Pokémon HOME is The Pokémon Company’s cloud service for storing your Pokémon and moving them between games. It’s how you bring a favourite from Sword and Shield into Scarlet and Violet, send Pokémon GO catches to Switch, or keep a living Pokédex safe. Here’s how transfers work in 2026, including the newest additions: Legends: Z-A and the Switch version of FireRed and LeafGreen.
Table of Contents
What you need
- The Pokémon HOME app on Nintendo Switch / Switch 2 (for game transfers) and, optionally, the mobile app (for GO, trading and viewing)
- The same Nintendo Account linked to HOME and your game
- Your game updated to the latest version with a save file
- A Basic (free) or Premium HOME plan — the Premium plan adds much more storage and features such as Pokémon Bank transfers
Which games connect to HOME?
| Game | Transfer direction |
|---|---|
| Sword & Shield, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Scarlet & Violet | Two-way (with some species limits) |
| Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee | One-way into HOME |
| Legends: Arceus | Two-way, but some Pokémon appear in a Strange Ball in other games |
| Legends: Z-A (since April 2, 2026) | Two-way with HOME, but see the one-way rule below |
| FireRed & LeafGreen (Switch, from October 2026) | One-way into HOME — whole Boxes at once |
| Pokémon GO | One-way into HOME via GO Transporter |
| Pokémon Bank (3DS) | One-way into HOME (Premium plan) |
Important rule: a Pokémon can only move into a game if that species can appear in that game.
The Legends: Z-A one-way rule
HOME gained Legends: Z-A support in version 4.0.0 on April 2, 2026. But Pokémon that leave Z-A can’t visit older games, and Pokémon you bring *into* Z-A from older games can’t return to those older games. Treat any transfer into Z-A as permanent relative to earlier titles.
FireRed and LeafGreen on Switch
FireRed and LeafGreen launched digitally on Switch on February 27, 2026, and HOME support arrived in October 2026 (version 4.1.0). Transfers are one-way — your Kanto team can go to HOME and on to games such as Scarlet and Violet or Legends: Z-A, but nothing can be sent back into FireRed/LeafGreen.
How to transfer Pokémon (Nintendo Switch)
- Save your game, then close it.
- Open Pokémon HOME on your Switch and choose Pokémon.
- Select the game and save file you want to connect.
- Your game’s Boxes appear on one side and HOME Boxes on the other.
- Drag Pokémon from the game Box into HOME (or the other way to deposit into a game).
- Press + and choose Save changes.
- Open the destination game — the Pokémon will be waiting in its Box.
How to send Pokémon from Pokémon GO
- Link your Pokémon GO account to HOME in GO’s Settings > Pokémon HOME.
- Open the GO Transporter, select Pokémon and transfer.
- Open HOME on your phone to receive them, then move them to a Switch game from the Switch app.
GO Transporter has an energy meter that recharges over time, so large transfers may take a few days.
Common problems and fixes
- “This Pokémon can’t be moved to this game.” The species isn’t in that game’s Pokédex, or it has a restriction (for example, Gigantamax Pokémon can’t go to some games).
- Game doesn’t appear in HOME. Update the game and HOME, and make sure both use the same Nintendo Account.
- No storage space. The free plan has limited storage; upgrade to Premium or clear Boxes.
FAQ
Is Pokémon HOME free?
Yes. The Basic plan is free with limited storage. The Premium plan is a paid subscription with more storage and extra features.
Can I move Pokémon back to Legends: Z-A’s older games?
No. Pokémon that have been in Legends: Z-A can’t go back to earlier games.
Can I transfer from FireRed/LeafGreen on Switch?
Yes, one-way into HOME since October 2026.
More Pokémon help: Pokémon games in order and how to play FireRed on Switch.
Hi, I’m Emam Hasan — an English teacher and the founder of Anirban Lexicon Center in Mirpur, Dhaka. I run Takedownloads to share honest game guides, tips and app reviews that help players choose well and play better. Alongside teaching, I work in digital marketing and SEO, and I enjoy turning complex topics into simple, helpful lessons anyone can follow.
