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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →No—not for every Pokémon trade. Trading locally between two players requires two separate Nintendo Switch consoles, but some games support online trades, and Pokémon HOME offers trade features on mobile. The right option depends on the game, how you want to connect, and whether the Pokémon can be used with the destination game.
When do you need two Nintendo Switch consoles?
You need separate consoles when two players want to trade directly with each other over local communication. One Switch is not a setup for two local players to make a direct trade between their own accounts.
In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, the Y-Comm Link Trade feature supports both local and online connections. Local communication does not require a Nintendo Switch Online membership; Pokémon’s Y-Comm guidance says a paid membership is required for online gameplay, but not when playing locally.
Ways to trade, and what each requires
| Method | Separate Switch consoles? | Nintendo Switch Online? | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local in-game trade | Yes, for two players trading directly | No for local communication in Sword and Shield | Both players use a compatible game and connect locally. |
| Online in-game trade | Each player needs a system to play, but the connection is online rather than local | Yes for online gameplay in Sword and Shield | In Sword and Shield, both players can enter the same Link Code to target each other. |
| Pokémon HOME mobile trade | No second Switch is required for the mobile trade features | Not stated for mobile features | HOME offers Wonder Box, GTS, Room Trade, and Friend Trade. Creating a Room Trade room requires the Premium Plan. |
| Pokémon HOME on Switch | Does not itself provide a direct local player-to-player trade setup | No membership is required to use the Switch version of HOME, according to Pokémon Support | The app links to save data from supported games; game and Pokémon compatibility restrictions apply. |
How online trading works in Sword and Shield
For a trade with someone who is not beside you, Sword and Shield use Y-Comm’s Link Trade. A Link Code gives both players a way to seek the same trading partner. Online play requires a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership, as described in the game’s official Y-Comm instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
That online option changes the connection method; it does not mean that two players can trade directly on one console. Each player participates through their own system and game.
What Pokémon HOME lets you do instead
The mobile version of Pokémon HOME has four trade features: Wonder Box, GTS, Room Trade, and Friend Trade. They allow trading through HOME rather than performing a direct trade inside a particular Switch game. Pokémon Support says a Room Trade room can include up to 20 Trainers, and creating a room requires the paid Premium Plan. See Pokémon HOME’s mobile trade feature guide for the feature details.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
The Switch version of HOME connects with save data from supported games, but HOME is not a universal bridge that makes every Pokémon available in every title. The Pokémon HOME overview lists supported games and notes that restrictions can apply when moving Pokémon. Pokémon Support also warns that some Pokémon moved into Sword or Shield cannot later be moved back into Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee!, even if they were originally caught there.
A Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required to use the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME, according to Pokémon Support. This is separate from the online membership requirement for online gameplay in Sword and Shield.
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Check game-specific requirements before trading
Trading features and connection rules vary by game, so do not assume that Sword and Shield’s steps or requirements apply to Scarlet and Violet or another Pokémon title. For example, Scarlet and Violet’s official version 1.2.0 notes said players needed the same game update version to play together using local communication. Because that is a dated patch note, check the game’s current guidance for up-to-date connection steps.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Choose local play for a direct trade with someone nearby; two players need separate consoles.
- Choose online in-game trading when the particular game supports it and you meet its online requirements.
- Use HOME’s mobile trade features when a HOME trade suits your goal, and check any Premium Plan conditions.
- Before moving Pokémon through HOME, check whether the species and destination game are compatible—and whether the move can be reversed.
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.
