No—not directly. You can move Pokémon from certain Nintendo DS games to a compatible Nintendo Switch game, but the official route goes through Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME. It is a one-way migration out of Bank, requires Pokémon HOME Premium, and must be completed before Bank ends service on February 25, 2027, at 7:00 p.m. PST.
How the DS-to-Switch transfer works
The route depends on which DS game your Pokémon are in. Pokémon from supported earlier DS titles may first need to be moved into a compatible Generation V game. From there, the documented chain is:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Pokemon Shining Pearl - Nintendo Switch Shining Pearl Edition | $52.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Pokémon Violet - US Version | $51.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Pokémon Legends: Arceus - US Version | $54.25 | Buy on Amazon |
- Move the Pokémon into Pokémon Black, White, Black Version 2, or White Version 2 if needed. These are the Generation V DS games Nintendo lists as compatible with Poké Transporter.
- Use Poké Transporter to move eligible Pokémon into Pokémon Bank. Nintendo’s Bank and Transporter compatibility list identifies supported games and apps.
- Move Pokémon from Bank into Pokémon HOME. This step requires Pokémon HOME Premium. The transfer can use a temporary Moving Key; Pokémon Support also documents an option to move all Bank Pokémon when the Nintendo Network ID used for Bank is linked to the Nintendo Account used for HOME. Pokémon moved into HOME cannot be returned to Bank. See Pokémon Support’s HOME connection guide.
- Use HOME to move each Pokémon into a compatible Switch game. Check the Pokémon’s destination eligibility in HOME first; not every Pokémon can travel to every game.
Check whether your Pokémon can enter the Switch game you want
Moving a Pokémon into HOME does not guarantee it can be moved into every Switch title. In HOME, inspect the Pokémon’s Connected Games or Games it can travel to list. Pokémon that cannot travel to a particular game are marked unavailable for that destination. Pokémon Support explains the check in its compatibility guide and its HOME connection guide.
Bank’s end date changes what is possible
Nintendo says Pokémon Bank will end service on February 25, 2027, at 7:00 p.m. PST. After service ends, transfers from Bank to HOME will no longer be possible. Nintendo also says Bank is not currently available for download. As a result, buying a DS or 3DS console or a compatible game cartridge alone does not guarantee that you can complete the transfer: the required Bank access is a separate, essential part of the route. Check Nintendo’s Pokémon Bank end-of-service notice for the published status and deadline.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Revisit the Sinnoh region from the original Pokémon Pearl Version game and set off to try and become the Champion of the Pokémon League
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- Explore the Grand Underground to dig up items and Pokémon Fossils, build a Secret Base, and more.
- Test your style and rhythm in a Super Contest Show
- A reimagined adventure, now for the Nintendo Switch system
If you already have access to Bank, plan to complete the move into HOME before that deadline. Do not leave the Bank-to-HOME step until after the service ends.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 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
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- Embark on a new Pokémon adventure
- Catch, battle, and train Pokémon in the Paldea Region, a vast land filled with lakes, towering peaks, wastelands, small towns, and sprawling cities.
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- Embark on an independent study called the Treasure Hunt to gain new experiences, meet new people, and find your very own treasure.
What to check before starting
- Identify the exact DS game holding the Pokémon and whether it can move them to one of the supported Generation V games.
- Confirm you have the required access to Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter; Nintendo says Bank is not currently available for download.
- Have Pokémon HOME Premium for the Bank-to-HOME move.
- Check each Pokémon’s destination list in HOME before moving it toward a specific Switch game.
- Remember that the Bank-to-HOME move is one-way and finish it before Bank ends service.
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.
