Utility · cloud storage + dex tracker · Switch + iOS/Android · 2020 launch
Pokémon HOME
The cloud-based storage and cross-game Pokédex tracker from The Pokémon Company. Currently on v4.0.0 (April 2, 2026); the long-awaited Legends: Z-A and Pokémon Champions connectivity update. Free tier stores 30 Pokémon; Premium ($15.99/yr) raises the cap to 6,000 and unlocks Bank transfer, GTS hosting, and the IV Judge function.
Which games connect to HOME.
Two-way means deposit and withdraw. One-way means deposit only; no return path. Visit-only is a new Champions-era pattern where HOME Pokémon make a round trip but native Champions catches cannot deposit.
Latest addition. Pokémon that have visited Z-A cannot return to pre-Z-A games.
Send HOME Pokémon to visit Champions; they return. Pokémon recruited in Champions cannot deposit to HOME.
Includes Teal Mask species (v3.1.0, Sep 2023) and Indigo Disk species (v3.2.1, Dec 2023).
Hisuian forms can move to HOME but cannot enter Sword / Shield.
Full Sinnoh species pool.
Original Galar starter game. Battle Point conversion still functional.
Deposit only. Pokémon cannot return to Let's Go.
GO → HOME via Nintendo Account link. First monthly transfer grants a GO Transporter recharge + Gigantamax Melmetal Mystery Gift.
One-way into HOME. Requires Premium subscription. Bank is currently free to use since the 3DS eShop closure.
Free or pay $15.99 a year?
Pricing unchanged since launch in 2020. The 30-Pokémon free cap is the single biggest pressure point; moving a party from a new mainline game uses 20% of it instantly.
| Feature | Basic (free) | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Box capacity | 30 Pokémon total | 6,000 Pokémon |
| National Dex tracker | Yes | Yes |
| GTS deposits | 1 at a time | 3 simultaneous |
| Wonder Box | 3 Pokémon at a time | 10 Pokémon |
| Room Trade | Participate only | Host + participate |
| Pokémon Bank → HOME transfer | No | Yes |
| Judge function (IV display) | No | Yes |
| Move / Ability viewer (mobile) | Yes | Yes |
| Mystery Gifts | Yes | Yes |
Notable distributions.
Every claim happens in the HOME mobile app, not the Switch app.
Two apps. One Nintendo Account. Different features.
Switch handles game transfer. Mobile handles trading and gifts. Storage syncs automatically.
Switch app (only)
- Direct two-way transfer with installed Switch games
- Battle Point conversion (SwSh era)
- v4.0.0 Z-A Alpha-starter Mystery Gift trigger
- Box management synced with in-game Box layout
Mobile app (only)
- GTS; Global Trading System
- Wonder Box; random trade pool
- Room Trade; private 8-player codes
- Friend Trade
- All Mystery Gift claiming
- Judge function detail view
- Learnset and Ability viewer
- News feed
Both apps
- Box management
- National Dex tracker
- Pokémon Bank → HOME transfer (Premium)
- Premium subscription purchase
Common questions.
What is Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon HOME is the official cloud-storage and cross-game Pokédex tracker from The Pokémon Company. Launched February 12, 2020, currently on version 4.0.0 (April 2, 2026). It connects compatible mainline games and lets you move Pokémon between them, store them in cloud boxes, and track National Pokédex progress across every game you own. Available as a Switch app and as a separate iOS/Android app that share storage via Nintendo Account.
How much does Pokémon HOME cost?
The Basic plan is free and stores 30 Pokémon total. Premium pricing has been unchanged since 2020: $2.99 USD per month, $4.99 USD for 3 months, or $15.99 USD per year. Premium raises the storage cap to 6,000 Pokémon, unlocks Bank transfer, the Judge IV-display function, and lets you host Room Trades.
Which games connect to Pokémon HOME in 2026?
Two-way: Pokémon Sword / Shield, Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl, Scarlet / Violet (including Teal Mask and Indigo Disk DLC species), Legends: Arceus, and Legends: Z-A (as of v4.0.0, April 2, 2026). One-way deposit-only: Let's Go Pikachu / Eevee, Pokémon GO, Pokémon Bank (3DS; requires Premium). Visit-only: Pokémon Champions; you send HOME Pokémon to visit and they return, but Pokémon caught in Champions cannot deposit to HOME.
Does Pokémon HOME work with TCG Live or TCG Pocket?
No. HOME is mainline-game infrastructure. The Pokémon TCG ecosystems (TCG Live, TCG Pocket) operate completely separately; no card data, deck data, or collection data syncs with HOME.
What is the storage limit on the free tier?
30 Pokémon total. This is the entire Basic plan capacity; not 30 per box. It is the single biggest pain point for free users; moving a six-Pokémon party from a new game already uses 20% of the cap. Premium raises it to 6,000.
Can I send Pokémon Legends: Z-A catches to older games?
No. As of v4.0.0 (April 2, 2026), any Pokémon that has visited Legends: Z-A is locked to Z-A ↔ HOME ↔ Pokémon Champions / future post-Z-A games. They cannot return to Sword / Shield, BDSP, Legends: Arceus, or Scarlet / Violet. This is similar to how Hisuian forms can move to HOME from Legends: Arceus but cannot enter Sword / Shield.
What is the rarest Pokémon HOME Mystery Gift?
Original Color Magearna; distributed since launch (February 12, 2020) to any player who completes their National Pokédex inside HOME. The requirement was relaxed from "Living Dex" (one of every species you have actually caught) to "National Dex" (any registered, including transfers). Other notable HOME gifts include Hidden-Ability starters for new users, Gigantamax Melmetal for first GO → HOME transfer, and current Alpha Chikorita / Tepig / Totodile + Chesnaughtite / Delphoxite / Greninjite / Floettite Mega Stones from v4.0.0.
Is the Switch app or mobile app better?
They do different things. Switch app is the bridge for direct two-way transfer with installed Switch games; required for moving Pokémon in and out of the games. Mobile app handles trading (GTS, Wonder Box, Room Trade, Friend Trade; all mobile-only), Judge details, the move and Ability viewer, news feed, and all Mystery Gift claiming. You almost certainly want both; they share storage automatically.
Pokémon HOME is published by The Pokémon Company. The latest changes are in the official v4.0.0 announcement. This is an unofficial fan project.