Scarlet and Violet finally have Pokemon HOME integration, but what does that mean, exactly? Make sure you know what to expect before you try and load up this Pokémon transfer app on your Nintendo Switch.
Related: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC: Each of the New Pokemon
Transfer Pokémon Through HOME
With Pokémon HOME, players can transfer Pokémon from previous entries in the series across multiple devices. This includes the Nintendo DS, Nintendo Switch, and smartphones. Using the Pokémon HOME app on the Nintendo Switch or a smartphone lets trainers deposit and withdraw Pokémon at their convenience. As of now, players can transfer Pokémon to and from HOME with the following games/applications:
- Pokémon Bank
- Pokémon GO
- Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee
- Pokémon Sword and Shield
- Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Users can see the stats and builds of each Pokemon that enters the system via the menu.
While all Pokémon can enter the Pokémon HOME system, most cannot all visit every title on this list. Those who try to send their allies to a game with no support for them will see an X next to their partner and get a message denying that Pokémon access to that game. Some Pokémon also have moves that aren’t allowed in other entries, and users must forget them to complete the transfer process.
Additionally, some Pokémon can only enter certain games via HOME transfer. The Ash Cap Pikachu variants are an example of this rule, as they can only enter Scarlet and Violet via data transfer. Unless you have one of your own or trade with another user who has this Pokémon, you won’t be able to add it to your roster.
Important Note: Pokémon transferred from Pokémon GO cannot be sent back. Make sure you’re certain you want to make this change before committing to a data transfer.
Pokemon HOME: Basic vs Premium
Pokémon HOME has two plans to choose from: Basic and Premium. What you get with each version of the service varies. We’ve listed the key differences between the Basic and Premium plans here.
| HOME Offering | Basic | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Moving Pokémon from Pokémon Bank (DS) | Unavailable | Available |
| Number of Pokémon you can deposit | 30 Pokémon | 6,000 Pokémon |
| Number of Pokémon you can put in the Wonder Box | 3 Pokémon | 10 Pokémon |
| Number of Pokémon available in the GTS at once | 1 Pokémon | 3 Pokémon |
| Room Trade functionality | Participate | Participate and host |
| Judge function availability | Unavailable | Available |
Those who want to upgrade to a Pokémon HOME Premium membership can do so with one of three subscription options. Monthly, quarterly, and yearly subscriptions are available for the following prices. Subscriptions can be cancelled at any time.
- 1 month: $2.99
- 3 months: $4.99
- 12 months: $15.99
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