Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Pokémon HOME Connectivity Announced for 2026—Here Are the Transfer Restrictions

The Pokémon Company has officially confirmed that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will receive Pokémon HOME connectivity in 2026, bringing the highly anticipated release even closer for fans of the long-running franchise.

Following the major reveal at this week's Nintendo Direct, the announcement also outlines specific transfer restrictions that players will need to be aware of when using the cloud-based Pokémon storage system on Nintendo Switch. Pokémon HOME, an online service launched by The Pokémon Company, serves as a central platform for storing and transferring Pokémon between compatible games on the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.

With the planned Pokémon Legends: Z-A integration, trainers will be able to move select Pokémon from past titles to the new adventure set in Lumiose City, as well as transfer qualifying creatures between the latest game and the cloud service. However, The Pokémon Company has clarified several key restrictions for transfers involving Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

In a revised statement released this week, the company specified: - Pokémon that are moved from Pokémon Legends: Z-A to Pokémon HOME cannot be transferred back to older mainline Pokémon games. - Any Pokémon originating from previous titles that are transferred into Pokémon Legends: Z-A will not be eligible for transfer back to their original game. These rules are consistent with transfer policies for previous franchise entries and are designed to maintain compatibility and game balance across the platform’s extensive ecosystem.

The list of Pokémon transferable into each game via Pokémon HOME remains limited to those species natively available within that title.

Details regarding which Pokémon will be accessible in Pokémon Legends: Z-A have not yet been disclosed, and players are encouraged to monitor official sources as the 2026 release window approaches. Since its debut, Pokémon HOME has functioned as a bridge between generations, supporting titles such as Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

For the latest compatibility information, trainers can consult the official Pokémon HOME website at https://home.pokemon.com/en-us/. Excitement for Pokémon Legends: Z-A continues to build, with The Pokémon Company also announcing downloadable content (DLC) and opening pre-orders via the Nintendo eShop, as revealed during the June Nintendo Direct presentation.

This marks the latest expansion of the Pokémon universe on Nintendo Switch, reaffirming its status as the leading platform for major franchise releases. As more information about Pokémon availability and connectivity options is released, Pokémon fans and trainers alike are advised to stay tuned to official Nintendo channels and The Pokémon Company’s updates.

Pokémon Nintendo Switch Nintendo eShop Switch Pokémon Legends: Z-A Pokémon HOME Z Pokémon Legends The Pokémon Company Nintendo Direct