
# Pokémon Bank is Closing: What You Should Know
Pokémon Bank, the vital application for Pokémon trainers, is scheduled to cease operations on February 25, 2027. Introduced in 2014 (2013 in Japan), this service has been essential for organizing large collections of Pokémon and transferring creatures from prior games to newer versions on Nintendo Switch consoles. However, with the approaching shutdown, the opportunity to transfer Pokémon from 3DS titles and earlier to the Switch will soon disappear, forcing many trainers to act quickly to ensure their cherished Pokémon move into the future.
## Requirements for the Transfer
Before beginning the steps necessary for a successful transfer, it’s vital to collect the following items:
1. **Pokémon Home**: This app is essential and must be installed on one of three platforms: Nintendo Switch, iOS, or Android. No matter the device, ensure you have it ready and installed.
2. **Premium Plan Subscription**: To move Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon Home, a subscription to the Premium Plan is required, which is priced at $2.99 for one month, $4.99 for three months, or $15.99 for a full year. The Premium Plan permits storage for up to 6,000 Pokémon, while the free version limits this to only 30 Pokémon.
3. **Pokémon Bank**: You’ll need access to Pokémon Bank on a Nintendo 3DS that has the app installed. Unfortunately, if you don’t have it already, downloading it is no longer an option due to the end of online services for the Nintendo 3DS.
4. **Additional Games & Apps**: Depending on where your Pokémon are located, you may require the original game cartridges or extra apps like Poké Transporter for those saved in older titles.
### Necessary Tools for Transfer
– **A compatible version of games**: You’ll need to possess the original game cartridges or digital versions for any Pokémon you wish to transfer.
– **Poké Transporter**: Necessary for transferring from specific virtual console variants.
– **A second DS or 3DS**: Required for transferring Pokémon from titles like Diamond, Pearl, and others.
## Transferring Pokémon
### Direct Transfers from Bank to Home
If you simply need to move Pokémon already stored in Pokémon Bank:
1. Ensure you have an active Premium Plan on Pokémon Home.
2. Open Pokémon Bank on your 3DS.
3. On the Switch, select the “Move” option in the Pokémon Home app; for mobile, locate this in the Options menu.
4. Tap “Begin Move” in the app, and then on the 3DS, select “Move Pokémon to Pokémon Home.”
5. Enter the moving key shown on your Home app into Pokémon Bank.
6. Confirm the transfer, and your Pokémon will be successfully moved.
### Transfers from Multiple Games
#### From Recent Titles (Sun, Moon, X, Y, etc.)
1. Insert the game cartridge into your 3DS.
2. Launch Pokémon Bank, select the correct game, and transfer Pokémon to Bank.
3. Follow the straightforward steps to move them to Home.
#### From Virtual Console (Red, Blue, etc.)
1. Ensure that the Poké Transporter app is installed.
2. Move desired Pokémon to Box 1 in your selected game.
3. Utilize the Poké Transporter app to shift Pokémon to Bank.
4. Follow the simple steps to complete the transfer to Home.
#### From Older DS Titles (Diamond, Pearl, etc.)
1. Two systems are necessary: one must be a DS or 3DS with the game placed inside, and the other must contain a copy of Black, White, or their sequels.
2. Access the PokéTransfer Lab and follow the prompts to transfer Pokémon.
#### From GBA Titles (Ruby, Sapphire, etc.)
1. Use Nintendo DS and 3DS; ensure a fourth-generation game is also inserted to access Pal Park.
2. Move Pokémon from the GBA to the DS game, then to Bank, and ultimately to Home.
**Note**: It is impossible to transfer Pokémon from the original games (Red, Blue, etc.) to Pokémon Bank, resulting in a gap in the franchise as it readies itself for future generations.
## Conclusion
As the shutdown date draws near, it is essential for Pokémon trainers to act swiftly to safeguard their collections. The transition from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon Home may require a complex process, but with the right preparation, it can be handled. Make sure your Pokémon legacy endures in this new digital environment, and don’t postpone your transfers any longer!