Uncovering the Mystery: Trading Pokemon with Yourself

Uncovering the Mystery: Trading Pokémon with Yourself

Trading Pokémon has long been a core feature of the beloved franchise, but what happens when you’re alone and don’t have someone to trade with? Can you still engage in the thrilling world of Pokémon trading by yourself? The short answer is yes! In this article, we will explore the process of trading Pokémon with yourself and uncover the tricks, tips, and potential challenges you might face. By the end, you’ll understand how to trade Pokémon between your devices and how to maximize your experience without relying on other players.

Table of Contents

Why Trade Pokémon in the First Place?

Before we dive into the specifics of trading Pokémon with yourself, it’s important to understand why trading is such an essential feature in the Pokémon games. Pokémon trading allows players to:

Complete their Pokédex by acquiring exclusive Pokémon not found in their game version.
Obtain Pokémon with unique abilities or stats through special trades.
Engage in the social aspect of Pokémon, connecting with friends or the broader community.
Enhance their team composition with rare or hard-to-find Pokémon.

However, what happens when you’re unable to connect with other players? Trading with yourself can provide a solution to continue enjoying these benefits even without a friend nearby.

How to Trade Pokémon with Yourself

Now that you know why trading is important, let’s dive into how you can trade Pokémon with yourself. This method works across various Pokémon games, including the newer titles like Pokémon Sword and Shield, and even the classic games. The process requires two separate devices, each with a copy of the game, and you’re essentially setting up a self-trade by managing both accounts. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

Step-by-Step Process: Trading Pokémon with Yourself

Follow these steps to trade Pokémon between your own accounts:

Step 1: Prepare Your Devices and Accounts
To start, you’ll need two devices. For example, a Nintendo Switch and a Nintendo 3DS, or two Switch consoles. Each device must have a separate Pokémon game, and ideally, both devices should be logged into different Pokémon Trainer Club accounts. If you don’t have a second account, you can create one on the same device, but a second console is ideal for seamless trading.
Step 2: Set Up the Trading Process
On both devices, navigate to the Pokémon Center and access the Link Trade option. You’ll want to ensure that both devices are connected to the internet (or the same local network if using local trading). This will allow you to initiate a trade between the two accounts.
Step 3: Initiate a Link Trade
On the first device, select the Pokémon you wish to trade. On the second device, search for a trade partner by selecting the “Link Trade” option. This action will prompt the devices to pair up. Since you are trading with yourself, the second device should automatically pair with the first.
Step 4: Trade and Confirm
Once the connection is established, select the Pokémon to trade from both devices. The trade will occur as if you were trading with another player. After confirming both trades, your Pokémon will be swapped, and you can continue with your adventure on both accounts.

What You Need for a Successful Self-Trade

While the process is simple, there are a few key things you’ll need to ensure the trade goes smoothly:

Two Devices: This is the most crucial requirement. You cannot trade with yourself using a single device unless you use a method like emulation or device cloning.
Two Pokémon Games: Make sure both devices are running a copy of the game that supports Link Trading.
Stable Internet Connection: A good internet connection is necessary for online trades. If you’re using local trades, ensure that the devices are within close range and on the same network.
Two Pokémon Trainer Club Accounts: If using a single device, set up different accounts to log in on each one. This allows for trading between the accounts.

Troubleshooting Tips: What to Do When Things Go Wrong

While trading Pokémon with yourself is a straightforward process, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues and solutions:

Issue 1: Connection Problems

If your devices fail to connect during the trade, ensure both are connected to the internet or the same local network. Double-check your Wi-Fi settings or try restarting the devices. If you’re using online trading, ensure your Nintendo Online subscription is active.

Issue 2: Trade Not Going Through

If the trade isn’t completing, check that both devices are on the correct trading screen. Sometimes, a simple restart of the game or devices can fix this. Also, ensure that you’re logged into the correct Pokémon Trainer Club accounts.

Issue 3: Device Not Detecting Each Other

In rare cases, the devices might fail to detect each other. Make sure that both devices are using the latest firmware and have updated Pokémon games. If problems persist, try resetting the local connection or using a different method to establish the trade, such as QR codes or direct connections.

Extra Features to Enhance Your Self-Trade Experience

Trading Pokémon with yourself doesn’t just have to be about completing your Pokédex. There are several ways you can take advantage of this feature:

Shiny Hunting: By trading between two accounts, you can increase your chances of encountering shiny Pokémon.
Breeding for Perfect Stats: Use the process of breeding on one account and trading the offspring to your second account to get Pokémon with perfect IVs.
Trading for Rare Items: Transfer rare items between your two accounts to maximize your chances of finding useful items for your journey.

Conclusion: The Benefits of Trading Pokémon with Yourself

Trading Pokémon with yourself is an invaluable feature for those who may not have access to other players but still want to enjoy the rich experience of trading in the Pokémon universe. Whether you’re looking to complete your Pokédex, hunt for shiny Pokémon, or optimize your team composition, this method allows you to engage with the game in a deeper, more personalized way.

While it does require two devices and a little extra setup, the benefits far outweigh the effort. With a few simple steps, you can be on your way to completing trades that will enhance your gameplay. So, grab your second device, fire up your game, and start trading Pokémon with yourself!

For more information on trading Pokémon and other gameplay tips, check out the official Pokémon website for the latest news and updates.

Need help with your trading setup? Visit our troubleshooting guide for more detailed instructions.

This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by GameMasterHub Team