Pokémon Bank to Permanently Close Its Doors

If you stashed your Pokémon in Pokémon Bank years ago, now’s the moment to bring them back. The Pokémon Company has revealed that the service on Nintendo 3DS will be shutting down in 2027, marking over a decade since its debut.

In a recent blog post, the company confirmed that Pokémon Bank will officially close on Thursday, February 25, 2027, at 7 p.m. PST, coinciding with the launch of its successor, Pokémon Home.

Originally launched in Japan in 2013 and worldwide in 2014, Pokémon Bank is a 3DS application that acts as a storage and transfer hub for players across all Pokémon games on the handheld. While it initially required a subscription, it has been free for users who downloaded it before the 3DS eShop was closed in 2023.

The Pokémon Company recommends that anyone with Pokémon still in Bank should transfer them to the newer Home service as soon as possible. Once you move Pokémon from Bank to Home, they cannot be returned to Bank. The transfer process can be lengthy and complex, so it’s wise to consult a detailed guide for assistance. To facilitate this transition, an October update to Home will allow Premium Plan subscribers to store up to 9,000 Pokémon.

Unfortunately, the transfer process may require multiple systems, games, and apps that might not be readily available anymore. However, if you have everything you need, now is the time to secure your cherished pocket monsters. If the usual methods fall short, dedicated fans have found alternative solutions if you know where to look.

Reactions to the announcement have been largely melancholic. While many recognize that this closure was inevitable, it doesn’t lessen the disappointment of losing yet another service that helps preserve digital memories. Pokémon has sparked a passion for gaming in countless players, and the bond formed with beloved creatures deserves a more straightforward way to be maintained.

Just a heads up, though: getting your hands on the Mythical Pokémon will require some effort!