You can’t transfer Pokémon directly from a Game Boy Advance game to Pokémon HOME. The official route is a one-way chain through several older games and services: GBA game → Generation IV game → Generation V game → Pokémon Bank → Pokémon HOME. It requires compatible legacy hardware and games, access to Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter, and a paid Pokémon HOME Premium Plan for the final transfer. Pokémon Support says Bank-to-HOME transfers are scheduled to end on February 26, 2027, at 03:00 UTC.
What you need before you start
- A copy of Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, or LeafGreen.
- A Nintendo DS system with a Game Boy Advance cartridge slot, plus a compatible Generation IV Pokémon game. The cited Nintendo migration guide covers Pokémon Platinum specifically; migration instructions and unlock conditions may differ in other games.
- A Generation V game: Pokémon Black, White, Black Version 2, or White Version 2.
- Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter already available on a compatible 3DS, unless you can use the no-3DS Bank-to-HOME option described below.
- A Pokémon HOME Premium Plan for the Bank-to-HOME transfer. A paid Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required for this function, according to Pokémon Support.
Bank and Poké Transporter have not been available to download from the 3DS eShop since March 27, 2023. If you do not already have the apps, you may not be able to establish the official route through ordinary downloads. Pokémon Support’s 2023 notice described transfers from Bank to HOME as available to existing users at that time; its later notice sets the current announced end date.
| # | 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) | $169.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Pokemon Ruby Version - New Save Battery (Renewed) | $163.99 | 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 the Pokémon through the legacy games
- Use Pal Park to migrate Pokémon from the GBA game to Generation IV. Nintendo’s official Platinum manual documents migration from Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen into Pokémon Platinum. This step is one-way: migrated Pokémon cannot be returned to their original GBA game. Check the Pokémon you intend to move before confirming.
- Transfer the Pokémon from Generation IV to Generation V. The legacy route uses the Generation V Poké Transfer process. The procedure and unlock conditions are not detailed here, so check the instructions for the specific Generation IV and V games you are using rather than assuming every title has identical steps.
- Use Poké Transporter to send eligible Pokémon from Generation V to Bank. Nintendo lists Pokémon Black, White, Black Version 2, and White Version 2 as Poké Transporter sources. GBA and Generation IV games are not direct Poké Transporter sources.
- Move the Pokémon from Bank to HOME. Choose one of the two methods below. Once a Pokémon has moved from Bank to HOME, it cannot be returned to Bank.
Choose a Bank-to-HOME transfer method
Both methods require a paid Pokémon HOME Premium Plan. Pokémon Support describes a 3DS Moving Key method and an option initiated in HOME without a 3DS.
| Method | What you need | What moves |
|---|---|---|
| Use a 3DS and a Moving Key | A working 3DS with Pokémon Bank, Pokémon HOME, and the ability to enter the Moving Key shown in HOME. | The Pokémon selected for the Bank transfer. |
| Transfer without a 3DS | The Nintendo Network ID used with Bank must be linked to the Nintendo Account used with HOME. | Every Pokémon in Bank at once. |
With a 3DS: enter the Moving Key
- In Pokémon Bank, select Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME.
- In Pokémon HOME, display a Moving Key and enter it in Bank before it expires. Pokémon Support says the key is valid for three minutes.
- Review the transfer and confirm only when you are ready for the Pokémon to leave Bank. The move from Bank to HOME is one-way.
Without a 3DS: use linked account credentials
Start the transfer from Pokémon HOME and follow its prompts. This option depends on the Nintendo Network ID used for Bank being linked to the Nintendo Account used for HOME. It moves the entire Bank collection at once, so do not choose it if you need to leave any Pokémon in Bank.
#1 Best Overall
- This renewed game will not come with the original case or manual; cartridge only. It has been cleaned, tested, and is in nice condition.
What to check after the transfer
Moving a Pokémon into HOME does not guarantee that it can be sent to every modern Pokémon game. Game compatibility depends on the individual Pokémon. Use HOME’s compatibility information for that Pokémon to check which games can receive it before planning where to use it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Plan around Pokémon Bank’s announced end date
In an August 18, 2026 notice, Pokémon Support announced that Pokémon Bank service will end on February 26, 2027, at 03:00 UTC. After that time, transfers from Bank to HOME will no longer be possible. The notice is German-language and gives the deadline in UTC. If Pokémon are still in Bank, complete the transfer before the announced cutoff.
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!
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!
Rank #2
- This renewed game will not come with the original case or manual; cartridge only. It has been cleaned, tested, and is in nice condition.
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.
