Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
FREEDOM251

Freedom251 › Blog › Nintendo 3DS

Pokémon HOME vs. Pokémon Bank: Which Transfer Service Do You Need?

By Freedom251 Team · · 3 min read

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Pokémon HOME is the current destination and hub for compatible newer games; Pokémon Bank is the service that holds Pokémon from Nintendo 3DS-family games. If you want Pokémon in Bank to move to HOME, you need a HOME Premium Plan, and the transfer cannot be reversed. Pokémon Support says Bank service, including transfers to HOME, ends February 26, 2027, at 03:00 UTC. Check the official shutdown notice and plan any transfer before that deadline.

Pokémon HOME vs. Pokémon Bank: what each service does

Question Pokémon HOME Pokémon Bank
Primary role Current storage destination and hub for connecting supported newer Pokémon games. Source service for Pokémon held in Nintendo 3DS-family games.
Transfer direction Can receive Pokémon from Bank; Pokémon may then be moved to compatible connected games. Can send Pokémon to HOME. That transfer is one-way: Pokémon cannot be returned to Bank.
Requirement for Bank transfer HOME Premium is required to transfer from Bank. Must contain the Pokémon you want to move; the service is scheduled to end on February 26, 2027, at 03:00 UTC.
Supported newer games Connects with supported games, but each Pokémon’s eligibility varies by game. Does not serve as the newer-game hub.

These are complementary services, not two interchangeable choices: Bank holds Pokémon from 3DS-era games, while HOME is where you move them for storage and use with supported newer titles. Nintendo Switch Online is not required for the HOME game connections described by Pokémon Support. See Pokémon Support’s service guide.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Which transfer service do you need?

  • Choose HOME if you want a current destination for Pokémon and to connect with supported newer games.
  • Use Bank as the source if your Pokémon are stored in Nintendo 3DS-family games and you want to move them to HOME.
  • Keep them in Bank only if you accept the deadline. Once Bank service ends, Pokémon Support says transfers from Bank to HOME will no longer be possible.

Before moving a Pokémon from HOME into a particular game, check its connected-game compatibility in HOME. Compatibility is Pokémon-specific; a game being connected to HOME does not mean every Pokémon can enter it. Pokémon Support explains this in its game compatibility guidance.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Can you transfer Pokémon from Bank to HOME without a 3DS?

Yes. Pokémon Support describes an account-linked method that transfers all Pokémon in Bank at once. The Nintendo Network ID used with Bank must be associated with the Nintendo Account linked to HOME. This route does not let you choose individual Pokémon or boxes, so review what is in Bank before starting. See the official transfer instructions.

#1 Best Overall
Pokémon GO eGift Card | $100
  • For Pokémon GO $100 Gift Card (15,000 PokéCoins) ONLY. Unleash the full potential of your Pokémon GO adventure with a Pokémon GO $100 gift card!
  • This card grants you 15,000 PokéCoins, the in-game currency used to purchase premium items, and upgrades. That’s 500 bonus Pokécoins compared to purchasing in-app!
  • Enhance your gameplay by expanding your Pokémon storage, obtaining Poké Balls, and stocking up on items like Incense and Lure Modules.
  • Perfect as a gift for Trainers of all levels or as a personal boost, this gift card ensures you stay ahead in your journey to become the best.
  • Get your Pokémon GO $100 Gift Card (15,000 PokéCoins) today and transform your Pokémon GO adventure.

How to transfer with a 3DS

  1. Open Pokémon Bank on the 3DS and select the boxes you want to transfer.
  2. Open Pokémon HOME and generate a transfer code using the Bank transfer option.
  3. Enter that code in Pokémon Bank before it expires. Pokémon Support states that the code is valid for three minutes. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the transfer. The instructions are in Pokémon Support’s Bank-to-HOME guide.

Regardless of method, the transfer is one-way. Pokémon moved from Bank to HOME cannot be sent back to Bank. Confirm your selection before completing the process; Pokémon Support lists this limitation in its transfer FAQ.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Account and console details to check first

Link the intended Nintendo Account in mobile HOME

The mobile and Switch versions of HOME access the same boxes when linked to the same Nintendo Account. Pokémon Support warns that if you first start the mobile app without linking the Nintendo Account you intend to use with the Switch version, you cannot later link that mobile account to the intended account. Verify the account during initial setup. See Pokémon Support’s account-linking guidance.

Rank #2
Pokémon GO eGift Card
  • For Pokémon GO $10 Gift Card (1,250 PokéCoins) ONLY. Unleash the full potential of your Pokémon GO adventure with a Pokémon GO $10 gift card!
  • This card grants you 1,250 PokéCoins, the in-game currency used to purchase premium items and upgrades. That’s 50 bonus Pokécoins compared to purchasing in-app!
  • Enhance your gameplay by expanding your Pokémon storage, obtaining Poké Balls, and stocking up on items like Incense and Lure Modules.
  • Perfect as a gift for Trainers of all levels or as a personal boost, this gift card ensures you stay ahead in your journey to become the best.
  • Get your Pokémon GO $10 Gift Card (1,250 PokéCoins) today and transform your Pokémon GO adventure.

Using HOME on Nintendo Switch 2

Pokémon HOME supports Nintendo Switch 2. To connect HOME with a game such as Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet, that game’s save data must be on the same console where HOME is launched. Refer to Pokémon Support’s Nintendo Switch 2 guidance.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Pokémon GO eGift Card | $100
Pokémon GO eGift Card | $100
eGift Cards are delivered active via email or SMS.; Redeem online; This item is not eligible for refund, resale, or return.
$100.00
Bestseller No. 2
Pokémon GO eGift Card
Pokémon GO eGift Card
eGift Cards are delivered active via email or SMS.; Redeem online; This item is not eligible for refund, resale, or return.
$10.00
Bestseller No. 3
Pokémon GO eGift Card | $25
Pokémon GO eGift Card | $25
eGift Cards are delivered active via email or SMS.; Redeem online; This item is not eligible for refund, resale, or return.
$25.00
Bestseller No. 4
Pokémon GO eGift Card | $50
Pokémon GO eGift Card | $50
eGift Cards are delivered active via email or SMS.; Redeem online; This item is not eligible for refund, resale, or return.
$50.00
SaleBestseller No. 5
25 Rare Pokemon Cards with 100 HP or Higher (Assorted Lot with No Duplicates) (Original Version)
25 Rare Pokemon Cards with 100 HP or Higher (Assorted Lot with No Duplicates) (Original Version)
Rare Pokemon Cards with 100 or Higher (Assorted Lot with Duplicates) (Original Version); Each piece a rare Pokemon-type card
$8.75
Best Value
Sale
25 Rare Pokemon Cards with 100 HP or Higher (Assorted Lot with No Duplicates) (Original Version)
  • Rare Pokemon Cards with 100 or Higher (Assorted Lot with Duplicates) (Original Version)
  • Each piece a rare Pokemon-type card
  • ideal for casual play non-block tournament formats
  • Country Origin:USA
Rank #4
Pokémon GO eGift Card | $50
  • For Pokémon GO $50 Gift Card (7,000 PokéCoins) ONLY. Unleash the full potential of your Pokémon GO adventure with a Pokémon GO $50 gift card!
  • This card grants you 7,000 PokéCoins, the in-game currency used to purchase premium items and upgrades. That’s 300 bonus Pokécoins compared to purchasing in-app!
  • Enhance your gameplay by expanding your Pokémon storage, obtaining Poké Balls, and stocking up on items like Incense and Lure Modules.
  • Perfect as a gift for Trainers of all levels or as a personal boost, this gift card ensures you stay ahead in your journey to become the best.
  • Get your Pokémon GO $50 Gift Card (7,000 PokéCoins) today and transform your Pokémon GO adventure.
Rank #3
Pokémon GO eGift Card | $25
  • For Pokémon GO $25 Gift Card (3,300 PokéCoins) ONLY. Unleash the full potential of your Pokémon GO adventure with a Pokémon GO $25 gift card!
  • This card grants you 3,300 PokéCoins, the in-game currency used to purchase premium items, and upgrades. That’s 100 bonus Pokécoins compared to purchasing in-app!
  • Enhance your gameplay by expanding your Pokémon storage, obtaining Poké Balls, and stocking up on items like Incense and Lure Modules.
  • Perfect as a gift for Trainers of all levels or as a personal boost, this gift card ensures you stay ahead in your journey to become the best.
  • Get your Pokémon GO $25 Gift Card (3,300 PokéCoins) today and transform your Pokémon GO adventure.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Nintendo 3DSNintendo SwitchPokémon BankPokémon HOMEPokémon transfers

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.