The Pokémon Company has confirmed that Pokémon HOME support is coming to Pokémon Legends: Z-A in 2026, allowing trainers to bring their favorite Pokémon into the Lumiose City adventure. However, there's a critical catch that every trainer needs to know before making transfers.
Official Pokémon HOME Integration Confirmed
After months of anticipation, The Pokémon Company has officially announced that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will receive Pokémon HOME support in 2026. This cloud-based service allows trainers to store and transfer Pokémon across compatible games.
Pokémon HOME has become an essential tool for collectors and competitive players, serving as a central hub for managing Pokémon across multiple generations of games. The addition of Legends: Z-A support will allow trainers to bring compatible Pokémon from previous titles into the Kalos region.
This marks a significant milestone for Legends: Z-A, which launched in October 2025 without HOME support. The feature has been one of the most requested additions from the community since launch.
How Pokémon HOME Transfers Work
Pokémon HOME integration will allow trainers to transfer compatible Pokémon from supported titles into Pokémon Legends: Z-A through the cloud service. Here's what you need to know:
Transfer Process
- Open Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch or mobile device
- Select the Pokémon you want to transfer from compatible games
- Choose Pokémon Legends: Z-A as the destination
- Confirm the transfer (read the warning carefully!)
- Your Pokémon will appear in Legends: Z-A's storage system
Compatible Source Games
You'll be able to transfer Pokémon from these titles:
- Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
- Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus
- Pokémon Sword & Shield
- Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee (limited Pokémon)
Only Pokémon that exist in the Lumiose Pokédex or Hyperspace Pokédex can be transferred.
Critical Transfer Restrictions
⚠️ Important Warning
Transfers to Pokémon Legends: Z-A are ONE-WAY ONLY. Once a Pokémon is moved to Legends: Z-A, it cannot be transferred back to previous games.
This is the most important limitation trainers need to understand. Unlike transfers between Scarlet & Violet and Sword & Shield, Pokémon moved into Legends: Z-A cannot return to previous titles through Pokémon HOME.
This restriction exists because Pokémon Legends: Z-A uses different mechanics compared to mainline games—including Mega Evolution systems, hyperspace levels that exceed Level 100, and unique move sets that don't exist in other titles.
What You CAN'T Do:
- Transfer Pokémon FROM Legends: Z-A TO Scarlet & Violet
- Move Pokémon FROM Legends: Z-A back TO Pokémon HOME storage
- Return Pokémon to their original games after transferring to Z-A
- Trade Legends: Z-A Pokémon to friends playing other games
What You CAN Do:
- Transfer Pokémon INTO Legends: Z-A from compatible games
- Keep copies in Pokémon HOME before transferring (recommended!)
- Trade within Legends: Z-A with other Z-A players
- Use transferred Pokémon in all Z-A content including DLC
What This Means for Trainers
For Competitive Players
If you're a competitive battler with perfectly-trained Pokémon in Scarlet & Violet, think carefully before transferring them to Legends: Z-A. You won't be able to use them in Scarlet & Violet ranked battles anymore.
Consider breeding duplicates or using Pokémon HOME's storage to keep backup copies before making any transfers. Many players maintain separate "living dexes" for different games.
For Collectors
Shiny hunters and event Pokémon collectors should be especially cautious. That shiny Rayquaza or event Mewtwo you transfer can never leave Legends: Z-A.
On the positive side, bringing event legendaries into Z-A allows you to Mega Evolve them and experience hyperspace levels beyond 100—a unique opportunity not available elsewhere.
For Casual Players
If you just want to experience Legends: Z-A with your favorite Pokémon, the one-way transfer is less concerning. You can build a dedicated Z-A team without worrying about future transfers.
Just make sure you're okay with those Pokémon living permanently in Lumiose City before making the transfer.
When Will HOME Support Launch?
The Pokémon Company has confirmed HOME support will arrive sometime in 2026, but hasn't announced a specific date yet. Based on previous game releases, we can make some educated guesses.
Expected Timeline
- Early 2026 (January-March): Early 2026 (January-March): Most likely window based on past patterns
- Mid 2026 (April-June): Mid 2026 (April-June): Secondary possibility if development needs more time
- Expect an official announcement at least 2-3 weeks before launch
Historical Context:
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus received HOME support about 4 months after launch
- Pokémon Scarlet & Violet got HOME support roughly 3 months post-launch
- Given Z-A launched in October 2025, early 2026 timing makes sense
Stay Informed:
We'll update this article as soon as The Pokémon Company announces an official date. Follow the official Pokémon website and Serebii.net for breaking news.
Make sure your Pokémon HOME subscription is active—you'll need a Premium Plan to transfer more than 30 Pokémon at once.
Plan Your Transfers Carefully
Pokémon HOME support is a welcome addition to Pokémon Legends: Z-A, opening up new possibilities for team building and collection management. However, the one-way transfer restriction means you need to plan carefully.
Before making any transfers in 2026, ask yourself: Am I okay with this Pokémon living permanently in Legends: Z-A? If the answer is yes, go ahead and bring your favorites to Lumiose City. If you're unsure, keep them in HOME storage and wait until you're certain.
For collectors with duplicate Pokémon or players building Z-A-exclusive teams, this feature will be invaluable. Just remember—once they enter Lumiose City through those portals, there's no going back.