| Pokémon Bank | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developers | Game Freak The Pokémon Company |
| Initial release |
|
| Platform | Nintendo 3DS |
| Type | Utility |
| Website | www |
Pokémon Bank is an application for theNintendo 3DS which was downloadable from theNintendo eShop before the discontinuation of the storefront's capabilities for the 3DS.[a] Pokémon Bank allows players to store up to 3,000 Pokémon in an onlinecloud storage service. Players can deposit and withdraw Pokémon from both physical and downloaded versions of compatible games, allowing players to exchange Pokémon between them. An additional application called thePoké Transporter has connectivity with the software, allowing the transfer of Pokémon fromPokémon Black and White andits sequels toPokémon X and Y andPokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. After the release ofPokémon Sun and Moon, the software was updated to be compatible with it. Once a Pokémon had been deposited into these newer titles, it could not be transferred back to its original game.[2]
Through a variety of methods, Pokémon could be transferred between games. Pokémon Bank andPokémon Home "streamlined" the process through the utilization of a cloud storage service. One example is that Pokémon fromPokémon Ruby and Sapphire could be sent toPokémon Diamond and Pearl through the "Pal Park" and then toPokémon Black and White through the "Poké Transfer" processes.[3] Pokémon Bank originally released in Japan on December 25, 2013, but it was removed shortly thereafter due to issues with theNintendo Network. These issues were caused by unforeseen traffic levels and technical difficulties resulting from the eShop merging account balances. This caused a delay in the release ofPokémon Bank in other countries and a temporary removal of the software from Japan.[4] Additionally, thePoké Transporter was also updated to allow players to transfer Pokémon caught in theVirtual Console editions ofPokémon Red,Blue andYellow toPokémon Sun andMoon. The update also added an in-app National Pokédex, a feature that was not present inSun andMoon.[5]
Upon its release,Pokémon Bank had an annual subscription fee, with a free trial option. At some point after the expiration of an annual subscription, Pokémon that were still stored within the application would be deleted.[6] In March 2023, the Nintendo 3DS discontinued the ability to download and purchase new software titles from its eShop. People who had already downloadedPokémon Bank before the shop's closure could continue to use the software for free, but new users could not download the application.[7] The successor toPokémon Bank isPokémon Home, with Pokémon transferred toHome being unable to be returned toBank.[8]Pokémon Bank continues to work after Nintendo has ceased support for online connectivity on theNintendo 3DS, but is unclear for how much longer this support may last.[9][10]
