Pokémon Bank: Closure and Consequences

Introduction

Pokémon Bank, a cloud-based storage system for Pokémon, will be closing its doors on March 27, 2023. This news has sent shockwaves through the Pokémon community, as it means that players will no longer be able to store their valuable Pokémon in the cloud and transfer them between different games. In this article, we'll explore the impact of Pokémon Bank's closure, provide helpful tips for transitioning to alternative storage options, and answer frequently asked questions.

Impact of Pokémon Bank's Closure

The closure of Pokémon Bank will have a significant impact on the Pokémon community. Currently, Pokémon Bank hosts an estimated 100 million Pokémon, including many rare and valuable creatures. Without Pokémon Bank, players will no longer be able to:

• Store their Pokémon in the cloud for safekeeping
• Transfer Pokémon between different generations of Pokémon games
• Use the National Pokédex to complete their collection

Transitioning to Alternative Storage Options

While the closure of Pokémon Bank is a disappointment, there are still options available for players to store and transfer their Pokémon. Here are some alternatives:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When transitioning to alternative storage options, it's important to avoid these common mistakes:

• Transferring Pokémon that can't be moved back to Pokémon Bank: Certain Pokémon species, such as Mythical Pokémon and event-exclusive Pokémon, cannot be transferred back to Pokémon Bank from Pokémon Home.
• Not backing up your save data: Before transferring Pokémon to another storage option, always make a backup of your save data in case something goes wrong.
• Overlooking the transfer deadline: Pokémon Bank will be closed on March 27, 2023, so it's essential to transfer your Pokémon before then.

Why Pokémon Bank's Closure Matters

Pokémon Bank has been an integral part of the Pokémon community for years, providing a convenient and secure way to store and transfer Pokémon. Its closure will have the following consequences:

• Loss of access to stored Pokémon: Players may lose valuable Pokémon that they have stored in Pokémon Bank if they don't transfer them to an alternative storage option before the closure.
• Difficulty in completing the National Pokédex: With Pokémon Bank closing, it will become more difficult for players to collect all the Pokémon species in the National Pokédex.
• Reduced options for transferring Pokémon: The closure of Pokémon Bank limits the options available for transferring Pokémon between different games.

Benefits of Alternative Storage Options

Despite the closure of Pokémon Bank, the alternative storage options offer some benefits:

• Pokémon Home supports newer Pokémon generations: Pokémon Home supports Pokémon from recent generations, including Pokémon Sword and Shield, which Pokémon Bank does not.
• Mobile app for convenience: Pokémon Home has a mobile app that allows players to manage their Pokémon on the go.
• Free transfer from Pokémon Bank: The one-time transfer from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon Home is free of charge.

FAQs

1. When is Pokémon Bank closing?
* March 27, 2023

2. How can I transfer my Pokémon from Pokémon Bank?
* To Pokémon Home: Free one-time transfer
* To local storage (cartridges or SD cards): No direct transfer

3. What happens to my Pokémon if I don't transfer them before the closure?
* They will be lost forever.

4. Can I transfer all my Pokémon to Pokémon Home?
* No, some Pokémon species cannot be transferred back to Pokémon Bank from Pokémon Home.

5. Is Pokémon Home free to use?
* The basic plan is free, but a premium plan with additional features is available for a subscription fee.

6. What is the National Pokédex?
* A complete list of all Pokémon species.

7. How can I complete the National Pokédex after Pokémon Bank's closure?
* By trading with other players or participating in events that distribute rare Pokémon.

Conclusion

The closure of Pokémon Bank is a significant event for the Pokémon community. It will impact players' ability to store and transfer Pokémon, but there are alternative storage options available. By understanding the consequences of the closure and the benefits of the alternatives, players can make informed decisions about how to manage their Pokémon collections going forward.