Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Pokémon HOME currently connects with Pokémon Champions, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Scarlet and Violet, Legends: Arceus, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Sword and Shield, both Pokémon: Let’s Go! games, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon Bank for eligible Nintendo 3DS Pokémon. Compatibility does not mean every Pokémon can enter every connected game, and some transfers are one-way.
Pokémon games and services that connect to Pokémon HOME
Nintendo’s current Pokémon HOME FAQ lists the following supported Switch games and services. The table separates ordinary game transfers from special routes, since direction and reversibility vary.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Pokémon™ Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
|
Pokémon Legends: Arceus - US Version | $54.25 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! | $53.30 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Pokémon Sword - Nintendo Switch | $54.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Pokémon FireRed Version Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/413QNFueWML._SL160_.jpg)
|
Pokémon FireRed Version Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| Source | Transfer route | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Champions | Eligible Pokémon can move from HOME to Champions as visitors, then return to HOME. | Only Pokémon that appear in Champions can visit. Pokémon obtained in Champions cannot be sent to HOME. |
| Pokémon Legends: Z-A | HOME and the game are compatible. | Pokémon befriended in Z-A cannot move into earlier main-series games. An older Pokémon moved into Z-A cannot return to previous main-series titles. |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | HOME and either game are compatible. | A Pokémon must appear in the destination game; additional restrictions can apply. |
| Pokémon Legends: Arceus | HOME and the game are compatible. | A Pokémon must appear in the destination game; additional restrictions can apply. |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | HOME and either game are compatible. | A Pokémon must appear in the destination game; additional restrictions can apply. |
| Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | HOME and either game are compatible. | A Pokémon must appear in the destination game; additional restrictions can apply. |
| Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! | Connect to HOME on Nintendo Switch; Pokémon can move between the two Let’s Go games or onward to a newer game. | After a Pokémon moves from a Let’s Go game into a newer game, it cannot return to its original Let’s Go game. |
| Pokémon GO | Pokémon can transfer from GO into HOME. | The transfer cannot be reversed into GO. Each transfer uses GO Transporter Energy, and onward movement depends on destination eligibility. |
| Pokémon Bank | Eligible Pokémon from supported Nintendo 3DS games can move from Bank into HOME. | A Pokémon moved to HOME cannot return to Bank, and only certain Pokémon can move onward into newer games. |
Nintendo added compatibility with Legends: Z-A and Champions in Pokémon HOME version 4.0.0, released April 1, 2026, according to its version history.
How to tell whether a specific Pokémon can move
Connection support applies to a game, but eligibility is decided Pokémon by Pokémon. Nintendo says a Pokémon must appear in the destination game’s Pokédex, and other restrictions may also apply. In HOME, open that Pokémon’s summary to see the games it can travel to.
#1 Best Overall
- Live the life of a Pokémon Trainer in the streets of Lumiose City!
- For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, command your Pokémon in real-time battles
- Use the power of Mega Evolution in battle and take on rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon
- Compete in the Z-A Royale each night to test your skills and try to become the strongest Pokémon Trainer
- Visit shops, restaurants, and places called wild zones—where Pokémon roam free—all centered around Prism Tower
This check is particularly important before moving a Pokémon into a game with limited compatibility: the move may block its return to the previous game, even though both games connect to HOME.
Use the Switch version of HOME for Switch game transfers
To move Pokémon between HOME and a Switch game’s save data, use Pokémon HOME on the Nintendo Switch console. Nintendo’s console-versus-mobile feature comparison lists Switch game transfers as available on console, not in the mobile app. The mobile app does support Pokémon GO transfers and Pokémon Bank connectivity. Both apps can access the same Pokémon Boxes when linked to the same Nintendo Account.
Rank #2
- Action meets RPG in this new take on the Pokémon series
- Study Pokémon behaviors, sneak up on them, and toss a well-aimed Poké Ball to catch them
- Unleash moves in the speedy agile style or the powerful strong style in battles
- Travel to the Hisui region—the Sinnoh of old—and build the region’s first Pokédex
- Learn about the Mythical Pokémon Arceus, the key to this mysterious tale
Move Pokémon between HOME and a Switch save
- Open Pokémon HOME on the Nintendo Switch and choose Pokémon.
- Select the game and save data you want to use.
- Select the Pokémon to move between the game’s boxes and HOME.
- Save your changes before leaving the transfer screen.
Nintendo’s transfer instructions note that Pokémon currently in a party cannot be transferred. Check the Pokémon’s HOME summary before moving it if you need to confirm destination eligibility or return options.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Set off on a grand adventure to become the Pokémon League Champion—now on Nintendo Switch!
- Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon with this Nintendo Switch version* of the Pokémon FireRed Version game originally released on the Game Boy Advance system!
- Additional games and systems required for multiplayer mode. Sold separately. 2004 Pokémon. 1995-2004 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc. Pokémon and Nintendo Switch are trademarks of Nintendo.
Rank #4
- Catch, battle, and trade Pokémon on an all-new adventure in the Galar region
- Choose from three new partner Pokémon and encounter never-before-seen Pokémon
- Unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta!
- Team up with other Trainers to participate in Max Raid Battles***!
- Battle wild Dynamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles and try catching them***
Rank #3
- Don the role of a Pokémon Trainer as you travel through Kanto
- Discover a new species of Pokémon with the Pokémon Lets Go series
- Catch Pokémon in the wild using a gentle throwing motion with either a Joy-Con controller or a Poké Ball Plus accessory, which will light up, vibrate, and make sounds to bring your adventure to life
- See the world in style by customizing Pikachu and your Trainer with a selection of outfits
- Connect to Pokémon GO* to transfer caught Kanto-region Pokémon, including Alolan and Shiny forms, as well as the newly discovered Pokémon, Meltan, from that game to this one!
Quick answers
- Does HOME work with every Pokémon game? No. It connects to the titles and services listed above, and individual Pokémon may not be eligible for every destination.
- Can the phone app move Pokémon into Scarlet or Sword? No. Switch game save transfers require HOME on the Switch console.
- Can a Pokémon transferred from GO go back to GO? No. The GO-to-HOME transfer is one-way.
- Can a Pokémon from Let’s Go return after moving to a newer game? No. It cannot return to its original Let’s Go game.
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.
