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You cannot transfer Pokémon directly from a Game Boy Advance (GBA) game to Pokémon HOME. The official route is a one-way chain: GBA game → Generation IV game via Pal Park → Generation V game via Poké Transfer → Pokémon Bank via Poké Transporter → Pokémon HOME. Pokémon Support says Pokémon Bank service and Bank-to-HOME transfers are scheduled to end on February 26, 2027, at 03:00 UTC, so anyone relying on this route should plan around that cutoff.
What you need for the transfer route
- A GBA Pokémon cartridge: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed or LeafGreen.
- A Nintendo DS or DS Lite with a GBA cartridge slot, plus a compatible Generation IV Pokémon game. Nintendo’s cited migration guide documents the Pal Park process for Pokémon Platinum; the exact instructions and unlock requirements can vary by Generation IV game.
- A Generation V game: Pokémon Black, White, Black Version 2 or White Version 2.
- Access to Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter on a compatible Nintendo 3DS system, unless you use HOME’s no-3DS Bank transfer option.
- A paid Pokémon HOME Premium Plan for moving Pokémon from Bank to HOME.
Bank and Poké Transporter are no longer available to download from the Nintendo 3DS eShop. The Pokémon Company International announced that downloads would end on March 27, 2023. If the apps are not already accessible to you, you may not be able to set up this official route through ordinary eShop downloads.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Pokemon: FireRed Version (Renewed) | $164.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Pokemon Leaf Green Version (Renewed) | $169.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Pokemon Ruby Version - New Save Battery (Renewed) | $174.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Pokemon Emerald Version (Renewed) | $348.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Pokemon Red Version - New Save Battery (Renewed) | $117.79 | Buy on Amazon |
Move Pokémon through each generation
1. Migrate from the GBA game to a Generation IV game with Pal Park
Put the GBA Pokémon cartridge in the GBA slot of a compatible DS system and use Pal Park in a compatible Generation IV game to migrate Pokémon. Nintendo’s official Pokémon Platinum guide specifically confirms migration from Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed and LeafGreen. This migration is one-way: Pokémon moved from the GBA series cannot be returned to their original GBA game.
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2. Transfer from Generation IV to Generation V
Use the Generation V game’s Poké Transfer process to move Pokémon from the Generation IV game. This is the bridge between the two DS generations; the official compatibility guidance identifies the onward Bank route from Generation V, but does not provide a detailed procedure or every unlock condition for this in-game step.
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3. Send eligible Generation V Pokémon to Bank with Poké Transporter
Poké Transporter transfers Pokémon from Black, White, Black Version 2 and White Version 2 into Pokémon Bank. Nintendo’s compatibility list does not identify GBA or Generation IV games as direct Poké Transporter sources, which is why the earlier generation-to-generation steps are necessary.
4. Move Pokémon from Bank to HOME
Choose one of the two Bank-to-HOME methods below. Both require a paid Pokémon HOME Premium Plan. Pokémon Support says a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required for this Bank/HOME function.
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Choose how to move Pokémon from Bank to HOME
| Method | What you need | How it works | Important trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| With a 3DS | A working 3DS with access to Bank, HOME Premium, and the HOME app. | In Bank, select “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME.” In HOME, display the Moving Key, then enter it in Bank. | The Moving Key expires after three minutes, so have both systems ready before requesting and entering it. |
| Without a 3DS | The Nintendo Network ID used with Bank must be linked to the Nintendo Account used with HOME; HOME Premium is also required. | Initiate the move from HOME using the linked accounts. | This method moves every Pokémon in Bank at once rather than letting you select only some of them. |
Before confirming either method, review the Pokémon you intend to move. A transfer from Bank to HOME cannot be reversed to Bank.
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Check where Pokémon can go after they reach HOME
Moving a Pokémon into HOME does not mean it can be sent to every compatible modern game. Available destinations depend on the individual Pokémon and the games in which that species appears. Use HOME’s compatibility information for that Pokémon to check supported games before planning its next move. Pokémon sent from Bank to HOME cannot be returned to Bank.
Rank #3
- This renewed game will not come with the original case or manual; cartridge only. It has been cleaned, tested, and is in nice condition.
- The game is an authentic copy and a new save battery has been installed!
Plan for the Pokémon Bank shutdown
In an August 18, 2026 notice, Pokémon Support stated that Pokémon Bank service will end on February 26, 2027, at 03:00 UTC, and that Bank-to-HOME transfers will no longer be possible after that time. The notice is in German; the date and time above are given in UTC. If you already have Pokémon in Bank, arrange their move to HOME before the announced deadline. The earlier 2023 announcement that no end date was then planned has been superseded by this later shutdown notice.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This renewed game will not come with the original case or manual; cartridge only. It has been cleaned, tested, and is in nice condition.
- The game is an authentic copy and a new save battery has been installed!
Rank #4
- This renewed game will not come with the original case or manual; cartridge only. It has been cleaned, tested, and is in nice condition.
- The game is an authentic copy and a new save battery has been installed!
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.
