March 27, 2023. However, there are some crucial nuances and details you need to know to ensure you can safeguard and transfer your beloved Pokémon. This guide is your one-stop resource for understanding the post-eShop landscape of Pokémon Bank and its related services.
Understanding the Pokémon Bank Landscape After the eShop Shutdown
The initial panic surrounding the eShop closure was understandable. For many, Pokémon Bank represented not just a storage solution, but a vital bridge connecting older Pokémon games to the modern era. Thankfully, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company recognized this and implemented a solution: Pokémon Bank became free to use after the eShop’s closure.
This means you can deposit, withdraw, and transfer Pokémon between compatible games without needing an active subscription. However, downloading the application is no longer possible. If you didn’t download Pokémon Bank and its essential companion app, Poké Transporter, before the eShop shut down, you are unfortunately out of luck.
The closure also affected Poké Transporter in some unexpected ways. Originally intended to go free with Pokémon Bank, reports suggest that Poké Transporter will only work if you had an active pass for Pokemon Bank. Meaning, if you are using it for the first time, the application will not work.
While Pokémon Bank continues to function, it’s important to remember that its lifespan is not indefinite. The Pokémon Company has stated that while the service remains online, it may be discontinued at a later date. This makes transferring your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME a priority.
Migrating to Pokémon HOME: The Long-Term Solution
Pokémon HOME is the current, actively supported cloud-based storage service. It’s designed to be the central hub for your Pokémon across various games and platforms. The process of migrating Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME involves using the 3DS to transfer your Pokémon to the Pokémon HOME cloud, and then accessing them on the Nintendo Switch or mobile app.
Here’s the general process:
- Ensure you have a Nintendo Account and Pokémon HOME set up: You’ll need an active Nintendo Account linked to both your 3DS (via Nintendo Network ID – NNID) and your Nintendo Switch/mobile device.
- Download Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch or mobile device.
- Link your Nintendo Account to Pokémon HOME.
- Open Pokémon Bank on your 3DS and select the “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME” option.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to generate a moving key. This key is a unique code that allows Pokémon HOME to connect to your Pokémon Bank data.
- Enter the moving key in Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch or mobile device.
- Transfer your Pokémon. This process can take a considerable amount of time depending on the number of Pokémon you’re transferring.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Start the transfer process sooner rather than later. With the potential for Pokémon Bank to be discontinued in the future, procrastination could lead to losing your Pokémon.
- Make sure your 3DS is fully charged before starting the transfer process. A power outage during the transfer could corrupt your data.
- Understand the limitations of Pokémon HOME. Not all Pokémon can be transferred to every game. Check the compatibility charts on the official Pokémon HOME website.
- Be patient. The transfer process can be slow, especially with large collections of Pokémon.
- Double-check your boxes before transferring. Make sure you’ve organized your Pokémon and transferred everything you intend to.
Games Learning Society and the Preservation of Gaming History
The story of Pokémon Bank and the 3DS eShop closure highlights the importance of preserving gaming history and making games accessible. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) are dedicated to understanding how games can be used for education and cultural preservation. Preserving access to services like Pokémon Bank, even after the associated hardware fades, is crucial for maintaining a connection to gaming’s rich past and ensuring that future generations can experience these games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I still download Pokémon Bank or Poké Transporter?
No. As of March 27, 2023, it is no longer possible to download Pokémon Bank or Poké Transporter from the Nintendo eShop.
2. Is Pokémon Bank free now?
Yes, Pokémon Bank is free to use. No subscription is required to deposit, withdraw, or transfer Pokémon.
3. What happens if I didn’t download Pokémon Bank before the eShop closed?
Unfortunately, if you didn’t download Pokémon Bank before the eShop closed, you cannot obtain it now. There is no workaround.
4. Will Pokémon Bank be available indefinitely?
No, while Pokémon Bank is currently still online, The Pokémon Company has stated that it may be discontinued at a later date. This makes migrating to Pokémon HOME a priority.
5. What games are compatible with Pokémon Bank?
Pokémon Bank is compatible with:
- Pokémon X
- Pokémon Y
- Pokémon Omega Ruby
- Pokémon Alpha Sapphire
- Pokémon Sun
- Pokémon Moon
- Pokémon Ultra Sun
- Pokémon Ultra Moon
6. What is Poké Transporter?
Poké Transporter is a companion app to Pokémon Bank that allows you to transfer Pokémon from older Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS games to Pokémon Bank.
7. Which games are compatible with Poké Transporter?
Poké Transporter is compatible with:
- Pokémon Black
- Pokémon White
- Pokémon Black 2
- Pokémon White 2
- Pokémon Dream Radar
- Virtual Console releases of Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow
8. How do I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME?
You need a Nintendo Account linked to both your 3DS (via Nintendo Network ID) and your Nintendo Switch/mobile device. Open Pokémon Bank on your 3DS, select “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME,” generate a moving key, and then enter the moving key in Pokémon HOME.
9. Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use Pokémon HOME?
No, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required to use the basic features of Pokémon HOME, including transferring Pokémon from Pokémon Bank. However, a Premium Plan offers additional features like storing more Pokémon.
10. What happens if I lose my 3DS?
If you linked a Nintendo Network ID to your lost 3DS, you might be able to unlink it and link it to a new 3DS to redownload your previously purchased software (if you had downloaded Pokemon Bank). However, this won’t help you if you never downloaded Pokémon Bank in the first place.
11. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Bank?
No, you cannot directly transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Bank. You can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME.
12. What happens if I transfer hacked Pokémon to Pokémon Bank or Pokémon HOME?
While Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME have measures to detect illegitimate Pokémon, it’s best to avoid transferring them. Detected Pokémon will likely be blocked from transfer.
13. Can I have two 3DS systems with the same Nintendo Network ID?
No, you cannot link the same Nintendo Network ID to multiple 3DS systems simultaneously.
14. What happens if I don’t pay for Pokémon HOME Premium Plan?
If you don’t pay for the Premium Plan, you will be limited to storing a maximum of 30 Pokémon in Pokémon HOME. You can still transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank, but you will need to upgrade to the Premium Plan to store more than 30.
15. Is it still worth transferring my Pokémon to Pokémon Bank if I don’t have Pokémon HOME yet?
Yes! Even if you don’t have Pokémon HOME set up right now, transferring your Pokémon to Pokémon Bank is still a good idea. It gets your Pokémon out of the older games and into a centralized location, making them ready for the eventual transfer to Pokémon HOME when you are ready. Just remember to prioritize the transfer to Pokémon HOME soon.
In conclusion, while the eShop closure brought significant changes, Pokémon Bank remains a functional tool for Pokémon enthusiasts. However, the clock is ticking. Prioritize migrating your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME to ensure their safety and accessibility for years to come.