"Pokémon" fans will soon have a new way to move their favorite creatures from older adventures into the modern "Pokémon" ecosystem. The update is good news for collectors. However, it also comes with a major deadline.
Pokémon HOME support for the Switch versions of "Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen" is reportedly set to arrive in October 2026. Once the connection goes live, players will be able to transfer Pokémon from the classic Kanto adventures into other supported games.
But there is a catch. Around the same time, Pokémon Bank is approaching its final shutdown.
'Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen' Are Getting Pokémon HOME Support
The Pokémon Company has announced that the Switch versions of "FireRed and LeafGreen" will connect with Pokémon HOME starting in October.
The change gives players another option for managing their collections. It is especially useful for longtime fans who have continued collecting Pokémon across multiple generations.
There is also a reward for dedicated players.
Those who complete the Pokédex in "Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen" will receive Celebi in the mobile version of Pokémon HOME.
The timing could also be significant for collectors. The Pokémon series continues to expand its roster with each new generation. That could make the ability to bring older Pokémon into newer games even more valuable.
For players who have spent years building their collections, the new Pokémon HOME support could make older Pokémon feel relevant again.
Pokémon Bank Transfers Will End in 2027
The bigger change involves Pokémon Bank.
Pokémon HOME Version 4.1.0 is scheduled for October 2026. The update will increase the storage limit for Premium Plan subscribers from 6,000 Pokémon to 9,000 Pokémon.
The additional storage will reportedly come without a price increase for the Premium Plan. However, players should pay close attention to the transfer deadline.
According to Gaming Bible, Pokémon Bank transfers to Pokémon HOME will permanently end on February 26, 2027.
After that date, Pokémon Bank will no longer support the transfer process. Players will also lose the ability to use the service to store, deposit, or withdraw Pokémon.
That makes the months leading up to the deadline important for longtime collectors.
The End of Pokémon Bank
The shutdown is a hard blow for Pokemon collectors who are not yet finished in their collecting journey.
The Nintendo 3DS eShop closed in December 2023. As a result, players who had not already downloaded Pokémon Bank could no longer get the application.
The service continued operating after that change. It also remained available following the shutdown of Nintendo Network services in April 2024.
Its remaining connection to newer Pokémon titles, however, is now approaching its final chapter.
For players with collections spread across Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo 3DS games, Pokémon Bank has served as an important bridge.
What Pokémon Players Should Do Before 2027
Players with Pokémon still stored in Pokémon Bank may want to check their collections before the February 2027 deadline.
The arrival of expanded Pokémon HOME storage should make the transition easier for collectors with large libraries. It's a sad day indeed for every fan, but it has to happen to make way for newer games.
