In TCGs, like the Pokemon: Trading Card Game, formats are effectively game modes that can change up how you play. Each format has its own rules, card pools and metagames to learn, and can allow you to explore new ways of playing with new decks or even find ways to rejuvenate your old and abandoned favourites.
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Standard is Pokemon's main format. It's the format that sees the most play, and almost all organised tournaments are built around it. This is arguably the 'purest' Pokemon TCG experience you can have, as all the normal rules are in effect with no change or deviation: 60-card decks with no more than four of any non-basic energy card, with six prize cards offered up by each player. Pokemon Home has just launched on Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android, letting you sync up data and creatures from several different games. Unfortunately, the launch hasn’t been without its wave of problems. Pokemon HOME released on February 11, 2020 and is currently available on the Nintendo Switch eShop, Apple iOS, and Android devices. In order to use all the Pokemon HOME features you need both the.
The Pokemon TCG has four officially recognised and supported formats, spread across physical tabletop play and digitally via Pokemon TCG Online. These are Standard, Expanded, Legacy, and Theme. Here is everything you need to know about each of them, as well as a few fun fan-made formats you could also try out.
What Is Standard?
Standard is Pokemon's main format. It's the format that sees the most play, and almost all organised tournaments are built around it. This is arguably the 'purest' Pokemon TCG experience you can have, as all the normal rules are in effect with no change or deviation: 60-card decks with no more than four of any non-basic energy card, with six prize cards offered up by each player.
Of the four official formats, Standard is the only one that rotates. Much like in Magic The Gathering's Standard format, Pokemon TCG expansions will only remain legal in Standard for at most a couple of years, before rotating out and being replaced. In a Standard deck, you can only use cards from the most recent releases – once an expansion has rotated out of Standard, any deck with their cards still in will no longer be legal.
Unlike Magic, Pokemon doesn't rotate its Standard format with the release of a specific expansion each year. Instead, rotation normally happens around the same time as the World Championships, held in August each year. When these championships are unable to go ahead, as has been the case for the last couple of years thanks to Covid, the Pokemon Company tends to announce its own, specific date for rotation.
As of September 10, 2021, the current Standard only includes any cards with a D or E regulation mark in the bottom left-hand corner. This means cards from:
- Sword & Shield Base Set
- Rebel Clash
- Darkness Ablaze
- Champion's Path
- Vivid Voltage
- Shining Fates
- Battle Styles
- Chilling Reign
- Black-star Promo Cards with a number higher than SWSH01
Expansions become Standard-legal two weeks after they are released. It is important to remember that, if a card has been reprinted in one of the expansions listed above, older versions of it are also legal. For example, Great Ball was printed in Evolving Skies, making any other copy of it – such as from EX FireRed & LeafGreen – also Standard-legal.
What Is Expanded?
Expanded is the primary eternal (non-rotating) format for official organised play. Unlike the unofficial Unlimited format, which allows cards from any point in Pokemon's history, Expanded still tries to curate the experience by having a limited card pool.
Expanded uses cards from any Black & White Base Set onwards, including black-star promo cards released during that time... As well as the Standard-legal sets listed above, it also includes:
- Black & White Base Set
- Emerging Powers
- Noble Victories
- Next Destinies
- Dark Explorers
- Dragons Exalted
- Dragon Vault
- Boundaries Crossed
- Plasma Storm
- Plasma Freeze
- Plasma Blast
- Legendary Treasures
- Black-star Promo cards numbered BW01 and up
- Kalos Starter Set
- XY Base Set
- Flashfire
- Furious Fists
- Phantom Forces
- Primal Clash
- Double Crisis
- Roaring Skies
- Ancient Origins
- BREAKthrough
- BREAKpoint
- Generations
- Fates Collide
- Steamsiege
- Evolutions
- Black-star Promo cards numbered XY01 and up
- Sun & Moon Base Set
- Guardians Rising
- Burning Shadows
- Shining Legends
- Crimson Invasion
- Ultra Prism
- Forbidden Light
- Celestial Storm
- Dragon Majesty
- Lost Thunder
- Team Up
- Detective Pikachu
- Unbroken Bonds
- Unified Minds
- Hidden Fates
- Cosmic Eclipse
- Black-star Promo cards numbered SM01 and up
Because it doesn't rotate, Expanded needs to make greater use of card bans to maintain the health of the format. In terms of play experience, Expanded is seen as a more complex format that is a lot more aggressive, prioritising disruptive and fast plays more than anything else.
Although Expanded has never rotated since its introduction in 2016, that doesn't mean it never will. When Standard rotates each year, The Pokemon Company simply says the Expanded format 'will remain unchanged', leaving open the potential for a rotation in the future.
What Is Legacy?
Legacy is a format that, while acknowledged by The Pokemon Company, isn't considered a format for organised play. Instead, Legacy is popular on the current digital version of the game, Pokemon TCG Online. That doesn't mean you can't play it on paper, it just means there is no formal support for it.
Unlike Expanded, which grows with each new expansion released, Legacy only uses a specific set of expansions that will never be added to or expanded. The list of Legacy expansions is:
- HeartGold & SoulSilver
- Unleashed
- Undaunted
- Triumphant
- Call of Legends
- Black & White Base Set
- Emerging Powers
- Noble Victories
- Next Destinies
- Dark Explorers
- Dragons Exalted
- Boundaries Crossed
- Plasma Storm
- Plasma Freeze
- Plasma Blast
- Legendary Treasures
- Any Black-star promo cards from these eras
An important thing to note is that some parts of the Pokemon TCG community use 'Unlimited' and 'Legacy' interchangeably. However, this isn't accurate. Unlimited is an unofficial format that allows any card from the entirety of the Pokemon TCG's history, right the way back to Base Set through to today, while Legacy is a currently digital-only format using cards from 2012 at the very earliest.
While Legacy is a popular format because of the inclusion of powerful and nostalgic cards from the HeartGold & SoulSilver era, its time is limited. The Pokemon Company has confirmed that there are no plans to bring it over to the upcoming Online replacement, Pokemon TCG Live, marking the probable end of the format.
What Is Theme?
Theme is by far the easiest format to get into as a newcomer to the Pokemon TCG. A digital-only format found in Pokemon TCG Online, it only allows players to use preconstructed decks.
As the list of preconstructed decks is far too long to list individually, simply: if the deck is a fresh-from-the-box pre-con from HeartGold & SoulSilver onwards, and can be redeemed on TCG Online, it is allowed.
Much like Legacy, there technically isn't any organised tabletop support for Theme, however that doesn't prevent your own local playgroup from adopting it. As Theme only uses preconstructed decks it is cheaper, quicker and easier to get into than Standard, Expanded or Legacy.
Unfortunately, Theme is also on the chopping block when TCG Live arrives. It and Legacy are not going to be in TCG Live, and there are no announced plans to bring it at a later date.
What Are Unofficial Formats?
The Pokemon TCG has a massive community that have made dozens of their own formats. Among the most popular are Pauper, which only uses common and uncommon-rarity cards, formats that limit cards to only specific generations (Unova, Kalos and Alola being the big three), and Theme Pool that uses any card printed in a preconstructed theme deck.
One of the most radically different formats from the normal TCG is U150. Inspired by Magic the Gathering's Commander, it is a 100-card singleton (meaning only one of each non-basic energy card is allowed) format and uses an expansive card pool that takes most cards from every set ever printed. The main catch with U150 is that no Basic Pokemon can have HP higher than 150, forcing you to play creatively with smaller Pokemon, rather than relying on the usual heavy hitters.
The problem with fan-made formats is a matter of support. Finding playgroups for whatever random format you discover might be difficult, and you can almost guarantee they will never have the large-scale play that Standard and Expanded do. That doesn't make them bad or not worth your time, just more difficult to invest in.
NEXT: We Are Still In Pokemon Card Hell
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About The AuthorPokémon HOME, the companion app to the Pokémon series which enables you to store and transfer your Pokémon to and from the app, is available to download on Switch and mobile devices and interfaces
This guide to using Pokémon HOME will explain the basics for transferring your Pokémon to and from the app, as well as the current restrictions and caveats for transferring to Pokémon Sword and Shield. Of course there are caveats! This is the Pokémon Company, after all.
If you're hoping to transfer your Pokémon from Pokémon GO or from previous Pokémon games and generations, we'll cover all that, too, as well as all the kit you'll need to transfer Pokémon from as far back as Gen 3.
We'll update this guide periodically with more information, instructions and images. In the meantime, let's go catch 'em all...
What is Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon HOME is an app for Nintendo Switch and mobile devices that enables you to transfer compatible Pokémon from multiple previous games using the existing Pokémon Bank app to Pokémon Sword and Shield. You can also transfer compatible Pokémon from Pokémon GO, although that function isn't yet available and is 'coming soon'.
This infographic gives you an idea of how the app interacts with existing Pokémon games and services - we'll explain how exactly below:
What Pokémon games can I use with Pokémon HOME?
As you can see above, Pokémon HOME is fully compatible with Pokémon Sword and Shield - you can transfer your Pokémon to and from the app at will.
You can also transfer Pokémon between Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! via Pokémon HOME, and transfer compatible Pokémon to from those games to Sword and Shield, although only monsters that are part of Pokémon Sword and Shield's Galar Pokédex (or additions from the Isle of Armor expansion). Additionally, once they're in Sword or Shield, they cannot then be transferred back to Let's Go, Pikachu or Eevee.
Once transferred to Pokémon HOME, your Pokémon will be listed in the National Pokédex (a list comprising every single Pokémon from all the games to date). Remember, Pokémon Sword and Shield has it's own Pokédex (the Galar Pokédex) and is not compatible with every single Pokémon, although with the additional Pokémon from the Expansion Passes, Sword and Shield will support over 600 Pokémon.
It is not currently possible to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, although the feature is coming. It should be noted that transferred Pokémon cannot be moved back to Pokémon GO once they have been moved to Pokémon HOME.
For previous generation games, all Pokémon must be transferred via Pokémon Bank on 3DS. While it is possible to transfer Gen 1 and Gen 2 Pokémon from the 3DS Virtual Console releases of the original Game Boy games (or their remakes on later platforms), it is not possible to move Pokémon from original Game Boy cartridges to Pokémon HOME.
However, it is possible for series devotees to move their Pocket Monsters all the way from Gen 3 on the Game Boy Advance to Pokémon Bank and then to Pokémon HOME, although you'll need a lot of hardware and even more patience. See below for more details.
How do I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Sword and Shield to Pokémon HOME?
To begin using the service for storage, simply download the app on Switch, agree to the various terms and conditions and get acquainted with Grand Oak.
From the main menu you can immediately select your copy of Pokémon Sword or Shield and begin transferring Pokémon between Boxes.
You'll find a gift Pikachu waiting for you in your Pokémon HOME box. Once connected, you'll be able to transfer compatible Pokémon between the game(s) and the app at will, using standard buttons in docked mode or dragging and dropping via the touchscreen in handheld mode to easily sort your Pokémon. Pressing the '-' button at any time will call up Poké Boy who will offer tips and explanations.
Hitting the '+' button will enable you to save the changes to your boxes and return to the main menu. Pokémon HOME will list your Pokémon according to their National Pokédex number with the option to separate out each region. If a Pokémon has Mega Evolve or Gigantamax forms, they too will be shown.
Note: You'll have to actually transfer the Pokémon to Pokémon HOME for it to register in the Pokédex - Pokémon contained in boxes in-game won't be registered.
The Mobile version of the app displays even more information such as their abilities and the moves they can learn.
How do I move Pokémon from Pokémon HOME to Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Once you've moved Pokémon to Pokémon HOME from Sword and Shield or other sources, compatible Pokémon can easily be transferred back to Sword and Shield by connecting with the game again and dragging your chosen Pokémon to the game's boxes. Remember that only Pokémon present in the Galar Pokédex can be moved to Pokémon Sword and Shield.
Also remember that POKÉMON TRANSFERRED FROM LET'S GO PIKACHU AND EEVEE CANNOT BE MOVED BACK TO THOSE GAMES ONCE YOU'VE MOVED THEM TO SWORD AND SHIELD (although they can be returned and stored in Pokémon HOME).
How do I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Sword and Shield?
It is not currently possible to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME directly, although the feature is coming before the end of 2020. We'll update this guide when it launches.
If you're absolutely desperate, you could move compatible Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Let's Go, Pikachu and Eevee, and then to HOME, and then to Sword and Shield. If we were you, we'd sit tight and wait for the update, though.
How do I trade Pokémon using Pokémon HOME?
There are four different ways to trade Pokémon using Pokémon HOME. You can only trade using the mobile version of the app. Using these methods it really never has been easier to catch 'em all.
Wonder Box
Wonder Box is essentially a blind trade where you put the Pokémon you wish to trade in a box and it is traded at some unspecified point (whether you're using the app or not) with another from someone else's Wonder Box. This is similar to the blind trade system found in Pokémon Sword and Shield. You can put more Pokémon in the Wonder Box if you're subscribed to the Premium Plan.
GTS
Using GTS you'll be able to specify the exact Pokémon you want via a trade - very handy for filling in the blank spaces in your Pokédex. Again, you can trade more Pokémon at one time on the Premium Plan.
Room Trade
Rooms can only be created by people with the Premium Plan, but up to 20 people can join via a Trade Room ID (or you can join a random room). It's a bit like Pokémon roulette - you won't know what Pokémon you're getting until the trade is complete. In the initial hours we've had mixed success, with various connection issues causing us to be booted from trade rooms. We expect these issues to be ironed out over the coming days, but for now it's a little patchy.
What Is Pokemon Home
Friend Trade
This enables you to trade directly with any friend that you have added to Pokémon HOME.
How do I transfer Pokémon from previous generations to Pokémon Sword and Shield?
This will involve the use of Pokémon Bank, the previous system used to store and trade Pokémon up until Gen 7. THIS FEATURE IS ONLY AVAILABLE WITH POKÉMON HOME'S PREMIUM PLAN.
You can find out more information on the official Pokémon Bank website, but as a rule, once you've moved Pokémon from earlier Gens to Pokémon Bank, they can't be transferred back, so make sure you're happy 'losing' them from your original games. The following infographic from the Pokémon Bank website shows which games permit deposits-only or deposits and withdrawals, but remember: TRANSFERS FROM POKÉMON BANK TO POKÉMON HOME ARE ONE-WAY ONLY:
Pokemon Home Explained -
The 3DS app has an annual fee of $4.99, but for the first month of Pokémon HOME, users can access Pokémon Bank free-of-charge, so there's no time like the present if you're eager to move all your Pokémon to the latest storage system.
Here are some details from the lovely Alex with regards to the convoluted process of transferring your legacy Pokémon up the daisy chain into Pokémon Bank and, from there, to Pokémon HOME. Over to Alex:
- 'To transfer from Pokémon Ruby / Sapphire / Emerald / FireRed / LeafGreen you need to see every Pokémon in the Sinnoh Pokédex in Pokémon Diamond / Pearl / Platinum, or reach the Pal Park in Fuschia City in Kanto after completing the Johto Elite Four. You will also need an original Nintendo DS or a DS Lite, as you need a DS that has both a DS game card slot and a GBA game cart slot.'
- 'To transfer from Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, or SoulSilver, you need to reach the Poké Transfer Lab on Route 15 by beating the Elite Four in Pokémon Black, White, Black 2 or White 2. You will also need 2 original DS systems, or you can use 3DS systems as well if you like, or indeed one of each. This is because you need to essentially trade between the two systems wirelessly.'
- 'Pokémon with HM moves cannot be transferred through either of the previous two methods. This is to stop you from being stranded in your game without the ability to Surf or Fly when it’s necessary.'
- 'If you had Pokémon in Pokémon Bank but haven’t been paying the subscription up until now, it’s possible they’ve been wiped from the server, and if that is indeed the case I’m afraid they’re lost forever. Reports are mixed, some people have lost everything whilst others haven’t, so double-check as soon as you can.'
What are the differences between the Nintendo Switch and Mobile versions of Pokémon HOME?
The Switch and Mobile versions of Pokémon HOME work in tandem, but also have exclusive features not available in the other. You'll need both in order to access the full list of available features. Here's the complete list adapted from the official Pokémon HOME website:
Pokémon HOME feature | Nintendo Switch version | Mobile version |
---|---|---|
Move Pokémon with Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! | Yes | No |
Move Pokémon with Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Yes | No |
Move Pokémon with Pokémon Bank | Yes | Yes |
Judge Pokémon | Yes | Yes |
Trade Pokémon | No | Yes |
Receive Mystery Gifts | No | Yes |
Check Battle Data | No | Yes |
Check News | No | Yes |
Exchange Pokémon HOME Points for BP (Battle Points) | Yes | No |
As you can see, certain features are exclusive to one version of the app, so you'll need both to be able to get the most out of the app. Some features are also restricted to the Premium Plan, too (the Judge feature which lets you see how strong your Pokémon are, for example).
What are Mystery Gifts?
By tapping the green icon in the centre at the bottom of the screen in the mobile app, you'll see a Mystery Gift icon on the left. Using your phone's GPS you can check for Local Event gifts or input codes (or code patterns) according to the official website, although this option isn't present in the app at the moment.
These gifts are only accessible via the mobile version of Pokémon HOME and will be redeemable in either Sword and Shield or HOME.
Once Pokémon GO compatibility has been introduced sometime before the end of 2020, transferring a Pokémon from the mobile game to Sword or Shield will result in a Mystery Gift appearing in the mobile version of Pokémon Home — a special Melmetal which can Gigantamax in the Switch game. Beware, though, because it's not possible to transfer this (or any other) Pokémon back to Pokémon GO once it has been moved to Pokémon Sword and Shield.
How do I check my Pokémon Sword and Shield Battle Data?
Eventually you'll be able to check your Battle Data and records from Pokémon Sword and Shield in Pokémon HOME, although this feature isn't present at launch.
What are Pokémon HOME Challenges?
Reaching certain milestones regarding the Pokémon you register in Pokémon HOME - related to all kinds of variables including number of Pokémon, type, nature, moves and more - will result in fulfilling Challenges, as listed in the mobile version of the app.
These Challenges will appear when you complete a part of them and finishing them rewards you with stickers and special backgrounds you can use to decorate the app and your profile.
Pokemon Home Explained 2
What are Pokémon HOME points?
Depositing Pokémon in Pokémon HOME gives you Pokémon HOME points which can be exchanged for Battle Points (BP) for use in Sword and Shield (although only when using the Switch version of the app).
How much does Pokémon HOME cost?
Pokémon HOME has a Basic and a Premium plan. The Basic plan is free, although it has several restrictions not present with the paid Premium plan.
The Premium version is available in a monthly, three-monthly or yearly plan for the following prices:
1 month (30 days) | 3 months (90 days) | 12 months (365 days) | |
---|---|---|---|
Nintendo eShop Price (excluding tax in the US) | £2.69 / $2.99 | £4.49 / $4.99 | £14.39 / $15.99 |
What are the differences between the Basic and Premium Pokémon HOME plans?
Here are a list of the differences between the free Basic plan and paid Premium plan, as detailed on the Pokémon HOME website:
Pokémon HOME feature | Basic | Premium |
---|---|---|
Moving Pokémon from Pokémon Bank | Unavailable | Available |
Number of Pokémon that can be deposited | 30 Pokémon | 6,000 Pokémon |
Number of Pokémon that can be placed in the Wonder Box at once | 3 Pokémon | 10 Pokémon |
Number of Pokémon that can be placed in the GTS at once | 1 Pokémon | 3 Pokémon |
Room Trade | Participate | Participate and host |
Judge function | Unavailable | Available |
Can I use Pokémon HOME to transfer my original Gen 1 and 2 Pokémon from Pokémon Red / Blue / Yellow / Gold / Silver / Crystal on Game Boy to Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Pokemon Home Features
Unfortunately, no. The Pokémon you first caught two decades ago are forever trapped on those original Game Boy cartridges or on Pokémon Stadium. Of course, using various shady tactics and compromised hardware, enterprising Poké Trainers have been known to dump their original saves from the Game Boy carts, upload them to the 3DS Virtual Console versions of Pokémon Red and Blue, and then move those to Pokémon Bank, but we shall not delve into those dark arts here.
No, it seems that 'Stinkypoo' the Pikachu, 'Wormy' the Weedle and 'Metapoo' the Metapod will die on our Game Boy carts along with the battery. Probably for the best, to be honest.
Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use Pokémon HOME?
Nope, Pokémon HOME works independently from the Switch Online subscription.
Are the friends in the Pokémon HOME app linked to my friends on Nintendo Switch?
No. That would be logical, practical and convenient, but no. They are entirely separate lists, so you'll need to add people to yet another friends list.
What happens to my Pokémon if my Pokémon HOME subscription plan expires?
As explained by Pokémon HOME support, you'll continue to have access to the Pokémon in your Basic Box, although all others will be inaccessible until you purchase another plan. Happily, it seems there is no limit to how long your Pokémon will remain 'frozen' on the servers, as opposed to the previous storage solution on 3DS, Pokémon Bank.
Pokemon Home Explained 2
Good news if you forget to renew your subscription plan, although we'd still exercise caution if your Pokémon are particularly dear to you.
If my subscription to Pokémon Bank has expired, can I still access my Pokémon in the Bank and move them to Pokémon HOME?
Possibly, although it depends how long it has been since your subscription expired. Follow these instructions from the Pokémon HOME support page to see if your Pokémon still exist on the servers. Fingers crossed.
Will Pokémon HOME work with future Pokémon games?
You'd hope so, wouldn't you? Although from past experience perhaps we can expect an entirely new system that will unify the previous systems in a totally new and even more complicated manner.
We're joking. With its mobile integration, it's a good bet that Pokémon HOME will be the storage and trading app for all your Pokémon needs for the foreseeable future.
We'll update this guide with more information over the next few days. We'll also add new information regarding Pokémon GO compatibility as it becomes available.
Pokemon Home Explained Game
[source home.pokemon.com]
Pokemon Home Explained Episode
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