Pokémon Sword and Shield: How to get Bulbasaur and Squirtle
- feb
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We've known since the launch of Sword and Shield that the coding for Bulbasaur and Squirtle was included in the games. However, it wasn't until recently that we were told that these Pokémon would be included in the Expansion Pass, which launches in two parts later this year. If you really don't want to wait to play with these Gen 1 starters, you can still get them in Sword or Shield now by using Pokémon HOME. Of course you must have them stored in another game in order for this to work. Here's how to transfer Bulbasaur and Squirtle into Pokémon Sword and Shield from Pokémon HOME.
How to get Bulbasaur and Squirtle
While the Expansion Pass will include Bulbasaur and Squirtle, the only way to get them right now is to transfer them in from a previous Pokémon game via Pokémon HOME. This means that you will need to already have a Bulbasaur or Squirtle caught in a game that is compatible with Pokémon HOME. In this example, I will transfer Squirtle and Bulbasaur from Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!
If you already have a Squirtle or Bulbasaur in Pokémon Bank on your 3DS, you can also use this method. However, you'll need to transfer your Pokémon Bank Pokémon into Pokémon HOME first.
How to transfer them into Sword and Shield
- If you have a physical copy of Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! or Let's Go, Pikachu!, place it in the cartridge slot.
Open Pokémon HOME from the main Switch menu
- Press A to get past the start screen.
This screen will appear. Select Pokémon.
- Choose the game you want to transfer from. In this case, I chose Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!
Select Yes
- Your Pokémon Boxes will appear. Select Bulbasaur and Squirtle from your Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! or Let's Go, Eevee! Boxes. You'll have to do this one at a time. Note that you cannot transfer them if they're currently in you party within the Let's Go games.
Deposit Bulbasaur and Squirtle into one of your Boxes in Pokémon HOME.
- When you're done selecting Pokémon, press + to save changes.
Select Save changes and exit.
- Press A when the screen reads "Your Boxes have been saved!" You've completed the transfer to Pokémon HOME.
The main menu screen will appear. With Pokémon HOME still running, remove Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! or Let's Go, Eevee! from the cartridge slot.
- If you have a physical copy, place Sword or Shield in the cartridge slot.
Select Pokémon.
- Choose the game you want to transfer to. In this case, I chose Pokémon Sword.
Select Yes.
- Your Pokémon HOME Boxes will appear. Select the Pokémon you wish to transfer to Sword or Shield. If the Pokémon cannot be transferred to these games a red circle with a line through it will appear on the top right side of the Pokémon. Also note, that if a question mark appears, then you may not be able to move this particular Pokémon to other games after you save in Pokémon HOME.
Deposit the Pokémon into one of your Boxes in Sword and Shield.
- When you're done selecting Pokémon, press + to save changes.
Select Save changes and exit.
- Press A when the screen reads "Your Boxes have been saved!" You've completed the transfer.
Exit Pokémon HOME by pressing the Home Button on your Switch.
- Press X when hovering over Pokémon HOME to close the software.
Select Close.
- Select Pokémon Sword or Shield, whichever one you want to transfer Bulbasaur and Squirtle into.
Press A to get past the opening menu.
- Press X to open up Sword and Shield's main menu
Select Pokémon.
- Press R to go to your Boxes.
Select Squirtle or Bulbasaur (you'll need to move them one at a time).
- Select Move.
Deposit Squirtle or Bulbasaur one at a time into your party on the left. Now you're good to play with them in Sword and Shield.
Now you can run around the Galar region with your favorite Squirtle or Bulbasaur in tow. If you only have a Venosaur or a Blastoise, simply transport them over using this same method and then throw them in the Nursery with a Ditto. You'll have cute little Squirtles and Bulbasaurs in no time.
Additional Equipment
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SanDisk 128GB micoSD Card
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Hori Compact Playstand
This stand works for both the Switch Lite and the regular Switch. Use it to prop your gaming system up during tabletop mode or when you want to watch YouTube or Hulu.
PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller - Pikachu vs. Mewtwo
This awesome controller features Pikachu and Mewtwo in the middle of a battle along with a paint-splatter background. It's wireless and functions using two AA batteries.
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