"Pokémon HOME", a new application that allows users to exchange Pokémon with people around the world and connect with them, was announced at the "Pokémon Business Strategy Presentation 2019" held in May 2019.
It was announced during the "Pokemon Direct" broadcast on January 9, 2020 at 23:30 that it will be released within February 2020, although it had been planned to launch in early 2020.
Yesterday, just before the release, the official website of "Pokémon HOME" was opened to the public, revealing service contents, usage plans, and more!
What is "Pokémon HOME"?
Pokémon HOME is a cloud service for Nintendo Switch and smartphones based on the concept of "a place where all Pokémon gather.
Pokémon that you have joined in the "Pokémon" series and "Pokémon GO" can be stored and exchanged with people all over the world through the linked software and services.
Pokémon and Pokémon GO, and exchange them with people all over the world!
In a nutshell, "Pokémon HOME" is a service that allows you to deposit Pokémon, exchange them, and take them to other Pokémon series.
This service will be available on Nintendo Switch and smartphones, and some functions will differ between the Nintendo Switch and smartphone versions.
What you can do with "Pokémon HOME"
The above is a rough explanation, but what can you actually do with "Pokémon HOME"? Many of you may be wondering, "What can I actually do with Pokémon HOME?
Here is a summary of what you can do with "Pokémon HOME"!
Exchanging Pokémon
The smartphone version of Pokémon HOME has four Pokémon exchange functions.
Miracle Box
This feature allows you to exchange Pokémon with people around the world at random.
If you deposit Pokémon you want to exchange in the Miracle Box, Pokémon will be exchanged automatically even if you close Pokémon HOME.
You can deposit multiple Pokémon at once, so you can exchange all the Pokémon you have in your Miracle Box at once!
GTS
You can exchange Pokémon with other Pokémon who meet your requirements by setting the Pokémon you want to exchange and the Pokémon you want to trade.
You can set Pokémon that have not yet been registered in the National Pokémon Book as the Pokémon you want, so it may help you fill up your Pokémon Book.
Group Exchange
This function allows you to create a group of up to 20 people to exchange Pokémon together.
You won't know whose Pokémon you'll get in the group until you randomly decide to exchange them, so you can enjoy the thrill of the moment!
*Creating a group is a feature available only for Premium Plan (paid) users. If you are on a free plan and want to exchange groups, you can only join groups created by others.
Friend Exchange
This function allows you to exchange Pokemon with nearby users who are friends in Pokemon HOME.
*If you are under 16 years old, you cannot use the Friend function of "Pokémon HOME".
Register Pokémon in the "National Pokémon Directory".
When you deposit a Pokémon in the Pokémon Box on "Pokémon HOME", the Pokémon will be registered in the "National Pokémon Directory.
In addition, if you deposit a Pokémon that can "Mega Thinker" or "Kyodaimax", the appearance of each Pokémon will be registered in the "Pokémon Pictorial Book"!
You can check the registered Pokémon in both the Nintendo Switch version and the smartphone version.
There is also a feature exclusive to the smartphone version!
In the smartphone version, you can also check the descriptions of previous Pokémon in the "Pokémon" series, as well as the Pokémon's moves and special abilities!
The descriptions of the first generation Pokémon are quite interesting, so if you haven't read them yet, be sure to check them out!
Receiving "Mysterious Goodies"
You can receive "Mysterious Goodies" by entering the serial code for "Pokémon HOME" on your smartphone version or by scanning the 2D barcode (QR code).
The Pokémon you receive will be sent to your Pokémon Box in "Pokémon HOME".
Pokémon Sword/Shield gifts given at events and stores can be received and recorded on "Pokémon HOME" instead.
Enter the serial code displayed on "Pokémon HOME" into "Pokémon Sword/Shield" to receive the items.
Campaigns that have already been conducted before the "Pokémon HOME" service was launched are not supported.
If you are under 16 years old, you cannot use the "Area Check" function to receive "Mysterious Goodies" at nearby events.
The "Area Check" function, which allows you to receive "mysterious gifts" at nearby event sites, is not available.
Depending on the device and OS version, some functions may not be available.
Other Functions
In addition to the functions introduced so far, "Pokémon HOME" offers a variety of other functions.
Pokémon List
You can check the special traits and learned moves of Pokémon in both the Nintendo Switch and smartphone versions.
If you subscribe to the "Premium Plan", you can use the "Judge" function to check your Pokémon's abilities.
My Room
The "My Room" on the smartphone version allows users to check information on events and announcements related to the software.
You can customize your profile using stickers that you receive for "achievements" made by fulfilling various conditions in "Pokémon HOME".
Battle Data
In the smartphone version, you can check the rankings of trainers and Pokémon used in Pokémon Sword/Shield Ranked Matches and Internet tournaments.
In the Pokémon rankings, you can also check information related to moves, traits, and items.
The battle data function will be available after the launch of "Pokémon HOME" service.
Notice
On the smartphone version, you can check notifications about Pokémon gifts and information about "Pokémon Sword/Shield" Internet tournaments.
"Pokémon HOME Points"
In the Nintendo Switch version, you can earn "Pokémon HOME Points" based on the number of Pokémon you have deposited in your Pokémon Box.
The accumulated points can be converted into BP (Battle Points) that can be used in the "Pokémon" series.
Differences between the Nintendo Switch version and the smartphone version
The "Pokémon HOME" functionality available on the Nintendo Switch and smartphone versions is different.
Both can be used with the same Nintendo Account, so it would be a good idea to install both versions and use them according to your situation.
Please see below for the details of each function!
Two "Pokémon HOME" Plans
"Pokémon HOME" has a free plan (free) and apremium plan (paid).
The Premium Plan offers more functions and more Pokémon for each function.
The price of the Premium Plan is as follows.
A 12-month subscription to the 1-month plan costs 4,440 JPY, so you're definitely getting more bang for your buck if you subscribe for 12 months!
For a limited time, you can use "Pokémon Bank" for free!
To commemorate the decision to distribute "Pokémon HOME", a campaign will be held to offer free use of "Pokémon Bank" and "Pokémover" for one month from the start of the "Pokémon HOME" service! Free Pokémon Bank and Pokémon Mover!
You can deposit Pokémon from the "Pokémon" series up to Nintendo 3DS into the "Pokémon Bank" and move them to "Pokémon HOME".
You can now go on adventures again with the Pokémon you enjoyed together back in the day!
*You cannot deposit new Pokémon after the free period ends, but you can withdraw Pokémon you have deposited for free.
Please note, however, that after a certain period of time, Pokémon left in your Pokémon account will disappear.
The ever-expanding world of Pokémon
Pokémon HOME service is scheduled to begin in February 2020.
Pokémon HOME will not only open up new ways to play with Pokémon, it will also allow you to play with the Pokémon you adventured with back in the day in the "Pokémon Sword/Shield" additional contents "Yoroi Island" and "Kammuri Region" that will be distributed in the future. Pokémon that you adventured with back in the day will be able to adventure with you again.
Let's enjoy Pokémon more and more with Pokémon Trainers all over the world!
For details, please check the official "Pokémon HOME" website!