Introduction:
In this guide, I will be showing you how to transfer your favorite monsters from each of the core series games from Generation I all the way to Generation VIII. It is a long process, but once you have them, it will most definitely be worth the trouble. I will also be adding info about spin-off games as well as the various Pokemon you can obtain from them!
Generation I
Virtual Console Games:
To transfer Pokemon from the Virtual Console (VC) games, you need to use the Poke Transporter and have Pokemon within your VC game. It will show the VC games you have on your 3DS system within the Transporter app. I will use Crystal as the example. Upon opening the app, it will say "Use this game." Wait while it connects. Once the app connects to your VC game, it will give you the warnings that Pokemon cannot be sent back and Pokemon that are holding items can't be moved. It will then say "Would you like to move this box?". Select yes on the bottom screen. A cool quirk with the VC games is that all of the Pokemon, if they have Hidden Abilities (HA), will have a HA when brought from the VC games. For example, Lugia, whose normal ability is Pressure, will have Multiscale!
After you have moved your Pokemon from the VC game into Pokemon Bank (the Transporter app will automatically place your Pokemon into Bank), select Pokemon Bank and have a Generation VII game, such as Sun or Moon, inserted into the slot. Select "Use Pokemon Bank" and then select "Use this game" to continue. Then select "Do not take any Battle Points or Poke Miles." Finally, press the L button to move to the Transporter Box, select your Pokemon, and then save to keep the changes you made!
Within the VC games, you can trade Pokemon via the Time Capsule. It can be found on the second floor of any Pokémon Center. The process is done through the VC menu on the lower screen, in which players can establish connections though a hosting system. In order to have it fully functional, the player must first have met Bill in Ecruteak City and waited 24 hours in the game's internal clock.
The restrictions to trading between Generation I and II are the following:
Due to the lack of natures in Generations I and II, you can actually control the nature you get upon import into a later game by manipulating the amount of experience you have upon import, as shown here.
Generation III
Spin-off games:
These are the games that encompass Generation III, and you can trade Pokemon from the spin-off games to one of the core series, such as Emerald; you can go in reverse too. In order to get a Pokemon from either XD or Colosseum, you would need an item called the GameCube - Game Boy Advance Link Cable. To trade between RSE and FRLG, you also need the GBA Link Cable. The GBA Wireless Adapter can also be used to trade between FRLG and Emerald but cannot be used with Ruby and Sapphire. In order to trade from the GameCube games to a Generation III game, you must be in the post-game of both Colosseum and XD (Phenac City). The core games Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald require you to have entered the Hall of Fame in order to trade with XD. FireRed and LeafGreen require you to complete the Sevii Island side quest before being able to trade Pokemon from the Orre region.
Bonus Disc (ENG)
Exclusive to the English Colosseum Bonus Disc is the ability to obtain the Pokemon Jirachi. This Jirachi can be obtained an infinite number of times so long as the save file that is receiving it has not already used the disc. You will need the Nintendo GameCube - Game Boy Advance Link Cable, an English Ruby or Sapphire, and an empty spot in your party. You do not need to have a physical copy of Pokemon Colosseum to obtain Jirachi.
Bonus Disc (JPN)
Unfortunately, unlike the English Bonus Disc, the Japanese version needs a copy of Pokemon Colosseum in order to obtain the Pokemon Celebi. Another forced requirement is that this save file MUST have all 48 Shadow Pokemon purified. Furthermore, the disc can transfer up to 48 Celebi to any Japanese Game Boy Advance Pokemon game as long as the player has beaten the Elite Four and saved in a Pokémon Center. A Pikachu is also available from the disc.
Pokemon Channel
In this game, you can obtain Jirachi. Despite it being called the "Wish Maker," it won't make any of your real wishes come true, but what it can make true is filling your Pokédex with its entry. Players can send Jirachi to either Ruby or Sapphire. After unlocking the full version of the Pichu Bros in Party Panic, Jirachi will appear and the mini-movie will be shown above a campfire. Due to a bug, this Jirachi can be shiny.
Generation IV
Spin-off games
In order to migrate from Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald to HeartGold or SoulSilver, the player must have visited Fuchsia City (Kanto) at least once and have the National Pokédex. The migrate option will appear on the menu screen whenever the player has a GBA game inserted in the Nintendo DS's GBA slot, regardless of whether you have visited the Pal Park or not.
Please note that your Pokemon MUST not know Hidden Machine (HM) moves to be eligible for import. There is a 6 Pokemon requirement and a 24 hour waiting period when migrating Pokemon to Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum. However, in HeartGold and SoulSilver, that restriction was lifted and you can migrate as much as you want in a single day. But let's say you don't have HeartGold or SoulSilver, is there a way to bypass this restriction? In fact, there is a way you can do so, and I will describe how below.
Pal Park Glitch:
To pull this glitch off you need the following:
To begin this glitch, we will be migrating Pokemon from LeafGreen, and Ruby is the extra cart we will be using to start the glitch. Thanks to Sephirona for the shorthand version of it:
With Pokemon Ranger you can get the Mythical Pokemon Manaphy. It can be obtained through the Ranger Net by holding the following buttons: R, X, and Left. You would also need to have completed the game in order to gain access to the Ranger Net. After that you will need to enter a specific code depending on the region.
These codes in fact still work, but please be warned it can work if and ONLY if the Manaphy code has not been used on the cartridge, as it is a one time deal!
Below are the codes:
In the table below are the other Pokemon Ranger games along with their special Pokemon that you can transfer:
A little side note for the Deoxys Mission: the Deoxys that is encountered can be transferred an infinite number of times, but each of the core games can only receive each of the Deoxys formes once!
In Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia, the Ranger Net does not need to be unlocked, as it is by default, but the missions need to be downloaded and are no longer available.
To transfer from Guardian Signs, select "Ranger Net" and then "Send a Pokemon." It will then bring up a list of the Pokemon you can transfer to any of the Generation IV games! Select the desired Pokemon and have either DPP/HGSS inserted into another DS system, and it will send out a request for a trainer to care for the rescued Pokemon. Select "Mystery Gift" then select "Transmit" to receive the gift, and finally "Get from a friend." On Guardian Signs, select "Transfer" and then "Yes!". Go to any Poké Mart to claim your gift!
Pokemon Ranch:
In Pokemon Ranch, you can get Phione and Mew. Once you get 250 Pokemon on the Ranch, it will expand a level. Hayley will then ask for Leafeon, and once you can bring one over, she will offer Phione. After you get 999 Pokemon in the Ranch, it will expand and jump to level 255, the maximum level. Once this level is obtained, a new Pokemon will be added. Hayley is now asking for any Pokemon Egg, and once you bring it to the Ranch, she will give you Mew.
Battle Revolution:
In Pokemon Battle Revolution, there are a few special Pokemon that you can receive from the game that can be moved to any Generation IV game. Upon the defeat of Poketopia Master Mysterial for the first time, a Pikachu will become available for download in the shop (Battle Revolution in-game shop). This Pikachu will know the following moves: Volt Tackle, Surf, Tail Whip, and Thunder Wave. It will also be holding a Light Ball and is a Hardy nature. In order to transfer Pikachu to Generation IV, you simply go to the DPP or HGSS title menu screen and select the Mystery Gift option.
Electivire:
Electivire, along with the Gold Pass, can be unlocked with the following codes at the "Self-introduction" option in the profile menu. They are case sensitive and only work when exiting the profile menu:
This Electivire will have an Adamant nature and possess the following moves: Thunder Punch, Ice Punch, Cross Chop, and Earthquake. It will be holding the Magnet item.
Magmortar:
Magmortar has the same requirements as Electivire but comes with the Silver Pass instead of the Gold Pass. Please use the following code depending on your region:
Magmortar will have a Modest nature and will be holding the Charcoal item. It will know the following moves: Flamethrower, Psychic, Hyper Beam, and Solar Beam.
Pokewalker
With the Pokewalker you can obtain some rare Pokemon, such as Spiritomb. To transfer Pokemon from the Pokewalker to your HeartGold or SoulSilver game, place the Pokewalker about 2 inches from your game card, facing each other. Select "Connect to Pokewalker" from the main menu of HeartGold or SoulSilver, then click "Receive a Gift" to move the Pokemon you captured during your stroll into your boxes.
Restrictions
There is one unique thing with Generation IV when some Pokemon know HM moves upon transfer to Generation V. For example, Zapdos can learn the HM Defog in Sinnoh but can have it as a normal move in a later Generation. Now normally, you cannot migrate Pokemon that know HMs, but if you trade it to HeartGold or SoulSilver, you can bypass this and move it up anyway! Another instance of this is Drifloon with Defog. It can learn it as an Egg Move starting from Generation V to Generation VII. There are more Pokemon like this, so remember that if it is an HM in the game you caught the Pokemon in, try to trade it to another game, such as a Pokemon with Whirlpool to Diamond or Pearl from HeartGold or SoulSilver.
Generation V
To trade to Black 2 or White 2 within Generation V you simply need to go to a Pokémon Center and enter a Union room to trade with yourself or another friend!
In order to transfer Pokemon from Generation V to a later generation, you need the Nintendo eShop apps called the Poké Transporter and Pokemon Bank. You must have the Pokemon in the first PC box so you can select it to transfer it up to Generation VI. The fifth generation games have the same method to transfer. To transfer, select the game from which you want to move Pokemon within the Transporter app. I will use my Japanese White for example. Select it and wait while your 3DS/2DS connects to the internet. It will give you a warning prior to being able to continue.
Note: the Transporter Box within Pokemon Bank must be empty before you can transfer more Pokemon.
Generation VI
Imports to: Generation VII via Bank; Generation VIII via Bank plus HOME
To move Pokemon to ORAS, select Pokemon Bank. Please know that you need to purchase a subscription to use its services! To begin the transfer, select "Use Pokemon Bank" and it will say "Use this game." Select it and continue. Then, select the last option; this moves us to the transfer section. Move the cursor to the top screen and then press the L bumper pad, as this will transition to the Poke Transporter Box. Press Select twice, as this allows us to move them all at once! After moving Pokemon from the Transporter Box to a normal box, press "X" to save the changes! The same process applies to Pokemon X and Pokemon Y.
Generation VII
Imports to: Generation VIII via Bank plus HOME
The above games use Pokemon Bank in order to get Pokemon from Generation VI to Generation VII. To move them to Generation VII, select "Use Pokemon Bank." Then, select the game that you have inserted into the DS. Choose the third option "Do not take any Battle Points or Poke Miles." It will then bring you to your Transporter Box and your in-game PC boxes. To move your Pokemon from the Transport Box, simply press Select (changes cursor to green) to be able to highlight multiple Pokemon and move them all at once! Once you have moved them, press "X" to save the changes!
These games use Pokemon HOME to transfer Pokemon to Generation VIII. Pokemon transferred from Let's Go can be transferred to HOME and back to its original game but can't return to its original game if transferred to Sword or Shield.
To move them, select the Pokemon HOME app on the Switch and select your profile. From here, select Pokemon Let's Go, Eevee! or Let's Go, Pikachu! Simply move your Pokemon from the right (the Let's Go games) to the left (the HOME Boxes). The HOME service requires a subscription.
Spin-off:
Surprisingly, you can in fact transfer Pokemon from GO to LGPE! To do so, you need access to Fuchsia City and to have talked to the person at the Safari Zone to unlock the ability to connect to Pokemon GO! To begin the process, go to Pokemon GO and select the Nintendo Switch icon in the top corner. It will then turn red/pink-ish. Now, select up to 50 Pokemon you want to transfer to LGPE! Hit the "Send to Nintendo Switch (50)" button. It will then give you the warning that the Pokemon you selected cannot be returned to GO and you must submit again in order for the process to begin. In the GO Park complex, talk to the NPC on the left-hand side and select the option "Bring Pokemon." You will then choose one of the parks to put them in. Be sure to have enough space in order to bring all of your Pokemon selected on GO. Accept and start the communication process with your phone. If done correctly, your Nintendo Switch will notify you it found an account on your smartphone. It will then ask if you want to receive a Pokemon; select "Yes." The two devices will communicate and you will see your Pokemon being sent.
Note: you can only send Kanto Pokemon (#001-151) and Meltan/Melmetal from Pokemon GO to LGPE!
After completing the transfer, you will receive the following messages on your devices:
Switch:
You've brought over X Pokemon from this player's Pokemon GO account!
Mobile Device:
Pokemon sent! You will receive candy corresponding to the Pokemon you sent plus 100 XP.
After the transfer is finished, you will receive a Mystery Box on Pokemon GO (if you unlocked that feature), which spawns Meltan! To capture the Pokemon you sent to LGPE, simply select the "Enter GO Park" option at the front desk of the Safari Zone and select the park you put your Pokemon in, as here is where you catch them. The Pokemon transferred from GO will have the Trainer name and ID number from your Let's Go account.
Generation VIII
Imports to: HOME to SWSH
Open the Pokemon HOME app on the Switch and select your profile. From here, select Pokemon Sword or Shield. As before, simply move your Pokemon from the boxes on the left (HOME) to those on the right (Sword and Shield).
Prior to the release of the Isle of Armor DLC for Sword and Shield, Pokemon were ineligible from participating in Ranked Battles through the Victory Station (VS) when brought from HOME. However, you can find an NPC in the Wyndon Battle Tower that gives your Pokemon a Battle Ready Mark, which allows them to participate! Please know that if you make them eligible for rank, your Pokemon will lose any exclusive moves upon receiving the Mark, so please think twice before doing so. After receiving the Battle Ready Mark, the Pokemon will then have the generic Generation VIII move set for its level.
This is everything a dedicated trainer needs to know in order to bring your favorite Pokemon from Generation I (VC) all the way to Generation VIII. With that I wish you all the best of luck! Gotta catch 'em all!
In this guide, I will be showing you how to transfer your favorite monsters from each of the core series games from Generation I all the way to Generation VIII. It is a long process, but once you have them, it will most definitely be worth the trouble. I will also be adding info about spin-off games as well as the various Pokemon you can obtain from them!
Generation I
Virtual Console Games:
- Red
- Blue
- Yellow
- Gold
- Silver
- Crystal
To transfer Pokemon from the Virtual Console (VC) games, you need to use the Poke Transporter and have Pokemon within your VC game. It will show the VC games you have on your 3DS system within the Transporter app. I will use Crystal as the example. Upon opening the app, it will say "Use this game." Wait while it connects. Once the app connects to your VC game, it will give you the warnings that Pokemon cannot be sent back and Pokemon that are holding items can't be moved. It will then say "Would you like to move this box?". Select yes on the bottom screen. A cool quirk with the VC games is that all of the Pokemon, if they have Hidden Abilities (HA), will have a HA when brought from the VC games. For example, Lugia, whose normal ability is Pressure, will have Multiscale!
After you have moved your Pokemon from the VC game into Pokemon Bank (the Transporter app will automatically place your Pokemon into Bank), select Pokemon Bank and have a Generation VII game, such as Sun or Moon, inserted into the slot. Select "Use Pokemon Bank" and then select "Use this game" to continue. Then select "Do not take any Battle Points or Poke Miles." Finally, press the L button to move to the Transporter Box, select your Pokemon, and then save to keep the changes you made!
Within the VC games, you can trade Pokemon via the Time Capsule. It can be found on the second floor of any Pokémon Center. The process is done through the VC menu on the lower screen, in which players can establish connections though a hosting system. In order to have it fully functional, the player must first have met Bill in Ecruteak City and waited 24 hours in the game's internal clock.
The restrictions to trading between Generation I and II are the following:
- You can't have any Generation II-exclusive Pokemon or eggs in your party.
- The Pokemon must not be holding any Mail.
- None of the Generation I Pokemon that are within your party can know any Generation II-exclusive moves. However, you can trade a Pokemon introduced in Generation I with a moveset that is only obtainable from Generation II so as long as the Pokemon and moves were introduced in Generation I.
Due to the lack of natures in Generations I and II, you can actually control the nature you get upon import into a later game by manipulating the amount of experience you have upon import, as shown here.
Generation III
- Emerald, Ruby, and Sapphire
- FireRed and LeafGreen
Spin-off games:
- XD: Gale of Darkness
- Colosseum + Bonus Disc (ENG and JPN)
- Pokemon Channel
These are the games that encompass Generation III, and you can trade Pokemon from the spin-off games to one of the core series, such as Emerald; you can go in reverse too. In order to get a Pokemon from either XD or Colosseum, you would need an item called the GameCube - Game Boy Advance Link Cable. To trade between RSE and FRLG, you also need the GBA Link Cable. The GBA Wireless Adapter can also be used to trade between FRLG and Emerald but cannot be used with Ruby and Sapphire. In order to trade from the GameCube games to a Generation III game, you must be in the post-game of both Colosseum and XD (Phenac City). The core games Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald require you to have entered the Hall of Fame in order to trade with XD. FireRed and LeafGreen require you to complete the Sevii Island side quest before being able to trade Pokemon from the Orre region.
Bonus Disc (ENG)
Exclusive to the English Colosseum Bonus Disc is the ability to obtain the Pokemon Jirachi. This Jirachi can be obtained an infinite number of times so long as the save file that is receiving it has not already used the disc. You will need the Nintendo GameCube - Game Boy Advance Link Cable, an English Ruby or Sapphire, and an empty spot in your party. You do not need to have a physical copy of Pokemon Colosseum to obtain Jirachi.
Bonus Disc (JPN)
Unfortunately, unlike the English Bonus Disc, the Japanese version needs a copy of Pokemon Colosseum in order to obtain the Pokemon Celebi. Another forced requirement is that this save file MUST have all 48 Shadow Pokemon purified. Furthermore, the disc can transfer up to 48 Celebi to any Japanese Game Boy Advance Pokemon game as long as the player has beaten the Elite Four and saved in a Pokémon Center. A Pikachu is also available from the disc.
Pokemon Channel
In this game, you can obtain Jirachi. Despite it being called the "Wish Maker," it won't make any of your real wishes come true, but what it can make true is filling your Pokédex with its entry. Players can send Jirachi to either Ruby or Sapphire. After unlocking the full version of the Pichu Bros in Party Panic, Jirachi will appear and the mini-movie will be shown above a campfire. Due to a bug, this Jirachi can be shiny.
Generation IV
- Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
- HeartGold and SoulSilver
Spin-off games
- Pokemon Ranger
- Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
- Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs
- Pokemon Ranch
- Battle Revolution
- Pokewalker
In order to migrate from Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald to HeartGold or SoulSilver, the player must have visited Fuchsia City (Kanto) at least once and have the National Pokédex. The migrate option will appear on the menu screen whenever the player has a GBA game inserted in the Nintendo DS's GBA slot, regardless of whether you have visited the Pal Park or not.
Please note that your Pokemon MUST not know Hidden Machine (HM) moves to be eligible for import. There is a 6 Pokemon requirement and a 24 hour waiting period when migrating Pokemon to Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum. However, in HeartGold and SoulSilver, that restriction was lifted and you can migrate as much as you want in a single day. But let's say you don't have HeartGold or SoulSilver, is there a way to bypass this restriction? In fact, there is a way you can do so, and I will describe how below.
Pal Park Glitch:
To pull this glitch off you need the following:
- 2 GBA Carts
- A Nintendo DS
- Time
- The National Pokedex
To begin this glitch, we will be migrating Pokemon from LeafGreen, and Ruby is the extra cart we will be using to start the glitch. Thanks to Sephirona for the shorthand version of it:
- Change date on the DS
- Put Ruby in to get the "You are using a different DS" error and accept the adjustments
- Put LeafGreen in and use Pal Park
With Pokemon Ranger you can get the Mythical Pokemon Manaphy. It can be obtained through the Ranger Net by holding the following buttons: R, X, and Left. You would also need to have completed the game in order to gain access to the Ranger Net. After that you will need to enter a specific code depending on the region.
These codes in fact still work, but please be warned it can work if and ONLY if the Manaphy code has not been used on the cartridge, as it is a one time deal!
Below are the codes:
- French
DY4g-k28S-QB9F - German
R3d4cv2S-WC7W - Italian
FH38-fwD8-5S2a - United Kingdom
Mg35-Cpb8-4FW8 - Spanish
C58f-t3WT-Vn79 - United States
P8M2-9D6F-43H7
In the table below are the other Pokemon Ranger games along with their special Pokemon that you can transfer:
| Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia | Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs |
|---|---|
| Mission Name | Mission Name |
| Recover the Manaphy Egg! | Deoxys and the Odd Temple! |
| Rescue the Kidnapped Riolu! | Protect the Blue Sphere! - Manaphy |
| Liberate the Tower! - Darkrai | Investigate the Odd Eruption! - Heatran |
| Rescue the Lost Shaymin! |
A little side note for the Deoxys Mission: the Deoxys that is encountered can be transferred an infinite number of times, but each of the core games can only receive each of the Deoxys formes once!
In Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia, the Ranger Net does not need to be unlocked, as it is by default, but the missions need to be downloaded and are no longer available.
To transfer from Guardian Signs, select "Ranger Net" and then "Send a Pokemon." It will then bring up a list of the Pokemon you can transfer to any of the Generation IV games! Select the desired Pokemon and have either DPP/HGSS inserted into another DS system, and it will send out a request for a trainer to care for the rescued Pokemon. Select "Mystery Gift" then select "Transmit" to receive the gift, and finally "Get from a friend." On Guardian Signs, select "Transfer" and then "Yes!". Go to any Poké Mart to claim your gift!
Pokemon Ranch:
In Pokemon Ranch, you can get Phione and Mew. Once you get 250 Pokemon on the Ranch, it will expand a level. Hayley will then ask for Leafeon, and once you can bring one over, she will offer Phione. After you get 999 Pokemon in the Ranch, it will expand and jump to level 255, the maximum level. Once this level is obtained, a new Pokemon will be added. Hayley is now asking for any Pokemon Egg, and once you bring it to the Ranch, she will give you Mew.
Battle Revolution:
In Pokemon Battle Revolution, there are a few special Pokemon that you can receive from the game that can be moved to any Generation IV game. Upon the defeat of Poketopia Master Mysterial for the first time, a Pikachu will become available for download in the shop (Battle Revolution in-game shop). This Pikachu will know the following moves: Volt Tackle, Surf, Tail Whip, and Thunder Wave. It will also be holding a Light Ball and is a Hardy nature. In order to transfer Pikachu to Generation IV, you simply go to the DPP or HGSS title menu screen and select the Mystery Gift option.
Electivire:
Electivire, along with the Gold Pass, can be unlocked with the following codes at the "Self-introduction" option in the profile menu. They are case sensitive and only work when exiting the profile menu:
| Region | Code |
|---|---|
| US | BA16-X4SH-E2AT |
| UK | tko3-9jwp-34kl |
| France | jk4i-df87-dsf9 |
| Spain | 04in-1ynj-24fv |
| Germany | 0f9-ud0g-ughj |
| Italy | t4oi-6j8d-sb5r |
This Electivire will have an Adamant nature and possess the following moves: Thunder Punch, Ice Punch, Cross Chop, and Earthquake. It will be holding the Magnet item.
Magmortar:
Magmortar has the same requirements as Electivire but comes with the Silver Pass instead of the Gold Pass. Please use the following code depending on your region:
| Region | Code |
|---|---|
| US | B416-X4HT-VTWF |
| UK | jl49-05kn-odnv |
| France | 13io-h4rf-1tpa |
| Spain | kn34-q0uc-1mbx |
| Germany | kre9-ef90-5hgn |
| Italy | 97ea-78hl-jrgu |
Magmortar will have a Modest nature and will be holding the Charcoal item. It will know the following moves: Flamethrower, Psychic, Hyper Beam, and Solar Beam.
Pokewalker
With the Pokewalker you can obtain some rare Pokemon, such as Spiritomb. To transfer Pokemon from the Pokewalker to your HeartGold or SoulSilver game, place the Pokewalker about 2 inches from your game card, facing each other. Select "Connect to Pokewalker" from the main menu of HeartGold or SoulSilver, then click "Receive a Gift" to move the Pokemon you captured during your stroll into your boxes.
Restrictions
There is one unique thing with Generation IV when some Pokemon know HM moves upon transfer to Generation V. For example, Zapdos can learn the HM Defog in Sinnoh but can have it as a normal move in a later Generation. Now normally, you cannot migrate Pokemon that know HMs, but if you trade it to HeartGold or SoulSilver, you can bypass this and move it up anyway! Another instance of this is Drifloon with Defog. It can learn it as an Egg Move starting from Generation V to Generation VII. There are more Pokemon like this, so remember that if it is an HM in the game you caught the Pokemon in, try to trade it to another game, such as a Pokemon with Whirlpool to Diamond or Pearl from HeartGold or SoulSilver.
Generation V
- Black & White and Black 2 & White 2
To trade to Black 2 or White 2 within Generation V you simply need to go to a Pokémon Center and enter a Union room to trade with yourself or another friend!
In order to transfer Pokemon from Generation V to a later generation, you need the Nintendo eShop apps called the Poké Transporter and Pokemon Bank. You must have the Pokemon in the first PC box so you can select it to transfer it up to Generation VI. The fifth generation games have the same method to transfer. To transfer, select the game from which you want to move Pokemon within the Transporter app. I will use my Japanese White for example. Select it and wait while your 3DS/2DS connects to the internet. It will give you a warning prior to being able to continue.
Note: the Transporter Box within Pokemon Bank must be empty before you can transfer more Pokemon.
Generation VI
- X & Y
- Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
Imports to: Generation VII via Bank; Generation VIII via Bank plus HOME
To move Pokemon to ORAS, select Pokemon Bank. Please know that you need to purchase a subscription to use its services! To begin the transfer, select "Use Pokemon Bank" and it will say "Use this game." Select it and continue. Then, select the last option; this moves us to the transfer section. Move the cursor to the top screen and then press the L bumper pad, as this will transition to the Poke Transporter Box. Press Select twice, as this allows us to move them all at once! After moving Pokemon from the Transporter Box to a normal box, press "X" to save the changes! The same process applies to Pokemon X and Pokemon Y.
Generation VII
- Sun & Moon
- Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
Imports to: Generation VIII via Bank plus HOME
The above games use Pokemon Bank in order to get Pokemon from Generation VI to Generation VII. To move them to Generation VII, select "Use Pokemon Bank." Then, select the game that you have inserted into the DS. Choose the third option "Do not take any Battle Points or Poke Miles." It will then bring you to your Transporter Box and your in-game PC boxes. To move your Pokemon from the Transport Box, simply press Select (changes cursor to green) to be able to highlight multiple Pokemon and move them all at once! Once you have moved them, press "X" to save the changes!
- Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee!
These games use Pokemon HOME to transfer Pokemon to Generation VIII. Pokemon transferred from Let's Go can be transferred to HOME and back to its original game but can't return to its original game if transferred to Sword or Shield.
To move them, select the Pokemon HOME app on the Switch and select your profile. From here, select Pokemon Let's Go, Eevee! or Let's Go, Pikachu! Simply move your Pokemon from the right (the Let's Go games) to the left (the HOME Boxes). The HOME service requires a subscription.
Spin-off:
- Pokemon GO!
Surprisingly, you can in fact transfer Pokemon from GO to LGPE! To do so, you need access to Fuchsia City and to have talked to the person at the Safari Zone to unlock the ability to connect to Pokemon GO! To begin the process, go to Pokemon GO and select the Nintendo Switch icon in the top corner. It will then turn red/pink-ish. Now, select up to 50 Pokemon you want to transfer to LGPE! Hit the "Send to Nintendo Switch (50)" button. It will then give you the warning that the Pokemon you selected cannot be returned to GO and you must submit again in order for the process to begin. In the GO Park complex, talk to the NPC on the left-hand side and select the option "Bring Pokemon." You will then choose one of the parks to put them in. Be sure to have enough space in order to bring all of your Pokemon selected on GO. Accept and start the communication process with your phone. If done correctly, your Nintendo Switch will notify you it found an account on your smartphone. It will then ask if you want to receive a Pokemon; select "Yes." The two devices will communicate and you will see your Pokemon being sent.
Note: you can only send Kanto Pokemon (#001-151) and Meltan/Melmetal from Pokemon GO to LGPE!
After completing the transfer, you will receive the following messages on your devices:
Switch:
You've brought over X Pokemon from this player's Pokemon GO account!
Mobile Device:
Pokemon sent! You will receive candy corresponding to the Pokemon you sent plus 100 XP.
After the transfer is finished, you will receive a Mystery Box on Pokemon GO (if you unlocked that feature), which spawns Meltan! To capture the Pokemon you sent to LGPE, simply select the "Enter GO Park" option at the front desk of the Safari Zone and select the park you put your Pokemon in, as here is where you catch them. The Pokemon transferred from GO will have the Trainer name and ID number from your Let's Go account.
Generation VIII
- Sword and Shield
Imports to: HOME to SWSH
Open the Pokemon HOME app on the Switch and select your profile. From here, select Pokemon Sword or Shield. As before, simply move your Pokemon from the boxes on the left (HOME) to those on the right (Sword and Shield).
Prior to the release of the Isle of Armor DLC for Sword and Shield, Pokemon were ineligible from participating in Ranked Battles through the Victory Station (VS) when brought from HOME. However, you can find an NPC in the Wyndon Battle Tower that gives your Pokemon a Battle Ready Mark, which allows them to participate! Please know that if you make them eligible for rank, your Pokemon will lose any exclusive moves upon receiving the Mark, so please think twice before doing so. After receiving the Battle Ready Mark, the Pokemon will then have the generic Generation VIII move set for its level.
This is everything a dedicated trainer needs to know in order to bring your favorite Pokemon from Generation I (VC) all the way to Generation VIII. With that I wish you all the best of luck! Gotta catch 'em all!
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