Compatibility With Other Games

Learn how to transfer Pokémon between Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and other generations, including Sun, Moon, X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, and Virtual Console titles.

This guide details how to transfer Pokémon between Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and other games in the series, covering direct and indirect compatibility.

Direct Compatibility

You can interact with Pokémon Sun and Moon exactly as if they were Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, via Quick Link, Festival Plaza, etc. However, any Pokémon, forms, moves, or items new to Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon cannot be traded or battled with.

Pokémon Bank

Pokémon Bank serves as a gateway for transferring and storing Pokémon between 7th generation games (Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon), as well as from 6th generation games (X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire).

Indirect Compatibility

8th Generation (Pokémon Sword & Shield)

All Pokémon stored in Pokémon Bank can be sent to the Pokémon Home app on the Nintendo Switch. From there, they can potentially be transferred to other games such as Pokémon Sword and Shield.

6th Generation (Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire)

Pokémon from any 6th Generation game can be transferred to and from Pokémon Bank, and thus can be transferred to Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. This requires Pokémon Bank to be present on the same 3DS (or 2DS) as your 6th generation game(s).

2nd Generation (Pokémon Gold & Silver - Virtual Console)

Pokémon from the second generation can be transferred to Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, but only if they originate from the 3DS Virtual Console editions. To do this, Pokémon Bank, Poké Transporter, and the 2nd generation Virtual Console game must all be present on the same 3DS (or 2DS).

1st Generation (Pokémon Red, Blue & Yellow - Virtual Console)

Similarly, you can transfer Pokémon from the first generation to Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon if they come from the 3DS Virtual Console editions. Pokémon Bank, Poké Transporter, and the 1st generation Virtual Console game must all be present on the same 3DS (or 2DS).

5th Generation (Pokémon Black, White, Black 2 & White 2)

Pokémon caught in the Unova region can be transferred using Poké Transporter, similar to the 1st generation games. You will need Pokémon Bank, Poké Transporter, and the 5th generation game all present on the same 3DS (or 2DS).

4th Generation (Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold & Soul Silver)

Transferring from the 4th generation requires two DS or 3DS systems: one with a 4th generation game and another with a 5th generation game. Use the in-game PokéTransfer feature in the 5th generation game to transfer wirelessly.

3rd Generation (Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed & LeafGreen)

To transfer from the 3rd generation, you will need a DS. Insert a 3rd generation game into the GameBoy Advance cartridge slot and a 4th generation game into the DS card slot. Use the in-game Pal Park feature in the 4th generation game to transfer between the games.