Will Pokémon Bank Still Work After March 2023? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, Pokémon Bank will still work after March 2023. However, there are crucial details to understand to ensure you can continue accessing and utilizing this essential service for transferring your beloved Pokémon from older generation games. The key change is that Pokémon Bank became free to use following the closure of the Nintendo 3DS eShop on March 27, 2023. This means you no longer need a paid subscription to access its features, which are invaluable for players wishing to preserve their Pokémon legacies. Let’s dive deep into what this means for you and your digital companions.
Understanding the Shift: From Paid Service to Free Access
Prior to March 2023, Pokémon Bank operated on a subscription model, requiring an annual fee to store and transfer Pokémon from compatible Nintendo 3DS titles like Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon. The app allowed players to store up to 3,000 Pokémon across 100 Boxes, each holding 30 creatures. This provided a convenient and vital service for those invested in breeding, collecting shinies, or simply holding onto Pokémon with sentimental value.
With the eventual closure of the 3DS eShop, Nintendo made the welcome decision to make Pokémon Bank free for all users who had previously downloaded the application. This was a significant win for the Pokémon community, allowing players to continue using the service without additional cost, preserving their hard-earned collections. It’s a nod to the importance of preserving digital history, something the GamesLearningSociety.org often explores in the context of game preservation.
The Importance of Poké Transporter
Crucially, Poké Transporter plays a vital role in the Pokémon Bank ecosystem. This companion application allows you to transfer Pokémon from older generations, specifically Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2, to Pokémon Bank. These games are not directly compatible with Pokémon Bank, so Poké Transporter acts as a bridge, facilitating the transfer to your Bank account.
Keep in mind that, like Pokémon Bank, Poké Transporter is no longer available for download from the 3DS eShop after March 27, 2023. However, if you downloaded it previously, you can still re-download it and use it to transfer Pokémon to Pokémon Bank. This is essential if you have Pokémon stored in these older generation games that you want to bring into newer titles.
Transferring Pokémon to Pokémon HOME
Pokémon Bank acts as an intermediary step in getting your Pokémon to the Nintendo Switch games. To truly move your Pokémon into the modern era, you need to utilize the Pokémon HOME service. Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based service available on the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, designed to be a central hub for all your Pokémon from various games.
To transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME, you need a Premium Plan for Pokémon HOME. This is a paid subscription service. Once you have a Premium Plan, the transfer process is straightforward:
- Open Pokémon Bank on your Nintendo 3DS.
- Update Pokemon Bank, make sure it’s up to date.
- Select “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Open Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch.
- Select “Move” and follow the instructions, using the Moving Key generated by Pokémon Bank.
This will transfer all the Pokémon in your Pokémon Bank account to Pokémon HOME, where you can then move them to compatible Nintendo Switch games like Pokémon Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, Scarlet, and Violet. It’s important to note which games are compatible as not all Pokémon can be transferred to every Switch title.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the process is generally smooth, some users might encounter issues. One common problem is error codes. Error code 006-0811 typically indicates that the service is temporarily unavailable due to maintenance. Check the Nintendo network status page for updates.
Another potential issue arises if you have multiple Nintendo Network IDs. It is crucial that the Nintendo Account linked to Pokémon HOME is the same as the one used to download Pokémon Bank on your 3DS.
Preserving Your Pokémon Legacy
Ultimately, Pokémon Bank continuing to function after the closure of the 3DS eShop represents a commitment to preserving the history of the franchise. It allows players to maintain their collections and relive their Pokémon adventures across generations of games. By understanding the transition to free access and the role of Pokémon HOME, you can continue to cherish and utilize your cherished Pokémon for years to come. For more insights into game preservation and the evolving landscape of digital gaming, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Pokémon Bank completely free now?
Yes, Pokémon Bank is free to use after the Nintendo 3DS eShop closed on March 27, 2023. You no longer need a paid subscription to access its features.
2. Do I need a Pokémon HOME subscription to transfer Pokémon from Bank?
Yes, you need a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan subscription to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.
3. Can I download Pokémon Bank or Poké Transporter now?
No, you cannot download Pokémon Bank or Poké Transporter if you did not download them before the 3DS eShop closure on March 27, 2023. If you had them previously downloaded, you can re-download them.
4. Will Pokémon Bank ever stop working?
There is no currently announced end date for the Pokémon Bank service. Nintendo has stated it will remain available “for the foreseeable future.”
5. How many Pokémon can Pokémon Bank hold?
Pokémon Bank can hold up to 3,000 Pokémon, with 100 Boxes, each storing 30 Pokémon.
6. Which 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, and Pokémon Ultra Moon.
7. How do I transfer Pokémon from older games like Black and White?
You need to use Poké Transporter to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2 to Pokémon Bank.
8. What happens if I never downloaded Poké Transporter?
Unfortunately, if you never downloaded Poké Transporter before the eShop closure, you cannot download it now. This means you cannot transfer Pokémon from the Gen 5 games (Black, White, Black 2, and White 2).
9. What is error code 006-0811?
Error code 006-0811 indicates that the service is temporarily unavailable due to maintenance. Check the Nintendo network status page for updates.
10. Can I use the same Nintendo Account on multiple 3DS systems?
No, you cannot link the same Nintendo Network account to multiple 3DS systems simultaneously.
11. Will I lose my digital games when the eShop closes?
No, if you already own a digital game on the 3DS, you can re-download it “for the foreseeable future” even after the eShop closes.
12. What Switch games can I transfer my Pokémon to from Pokémon HOME?
You can transfer to compatible Nintendo Switch games like Pokémon Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, Scarlet, and Violet. Note that compatibility varies, and not all Pokémon can be transferred to every Switch title.
13. Do I have to transfer all my Pokémon from Bank to HOME at once?
Yes, the transfer process moves all Pokémon at once from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.
14. What happens to my Pokémon if I don’t pay for Pokémon HOME?
If you don’t pay for Pokémon HOME, you are limited to a certain number of Pokémon that you can store there. After a period without renewal, they are deleted. The faqs page on their website says: If your trial pass or annual pass expires and you do not purchase a new pass, you can still withdraw your Pokémon from Pokémon Bank for a set period of time.
15. Can I transfer my Pokémon without Pokémon Bank and HOME?
Without Pokémon Bank and HOME, there is no direct way to transfer Pokémon between incompatible generations of games (e.g., from a Game Boy Advance game to a Nintendo Switch game).