The Nintendo eShop has finally closed its doors, meaning that users can no longer access the shop on their Nintendo 3DS and Wii U consoles. And while Nintendo will still allow players access to previous purchases and DLC, and developers can still send updates to its existing titles, the big question is what will happen to Pokémon Bank.
Pokémon Bank is an app that allows Pokémon fans to transfer Pokémon from older generation titles to newer games. It is also the only way to send your Pokémon from the virtual console to newer titles. The only issue is that players need to pay a subscription if they want that feature and that can be done through the Nintendo eShop.
So with the store closing down with no plans to reopen, is Pokémon Bank still active?
Is Pokémon Bank still active?
Fortunately, Pokémon Bank is still active despite the eShop’s closure. When it was announced that the virtual store will be closing back in 2022, it was announced that Pokémon Bank will be free to use so trainers are able to transfer their old friends into the next generation. After the Nintendo eShop closed, Pokémon Bank notified users that they have a “free trial period for ?40 days.” This means they can now use all the features that the service has to offer without paying for a subscription.
However, just because it’s active doesn’t mean it’s100 percent functional. Users reported that the Poké Transporter, an add-on feature to allow Pokémon from the virtual console, is unusable unless users pay a Pokémon Bank subscription that no longer exists. Nintendo has not yet announced when that will be fixed. For now, trainers can utilize the app for other titles like Pokémon X & Y and Sun and Moon.
If you plan to download Pokémon Bank, it’s no longer possible due to the eStore closure. But it could still be obtainable if you own a modified 3DS console.
