How to Link Pokemon Go to Pokemon Home: A Guide

The digital era has introduced us to various gaming platforms, merging the physical and virtual worlds in exciting ways.

One of the notable examples is Pokemon GO, a game that has taken the world by storm, allowing players to catch Pokemon in real-life locations.

Another popular platform is Pokemon Home, a cloud-based service that enables players to collect and store their Pokemon from various games in one place.

In this article, we will dive deep into the steps and necessary considerations on how to link Pokemon GO to Pokemon Home, ensuring you can merge your adventures and get the most out of your Pokemon experience.

Understanding Pokemon GO and Pokemon Home

Before we delve into the linking process, it’s essential to understand what Pokemon GO and Pokemon Home are and why you might want to link them together.

Pokemon GO is an augmented reality game that uses your smartphone’s GPS and camera to spawn Pokemon in the real world for you to catch.

On the other hand, Pokemon Home is a service that allows you to store and trade Pokemon from different games, providing a centralized place for your collections.

Linking these two platforms together opens up a world of possibilities.

It enables you to transfer Pokemon caught in the wild of Pokemon GO to your Pokemon Home account, and in some cases, to your mainline Pokemon games on Nintendo Switch.

This feature broadens your collection and allows you to use your Pokemon in battles across different platforms, showcasing a seamless integration between mobile and console gaming.

Preparing for the Link

Before you start the linking process, there are a few things you need to ensure are in place.

Firstly, make sure you have both a Pokemon GO account and a Nintendo Account. Your Nintendo Account is what you use to access Pokemon Home.

If you don’t have one, you can create it on the official Nintendo website.

Next, ensure that both your Pokemon GO app and Pokemon Home are updated to their latest versions.

This step is crucial as updates often include bug fixes and new features necessary for the linking process to work smoothly.

Additionally, make sure you have a stable internet connection to prevent any disruptions during the process.

The Linking Process

Now that you are all set up, let’s go through the steps on how to link Pokemon GO to Pokemon Home:

1. Open Pokemon GO on your smartphone.
2. Go to the settings menu, which you can find by tapping on the Pokeball icon at the bottom of the screen and then the gear icon at the top right corner.
3. Scroll down until you find the “Pokemon Home” option and select it.
4. Sign in with your Nintendo Account. Make sure this is the same account associated with your Pokemon Home.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to link your accounts.

Once the accounts are linked, you can start transferring Pokemon. However, it’s important to note that not all Pokemon can be transferred, and there are some limitations.

For example, if a Pokemon is not in the National Pokedex or has a form not recognized in Pokemon Home, it cannot be transferred.

Transferring Pokemon from Pokemon GO to Pokemon Home

With your accounts now linked, transferring Pokemon is a straightforward process:

1. In Pokemon GO, go to the settings menu and select “Pokemon Home.”
2. Choose the Pokemon you wish to transfer.
3. Confirm your selection and initiate the transfer.

Once the transfer is complete, you will receive a notification in Pokemon GO, and your Pokemon will be available in Pokemon Home.

Understanding the Costs and Cooldowns

It’s important to note that transferring Pokemon from Pokemon GO to Pokemon Home is not always free.

The process requires a currency called Transporter Energy, which depletes with each transfer and regenerates over time.

The amount of energy required depends on the Pokemon you are transferring, with legendary and shiny Pokemon costing more energy than regular ones.

There is also a cooldown period after each transfer, meaning you cannot immediately transfer another set of Pokemon.

These limitations are in place to prevent abuse of the system and to encourage thoughtful transfers.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

To ensure a smooth linking and transferring experience, here are some tips:

1. Double-check that the Pokemon you want to transfer are eligible and that you are willing to part with them, as the process is irreversible.
2. Be mindful of the Transporter Energy and cooldown periods, planning your transfers accordingly.
3. Keep your apps updated and maintain a stable internet connection throughout the process.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, issues can arise during the linking or transferring process. If you encounter any problems, here are some steps you can take:

1. Ensure both apps are updated to their latest versions.
2. Check your internet connection and try again.
3. If the issue persists, visit the official Pokemon support website for assistance.

Conclusion

Linking Pokemon GO to Pokemon Home opens up a new realm of possibilities for Pokemon trainers worldwide, providing a seamless connection between mobile and console gaming.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, preparing accordingly, and keeping in mind the costs and cooldowns associated with transferring Pokemon, you can enhance your Pokemon experience and take your collection to new heights.