Can I Still Use Pokemon Bank After 2023?

Yes, Pokemon Bank will remain fully functional and usable after 2023. However, it will transition to a free service and no longer be available for purchase or download once the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes on March 27th 2023.

This definitive guide explains everything you need to know about continuing to use Pokemon Bank post-2023, including must-have pre-closure downloads, paid subscription changes, full game compatibility, and more.

As a long-time Pokemon gaming expert, I‘ve compiled all the vital details – with original commentary – on how the iconic cloud storage App evolves to maintain functionality in the era of Pokemon Home.

Overview of the Upcoming 3DS eShop Closure

After over 10 years of operation, Nintendo has announced the 3DS eShop will officially close on March 27th 2023 at 5PM Pacific Time.

• This stops the sale of new games and downloadable content for the 3DS console
• Users will still be able to redownload previously purchased content
• But free downloads and game trials will cease functionality

Additionally, the eShop closure disables new user downloads for Pokemon Bank and its Transporter companion app.

So users who already have Pokemon Bank installed will retain ongoing access. However new users will permanently lose the ability to download after March 2023.

This makes it essential for current players to download the critical cloud storage tool before the eShop shuts down.

Download Pokemon Bank Before March 27th 2023

With the confirmation of the 3DS eShop closure, existing fans have only a limited window left to download Pokemon Bank.

I cannot emphasize enough how vital it is get this App prior to March 27th 2023 if you want seamless ongoing access to stored Pokemon.

Here are step-by-step instructions to downloading Pokemon Bank before the eShop disables further downloads:

1. Launch Nintendo eShop on your 3DS console
2. Select the Search option and enter "Pokemon Bank"
3. Select the Pokemon Bank icon from the results
4. Choose Download on the app‘s eShop page
5. Complete the purchase process using your eShop balance

This same process applies for the complementary Poke Transporter add-on:

1. Search for "Poke Transporter" on the 3DS eShop
2. Select the Download button on its eShop page
3. Use existing eShop funds to purchase

Downloading both apps guarantees uninterrupted access after March 2023.

Why March 27th 2023 is the Cutoff Date

You might ask – why does ability to download Pokemon Bank vanish on March 27th 2023 specifically?

This hard deadline directly aligns with the termination of the 3DS eShop itself. With the store shutting down completely, all included apps inevitably get removed too.

So when the eShop closes at 5PM Pacific on March 27th, there is literally no way for new users to download Pokemon Bank – the app will disappear down with the store.

Hence the strong urgency around long-time fans securing copies beforehand.

This table summarizes the critical date and aligned events – further demonstrating the definitive cutoff for new users to grab Pokemon Bank before losing the download.

Pokemon Bank Transitions to a Free Service

In tandem with its removal from the eShop on March 27th 2023, The Pokemon Company has announced Pokemon Bank will transition to a completely free ongoing service.

So while new downloads getDISABLED, existing users will continue accessing cloud storage without any subscription fees. This is fantastic news for the long-term usability of Pokemon Bank.

Specifically, after March 2023 the following changes take place:

• Pokemon Bank no longer charges subscription costs
• Previous recurring payment plans get discontinued
• Users store and access Pokemon as normal without ongoing fees
• Functional scope remains unchanged otherwise

Effectively, fans with pre-installed copies retain the same convenient utility to manage cloud Pokemon. Just without the prior mandatory pricing model.

Make sure to download before March 27th 2023 to benefit!

Paid Subscription Plans Cease After Transition

Originally Pokemon Bank offered purchasable subscription passes to finance ongoing cloud storage and maintain server costs. But that changes once the app goes free.

Effective March 27th 2023, paid subscription options will cease marketplace availability. So while downloaded users continue leveraging Pokemon Bank free of charge, actual paid plans get permanently discontinued.

The key ramification is users can no longer extend cloud access via new pass purchases. So what happens if an existing subscription lapses?

Don‘t Lose Subscription Status Before March 2023

While downloaded Pokemon Bank users retain ongoing utility after March, loss of paid access beforehand could still disrupt usage.

Specifically, if your existing subscription expires in the interim lead-up to March 27th 2023, certain restrictions take temporary effect:

• You lose ability to view or access stored Pokemon
• A grace period lets you withdraw Pokemon to local game cartridges
• This persists until the transition to free status in March

So users with paid access today gain uninterrupted usage by keeping active subscription status prior to the eShop closure date.

Just don‘t let it inadvertently lapse beforehand!

What If My Subscription Lapses After March 2027?

The elimination of paid plans – and shift to free ongoing use – effectively makes subscription expiration a non-issue after March 2023.

With Pokemon Bank transitioning to a cost-free utility, lapsing premium access no longer carries account restrictions or Pokemon withdrawal requirements.

So beyond March 27th 2023, you can simply continue leveraging Pokemon Bank as normal without any paid subscriptions. Just ensure you‘ve downloaded it ahead of the rapidly approaching eShop closure date first!

Full List of Pokemon Bank Compatible Games

Pokemon fans can seamlessly integrate Bank‘s cloud storage capabilities across a diverse range of Nintendo 3DS games below:

This encompasses the entire recent Generation 6 and 7 libraries – highlighting full cross-game technical integration.

Cloud transfer is only possible between Nintendo 3DS consoles though. You cannot directly move 3DS Pokemon into Nintendo Switch games locally.

Using Pokemon Bank With Nintendo Switch Games

While Pokemon Bank does not offer native compatibility with Switch games like Pokemon Sword and Shield, cloud data can still transfer across indirectly.

The solution is leveraging Pokemon Home – the Switch and Mobile successor to Pokemon Bank – as a bridging intermediary.

By synchronizing your Pokemon Bank and Pokemon Home accounts, indirect data movement opens limited ongoing utility:

• Transfer Pokemon from 3DS with Bank into cloud boxes
• Sync those boxes to Pokemon Home on Switch
• Home then interfaces natively with Switch title storage

So persisting Pokemon Bank access lets legacy 3DS Pokemon migrate forward via Home‘s updated platform longevity.

Just account for Pokemon Home‘s differing access pricing if adopting this continuity approach.

Key Takeaways – Using Pokemon Bank After March 2023

Let‘s conclude by recapping everything essential about retaining Pokemon Bank functionality beyond March 2023:

• Pokemon Bank transitions to a free ongoing service – no more subscriptions
• You must download before March 27th, 2023 as the 3DS eShop closes
• This blocks all new downloads after that data, but…
• Pre-installed users can continue leveraging storage
• Transfer 3DS Pokemon onwards via syncing with Pokemon Home

By following this guide, veteran fans guarantee uninterrupted intergenerability of existing console generations. So grab those last few legacy Monster collections while you still can!

With over 700 Pokemon now in existence, storage flexibility remains vital even in newer Switch era games.