Pokémon Trading: A Comprehensive Guide to Building Your Dream Team
Pokémon trading is a core element of the Pokémon franchise, allowing players to exchange Pokémon with others to complete their Pokédex, acquire powerful creatures, and battle together. Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or just starting your Pokémon journey, understanding the intricacies of trading is essential. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about trading Pokémon across different generations and game versions.
## Why Trade Pokémon?
Before diving into the ‘how,’ let’s explore the ‘why.’ Trading offers several significant advantages:
* **Pokédex Completion:** Certain Pokémon are version exclusives, meaning they are only found in specific game versions. Trading is often the only way to obtain these Pokémon and complete your Pokédex.
* **Evolutionary Requirements:** Some Pokémon evolve only when traded. These include classic examples like Kadabra (evolving into Alakazam), Machoke (evolving into Machamp), Graveler (evolving into Golem), and Haunter (evolving into Gengar). Trading these Pokémon is necessary to unlock their final forms.
* **Acquiring Stronger Pokémon:** Trading can grant you access to Pokémon with better stats, abilities, or move sets than those you can find or train yourself. You might find someone willing to trade a high-IV (Individual Values) Pokémon that will excel in competitive battling.
* **Sharing Pokémon with Friends:** Trading is a great way to help friends complete their Pokédex or build stronger teams. It fosters a sense of community and allows you to enjoy the game together.
* **Obtaining Region-Specific Pokémon:** If you’re playing a game with online features, trading can let you get Pokémon that can only be caught in specific regions of the real world through events like Pokémon GO’s regionals.
## Trading Mechanics Across Generations
The trading mechanics have evolved significantly throughout the Pokémon generations. Here’s a breakdown of how trading works in each major era:
### Generation I (Red, Blue, Yellow)
* **Hardware:** Requires two Game Boy systems and a Game Link Cable.
* **Process:**
1. Connect two Game Boy systems using the Game Link Cable.
2. In both games, go to a Pokémon Center and talk to the receptionist at the far right counter on the second floor. This will initiate the trade sequence.
3. Both players will select the Pokémon they want to trade. Note that some Pokémon, like Mewtwo, cannot be traded due to their importance to the game’s storyline (though this restriction can be bypassed with glitches).
4. Once both players have confirmed their selections, the trade will occur.
* **Limitations:** Trading is limited to Pokémon compatible with the Generation I games. There are no online features for trading.
### Generation II (Gold, Silver, Crystal)
* **Hardware:** Requires two Game Boy Color systems and a Game Link Cable. The Game Boy Advance (original model) is also compatible with these games for trading purposes.
* **Process:**
1. Similar to Generation I, connect two Game Boy Color systems using the Game Link Cable.
2. Visit a Pokémon Center and talk to the receptionist on the second floor (the same one as in Generation I).
3. Initiate the trade sequence and select the Pokémon you want to trade.
4. Confirm your selections, and the trade will proceed.
* **Improvements:** Generation II introduced Pokémon breeding, which indirectly affects trading. You can trade Pokémon eggs to acquire Pokémon more efficiently.
* **Time Capsules:** You can trade Pokémon from Generation I to Generation II using the Time Capsule feature. This allows you to bring Pokémon from the older games into the newer ones, but only Pokémon from Generation I are eligible.
### Generation III (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen)
* **Hardware:** Requires two Game Boy Advance systems and a Game Link Cable (or a wireless adapter for FireRed and LeafGreen).
* **Process:**
1. Connect two Game Boy Advance systems using the Game Link Cable or establish a wireless connection in FireRed and LeafGreen.
2. Go to a Pokémon Center and talk to the receptionist on the second floor (same as previous generations).
3. Initiate the trade sequence and select the Pokémon you want to trade.
4. Confirm your selections, and the trade will proceed.
* **Connectivity with Colosseum/XD: Gale of Darkness:** You can trade Pokémon between the Generation III handheld games and the GameCube games Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness using a Game Boy Advance link cable and a GameCube. This expands the pool of available Pokémon and allows for unique gameplay experiences.
* **Trade Restrictions:** Some Pokémon may have trade restrictions based on specific events or game progress.
### Generation IV (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver)
* **Hardware:** Requires two Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite systems. The Nintendo DSi and Nintendo 3DS are backwards compatible.
* **Local Wireless Trading:**
1. Go to a Pokémon Center and talk to the receptionist on the second floor (yet again!).
2. Initiate the local wireless trade and connect with the other player.
3. Select the Pokémon you want to trade.
4. Confirm the trade.
* **Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (Now Discontinued):** Generation IV introduced online trading using the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. This service is now discontinued, but it was a significant feature at the time.
* **GTS (Global Trade Station):** The GTS allowed players to deposit a Pokémon and request a specific Pokémon in return. This facilitated trades with players worldwide, but it was also susceptible to scams and illegitimate Pokémon.
### Generation V (Black, White, Black 2, White 2)
* **Hardware:** Requires two Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite systems. The Nintendo DSi and Nintendo 3DS are backwards compatible.
* **Local Wireless Trading:** Similar to Generation IV, trading could be done locally through wireless communication.
* **Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (Now Discontinued):** Online trading was still available through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, including the GTS and Random Matchup trades.
* **Dream World Integration:** The Pokémon Dream World, a browser-based extension of the game, allowed players to obtain Pokémon with hidden abilities and trade them to their game cartridges.
### Generation VI (X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire)
* **Hardware:** Requires two Nintendo 3DS, 2DS, or New Nintendo 3DS systems.
* **Player Search System (PSS):** The PSS made trading and battling with friends and strangers much easier. It allowed you to see nearby players and connect with them online.
* **Wonder Trade:** Wonder Trade allowed you to trade a Pokémon for a random Pokémon with another player online. This was a fun, albeit unpredictable, way to get new Pokémon.
* **GTS Returns:** The GTS returned, allowing players to deposit Pokémon and request specific ones.
### Generation VII (Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon)
* **Hardware:** Requires two Nintendo 3DS, 2DS, or New Nintendo 3DS systems.
* **Festival Plaza:** The Festival Plaza served as the hub for online and local interactions, including trading and battling.
* **GTS:** The GTS was still available for depositing and requesting Pokémon.
* **Wonder Trade:** Wonder Trade remained a popular feature for random trades.
* **Link Trade:** Direct trading with friends or other players was possible through the Link Trade option.
### Generation VIII (Sword, Shield)
* **Hardware:** Requires two Nintendo Switch systems and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription (for online trading).
* **Local Communication:** Trading is possible via local wireless connection without a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
* **Y-Comm:** The Y-Comm replaced the PSS and Festival Plaza, serving as the main interface for online and local interactions.
* **Surprise Trade:** Surprise Trade is the equivalent of Wonder Trade, allowing you to trade Pokémon for random Pokémon online.
* **Link Trade:** Link Trade allows direct trading with other players by setting a Link Code (a four-digit password).
* **Pokémon HOME Integration:** Pokémon HOME, a cloud-based storage service, allows you to transfer Pokémon from various games, including Pokémon GO, and trade them with other players via the mobile app. However, trading within Sword and Shield directly still requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
### Generation IX (Scarlet, Violet)
* **Hardware:** Requires two Nintendo Switch systems and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription (for online trading).
* **Local Communication:** Trading is possible via local wireless connection without a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
* **Poké Portal:** The Poké Portal acts as the central hub for online and local activities, including trading and battling.
* **Surprise Trade:** Surprise Trade functions similarly to previous generations, offering random Pokémon exchanges.
* **Link Trade:** Link Trade enables direct trading with specific players using a Link Code.
* **Union Circle:** The Union Circle lets up to four players explore the same area together and trade Pokémon. This is especially useful for completing version-exclusive content and encountering different Pokémon.
* **Pokémon HOME Integration:** Pokémon HOME integration continues in Generation IX, allowing you to transfer Pokémon from previous games and trade them through the HOME app.
## Detailed Steps for Trading in Modern Pokémon Games (Sword, Shield, Scarlet, Violet)
Let’s focus on the most recent generations (Sword, Shield, Scarlet, and Violet) to provide detailed steps for trading:
### Trading in Pokémon Sword and Shield:
1. **Ensure you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription (for online trading).** Local trading does not require a subscription.
2. **Open the Y-Comm:** Press the Y button to access the Y-Comm menu.
3. **Connect to the Internet (if trading online):**
* Select “Link Trade”.
* Select “Begin Searching”. The game will start searching for a trade partner automatically, or you can set up a Link Code.
4. **Set a Link Code (Optional, for trading with specific friends):**
* Choose “Set Link Code”.
* Enter a four-digit code and share it with your friend.
* Both of you should enter the same code.
5. **Wait for a Connection:** Once the connection is established, you’ll see the other player’s avatar.
6. **Select the Pokémon to Trade:**
* Choose the Pokémon you want to trade from your party or boxes.
* The other player will do the same.
7. **Confirm the Trade:** Once both players have selected their Pokémon, confirm the trade. You’ll see the Pokémon you’re receiving.
8. **Complete the Trade:** The trade will occur, and the Pokémon will be exchanged.
### Trading in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet:
1. **Ensure you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription (for online trading).** Local trading does not require a subscription.
2. **Open the Poké Portal:** Press the X button to open the main menu, then select “Poké Portal”.
3. **Connect to the Internet (if trading online):**
* Select “Link Trade”.
* Select “Begin Searching”. The game will begin searching for a trade partner automatically, or you can set up a Link Code.
4. **Set a Link Code (Optional, for trading with specific friends):**
* Choose “Set Code”.
* Enter a four-digit code and share it with your friend.
* Both of you should enter the same code.
5. **Wait for a Connection:** Once the connection is established, you’ll see the other player’s avatar.
6. **Select the Pokémon to Trade:**
* Choose the Pokémon you want to trade from your party or boxes.
* The other player will do the same.
7. **Confirm the Trade:** Once both players have selected their Pokémon, confirm the trade. You’ll see the Pokémon you’re receiving.
8. **Complete the Trade:** The trade will occur, and the Pokémon will be exchanged.
### Surprise Trade (Wonder Trade) in Sword, Shield, Scarlet, and Violet:
Surprise Trade is a feature that allows you to trade a Pokémon for a random Pokémon with another player online. Here’s how to do it:
1. **Connect to the Internet:** Make sure your Nintendo Switch is connected to the internet.
2. **Access the Y-Comm (Sword/Shield) or Poké Portal (Scarlet/Violet):** Open the Y-Comm or Poké Portal as described above.
3. **Select Surprise Trade:** Choose “Surprise Trade” from the menu.
4. **Select a Pokémon:** Choose the Pokémon you want to trade.
5. **Wait for a Match:** The game will search for a trading partner and automatically initiate the trade.
6. **Receive Your Pokémon:** You’ll receive a random Pokémon from another player. Be aware that you have no control over what you receive!
### Trading via Pokémon HOME:
Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based storage service that allows you to manage your Pokémon collection and trade with other players. Here’s how to trade using Pokémon HOME:
1. **Download and Install Pokémon HOME:** Download the Pokémon HOME app on your Nintendo Switch and your mobile device (iOS or Android).
2. **Link Your Games:** Link your Pokémon games (e.g., Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, Scarlet, Violet) to your Pokémon HOME account on the Nintendo Switch.
3. **Transfer Pokémon:** Transfer Pokémon from your games to Pokémon HOME.
4. **Open Pokémon HOME on Your Mobile Device:** Use the mobile app to access the trading features.
5. **Trading Features in Pokémon HOME:**
* **Wonder Box:** Similar to Surprise Trade, you can place Pokémon in the Wonder Box and receive random Pokémon from other players.
* **GTS:** You can deposit Pokémon on the GTS and request specific Pokémon in return.
* **Room Trade:** You can create or join a trading room with up to 20 players and trade with them.
* **Friend Trade:** You can trade directly with friends on Pokémon HOME.
6. **Complete the Trade:** Follow the instructions within the Pokémon HOME app to complete the trade.
## Tips for Successful Pokémon Trading
* **Communicate with Your Trading Partner:** If you’re trading with a specific person, communicate beforehand about what you’re looking for and what you’re willing to trade. This helps ensure a fair and satisfying trade for both parties.
* **Check IVs and EVs:** If you’re trading for competitive purposes, check the Individual Values (IVs) and Effort Values (EVs) of the Pokémon you’re trading for. High IVs and properly trained EVs can significantly impact a Pokémon’s performance in battle.
* **Be Aware of Scams:** Be cautious of scams, especially when trading online with strangers. Avoid trading rare or valuable Pokémon for common ones without proper communication and agreement. Never trade Pokémon for real money or other goods outside the game, as this violates the terms of service.
* **Consider Trading Communities:** Join online Pokémon trading communities (e.g., on Reddit, Discord, or dedicated forums) to find reliable trading partners and learn about trading strategies.
* **Be Patient:** Finding the right trade can take time. Be patient and persistent, and eventually, you’ll find the Pokémon you’re looking for.
* **Use Trading as a Learning Tool:** Trading can be a great way to learn more about Pokémon, their stats, abilities, and competitive viability. Pay attention to what other players are trading and what they’re looking for, and use this information to improve your own trading strategies.
* **Breed Before Trading (When Possible):** If you are looking to help people fill their Pokedex, consider breeding duplicate Pokemon to trade. This is especially helpful for version exclusives.
* **Check Pokémon Legality:** Especially on the GTS, be wary of obviously hacked or illegitimate Pokémon. These might have impossible stats, abilities, or movesets. Trading or possessing these can potentially get you banned from online features.
* **Understand Pokémon Values:** Familiarize yourself with the rarity and value of different Pokémon. Version exclusives, shiny Pokémon, event-exclusive Pokémon, and Pokémon with specific natures and abilities tend to be more valuable.
## Common Trading Lingo
Here are some common terms you might encounter in Pokémon trading communities:
* **LF:** Looking For.
* **FT:** For Trade.
* **Shiny:** A Pokémon with a different color palette, making it much rarer than its standard counterpart.
* **IVs:** Individual Values, hidden stats that affect a Pokémon’s potential.
* **EVs:** Effort Values, stats that can be trained to improve a Pokémon’s performance.
* **Natures:** A Pokémon’s Nature affects its stat growth.
* **HA:** Hidden Ability.
* **Version Exclusives:** Pokémon that are only found in specific game versions.
* **Touch Trade:** A trade where Pokémon are traded to register them in a Pokedex and then immediately traded back to their original owners.
## Conclusion
Pokémon trading is a dynamic and rewarding aspect of the Pokémon experience. By understanding the trading mechanics across different generations, utilizing the available trading features, and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can effectively build your dream team, complete your Pokédex, and connect with other Pokémon trainers around the world. Happy trading!