Collaboration between Pokémon GO, the popular mobile game, and Nintendo Switch offers trainers the opportunity to transfer Pokémon and share progress between devices. This cross-platform integration has expanded the gameplay experience, allowing you to bring your real-world captures to the main console titles in the series. Whether you're looking to complete your Pokédex on Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!, Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! or explore advanced features in newer versions like Scarlet Pokemon y PurpleHere you'll discover an updated, detailed, and practical guide to connecting, transferring, and getting the most out of both platforms without missing a single detail.
Why transfer Pokémon between Pokémon GO and Nintendo Switch?
The possibility of Send Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Nintendo Switch opens up a whole new dimension for trainers who want to make the most of their achievements on mobile. In addition to completing the Pokédex, this process has key benefits:
- Get exclusive bonuses such as candy, experience (XP) and the precious Mysterious Box to get Meltan.
- Be able to access and collect special forms, such as Alolan variants.
- Use transferred Pokémon in unique game modes and features of console titles.
- Enjoy limited-time events and rewards by keeping both games active, such as the Golden Lure Module and special postcards.
This synergy also allows you to share experiences with friends and family, as a single save file on the Switch can receive Pokémon from multiple different Pokémon GO accounts.
Prerequisites for transferring Pokémon from mobile to Switch
Before starting the transfer process, it is advisable to check that all the requirements are met. technical and game requirements:
- Have a Nintendo Switch with one of the following games installed: Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!, Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!, Scarlet Pokemon o pokemon purple.
- Count on the official Pokémon GO app installed and updated on your mobile device (iOS or Android).
- Active Bluetooth access on mobile and console.
- A valid Pokémon GO account and compliance with each game's specific restrictions (allowed genera and species, event forms, legendaries, etc.).
How to link your Pokémon GO account to your Nintendo Switch
Pairing the two devices is done in two parts and is the essential step for transferring Pokémon.
- On mobile (Pokémon GO):
- Open the Pokémon GO app.
- Press the Poké Ball button in the lower center area to open the main menu.
- Accede to Options (gear icon in the upper right corner).
- Scroll down to “Connected devices and services.”
- Select “Nintendo Switch.”
- Tap “Connect to Nintendo Switch.”
- At this point, your phone will be visible and ready to pair.
- On the Nintendo Switch (Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!/Eevee!):
- Start the corresponding game from the console's HOME menu.
- press X to open the game menu and then Y to enter Options.
- Select “Open Pokémon GO Settings.”
- When prompted, accept the link and wait for your Pokémon GO account name to appear.
- Confirm to complete the link.
When the process is complete, the Nintendo Switch icon will appear in the connected devices section of Pokémon GO. The pairing status can be checked and managed at any time from the app.
Step by step: Transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu/Eevee
Once your phone and console are linked, you can transfer Pokémon through the GO Park complex from Fuchsia City in Let's Go. Follow this detailed guide:
- On the Nintendo Switch, open Pokémon: Let's Go and go to Fuchsia City in the game.
- Talk to the attendant at the GO Park complex and select the “Bring Pokémon” option.
- On your mobile device, open Pokémon GO and access the Pokémon menu.
- Tap the Nintendo Switch icon in the top right corner.
- Choose the Pokémon you want to transfer (you can select up to 50 in each shipment, limited to the region of Kanto and Alolan forms, excluding legendaries and event forms).
- Tap “Send to Nintendo Switch” when you’re ready.
- Confirm the transfer on both your console and mobile.
Important: Sent Pokémon cannot be retrieved or transferred back to Pokémon GO; they will remain in the Let's Go GO Park.
- As a bonus for sending your first Pokémon to Switch, you'll receive additional XP and unlock the Mysterious Box, necessary to achieve Meltan.
- There's no limit to the number of Pokémon GO accounts you can link with a single save file in Let's Go, making it easy to collect Pokémon with friends and family.
How to send Pokémon from Pokémon GO to other recent Nintendo Switch games (Scarlet and Purple)
With the arrival of Scarlet Pokemon y pokemon purpleYou can also take advantage of the integration to transfer postcards and receive special rewards. The process is as follows:
- On the Switch, start Pokémon Scarlet or Purple.
- Press the X button to access the menu and enter the Poképortal menu.
- Select “Mystery Gift” and then “Connect to Pokémon GO.”
- Tap “Link to a Pokémon GO account” and confirm when your trainer’s name appears on the console.
- In Pokémon GO, follow the same steps as for pairing, going to “Connected devices and services” and making sure you’re visible to the Switch.
- Once completed, the Nintendo Switch icon will appear on connected devices.
This way you can send postcards and receive Mystery Gifts, coin chests and even unlock different motifs of vivillon depending on the region of the postcard sent.
Transfer benefits and rewards: candies, Mystery Box and Meltan
Each Pokémon transfer from the mobile app to the Switch generates different exclusive rewards and bonuses:
- Candy: For each Pokémon transferred, you get specific candies useful for evolving and powering up your creatures in Pokémon GO.
- Mystery Box: The first time you send a Pokémon to Let's Go, this special item unlocks in Pokémon GO, allowing Meltan to appear in the wild for a limited time. The Mystery Box can be reactivated every three days by sending another Pokémon to Switch or Pokémon HOME.
- Experience Points (XP): Each transfer adds additional XP to the player's profile in Pokémon GO.
- Golden Bait Module: In Scarlet and Purple, sending postcards for five consecutive days will grant you this special module, useful for attracting rare Pokémon and earning Mystery Coins.
Restrictions and important considerations
There are Limitations and warnings to take into account during the transfer:
- Only Pokémon from the first generation (Kanto) and their Alolan forms from Pokémon GO to Let's Go, excluding Legendaries and Event Pokémon. In Scarlet and Purple, postcards can be sent, but not all Pokémon.
- Pokémon transferred to the Switch cannot be returned to Pokémon GO under any circumstances.
- If an error or disconnection occurs mid-transfer, the "resume transfer" feature may not work and the Pokémon may be lost. Therefore, it's recommended to ensure both devices are close together and have a stable connection.
- Do not press the HOME button, turn off your console or phone during the process, or deactivate Bluetooth.
- Data shared between platforms is limited (trainer name and basic information about transferred Pokémon), in accordance with The Pokémon Company's privacy policy.
Troubleshooting common issues during mobile-Switch connection
- If the Pokémon GO app disconnects during the transfer, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the app to restart the process. However, this can result in the loss of the transferred Pokémon, so proceed with caution.
- If you're having trouble pairing both devices, check that your phone's Bluetooth is turned on, that your games are up to date, and that there's no external interference.
- In rare cases where the Switch doesn't detect the phone, make sure you're in the correct section of the options menu and try restarting both devices.
- On console, it is recommended that you avoid pausing the game, turning off the screen, or manipulating other functions until the transfer is completely complete.
How to make the most of cross-save and share progress between Nintendo Switch and mobile
In addition to transferring Pokémon, there are games like Pokemon Unite that allow progress to be shared between Nintendo Switch and mobile devices by activating the cross saveThis means you can switch between both systems without losing progress or acquired items.
- To activate cross-save, you must link your Nintendo or Pokémon Trainer Club account in both the mobile app and the console game.
- If you first played on Switch, launch the mobile version and link the corresponding account. If you started on mobile, perform the reverse process on Switch.
- It is mandatory to use the same login details to properly synchronize progress.
- If an error occurs, uninstall the mobile app and repeat the pairing process.
Improvements and tips to optimize transfer and user experience
- Make sure to keep both devices charged to avoid accidental shutdowns during the process.
- Place the console and mobile phone physically together to improve the reliability of the Bluetooth connection.
- Avoid using public or unstable Wi-Fi networks during the transfer.
- Disable background apps or features that may interfere with connectivity.
- Regularly update Pokémon GO and Switch games to take advantage of new features and resolve any incompatibilities.
Pokémon GO – Switch Transfer FAQ
- How many Pokémon can I transfer at once?
Up to 50 per submission in Let's Go, provided they meet the requirements (Kanto region, no legendaries/events). - Will I receive any reward for the transfer?
Yes, candy depending on the Pokémon, extra XP, and the Mystery Box in the first shipment. - Can I transfer Pokémon from multiple accounts?
Yes, multiple users can send Pokémon to the same save file on the Switch. - What happens if I lose connection in the middle of the transfer?
The transfer may not be able to be resumed, leaving the Pokémon unrecoverable. Extreme caution is advised. - Can I reverse the transfer?
No, the transfer is irreversible. - What is the Mystery Box and how do I use it?
It's a special item that allows Meltan to appear in the wild for a limited time in Pokémon GO. It's recharged by sending new Pokémon to Switch or Pokémon HOME. - Can postcards be sent?
Yes, in Scarlet/Purple, postcards become Mystery Gifts and bonuses. - Can you use Pokémon HOME?
For more advanced cross-generation transfers, Pokémon HOME is the official way to move Pokémon between different platforms and compatible titles.
The integration between Pokémon GO and Nintendo Switch continues to improve with new features and compatibility in each update, offering Trainers a richer experience and greater connection between platforms. With detailed instructions and safety recommendations, you can enjoy transferring Pokémon, maximize unique rewards like the Mystery Box, and take advantage of cross-save in supported titles. Explore Pokémon connectivity and take your adventures to the next level, whether in the palm of your hand or on your console screen.