Trade Guide
Choose the game you ordered for, then follow its steps below. Keep your PokeGens trade page open while you collect your Pokémon.
Before you start
- Use the game shown on your order, with online trading unlocked.
- You need an internet connection and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership for online trades.
- Have a Pokémon you are happy to give away for each Pokémon you are collecting. Avoid Pokémon that evolve during a trade.
- Open My Trades, find your order, and follow its instructions to start delivery. Use the Link Code shown there, not a code from another order or a public trading list.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Unlock first: progress until the Rewards feature in Mable’s Research is available. This unlocks Link Play in the X menu.
- Press X in your game and open Link Play.
- Choose Link Trade, then Faraway Players for an online trade.
- Start your order from My Trades. When the trade page tells you to search, enter its eight-digit Link Code in your game and select OK.
- Once connected, choose the Pokémon you are giving away and select Offer up.
- Check the Pokémon offered to you, then choose Trade it. Keep confirming each trade until your order is complete.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Unlock first: continue the opening story until Poké Portal and Link Trade are available.
- While in the overworld, press X and open Poké Portal.
- Press L to connect to the internet. Check that the screen says Online Mode.
- Choose Link Trade, then Set Link Code.
- Start your order from My Trades and enter the Link Code shown there. When the trade page tells you to search, choose Begin Searching.
- Offer a Pokémon you do not need and confirm the trade. Press A at the “Attention!” screen after each trade so delivery can continue.
If the game says “No one could be found”, check the current status on My Trades and search again when it tells you to. Stay in Online Mode.
Pokémon Sword & Shield
Unlock first: continue the opening story until Y-Comm is available.
- Press Y to open Y-Comm.
- Press + to connect to the internet. Check that Y-Comm shows Internet.
- Choose Link Trade, then Set Link Code.
- Start your order from My Trades and enter the Link Code shown there when instructed.
- Return to the overworld and let the game search. Keep other menus closed. Once connected, offer a Pokémon you do not need and confirm each trade.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
Unlock first: earn your first Gym Badge, then visit the downstairs area of a Pokémon Center to access the Global Room.
- Open the Union Room menu with Y while outdoors, or visit the Pokémon Center’s downstairs area.
- Choose the Global Room for online trading.
- Choose Yes, with a Link Code.
- Start your order from My Trades and use the Link Code shown there when instructed.
- Wait in the room and interact with the trade partner. Follow the partner details on your trade page, then offer a Pokémon you do not need and confirm each trade.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Unlock first: become a First Star Member to open trading at the trading post in Jubilife Village.
- Visit the trading post in front of the Training Grounds in Jubilife Village.
- Speak to the woman at the trading post and choose to trade Pokémon.
- Choose the online option, Someone far away.
- Start your order from My Trades. When instructed, enter the eight-digit Link Code shown there and let the game search.
- Once connected, select a Pokémon you do not need and confirm the trade. Repeat for the remaining Pokémon in your order.
If you cannot connect
- Check that your game matches the order, you are online, and the Link Code matches the current code on My Trades.
- Read the current trade status before searching again. If the trade ended, use the options shown on your trade page.
- If you see a connection error, try a stable home connection. Some restricted networks and hotspots may prevent players from connecting.
Still stuck? Open trade help and choose “Trade or order help”. Have your order number ready.

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