Trading Pokemon with friends has always been a core feature of the Pokemon series, and Pokemon Sun and Moon are no exceptions.
With the beautiful Alola region as your backdrop, you can trade Pokemon both locally and over the internet to complete your Pokedex, or just to share your favorite Pokemon with a friend.
This article will guide you through both methods step by step so you can get the job done.
How To Trade With Friends In Pokemon Sun And Moon Over the Internet
Trading over the internet allows you to connect with friends far and wide, making it possible to trade Pokemon with anyone, anywhere, as long as you both have an internet connection.
Here are all of the steps you need to follow for how to trade with friends over the internet in Pokemon Sun and Moon:
Configure an Internet Connection on Your 3DS
First, ensure your Nintendo 3DS is connected to the internet:
- Go to System Settings -> Internet Settings -> Connection Settings.
- Click ‘New Connection’ -> Manual Setup -> Search for Access Point.
- Select your Wi-Fi network, enter the password, and ensure the test connection succeeds.
Add Your Friend
Next, add your friend to your 3DS friend list:
- From the 3DS Main menu, click the ‘Friend List’ icon.
- Exchange ‘Friend Codes’ with your friend. You give them yours, and they give you theirs.
- Click ‘Register Friend’ -> via Internet and enter their Friend Code.
Go to Festival Plaza in Sun/Moon
- Start Sun/Moon, load your game, then open the Menu.
- Open ‘Festival Plaza’ – by default, it’s on the second screen of options.
- Remember that Festival Plaza becomes available after reaching the first Pokemon Center in the game so don’t be alarmed if you don’t have the option enabled.
Connect Sun/Moon to the Internet
- In Festival Plaza, ignore the “Connected to local wireless communication” message on the bottom screen.
- Tap the ‘Wi-Fi’ symbol in the bottom-right to connect to the internet. Once connected, the message will change to “Connected to the Internet”.
Finally, Trade
- On the bottom screen, in Festival Plaza, click ‘Trade’ then ‘Link Trade’.
- Your friend should appear in the ‘Guest List’ if they’re online. After the trade, consider adding them to your ‘VIP List’ for easier future trades.
How To Trade With Friends In Pokemon Sun And Moon Locally
Local trades are perfect for when you’re physically near your friend and want to trade quickly without the need for an internet connection.
Here are the steps you need to follow for trading locally in Pokemon Sun and Moon:
- Both you and your friend need to press X to open the menu in your respective games.
- Tap the “Quick Link” option, then both players press down on the touch screen to connect.
- From there, you can choose to trade (or even battle).
You can initiate a local trade as soon as you find the first Pokemon Center in the game, making it an easy option for early and mid-game trading.
Final Word
Whether you’re trading with a friend across the world or right next to you, Pokemon Sun and Moon make it easy and fun to exchange Pokemon.
Remember, trading not only helps you fill your Pokedex but provides you the full Pokemon experience intended since generation one.
So, grab your Nintendo 3DS, connect with a friend, and start trading to make your Alola adventure closer to a full 100% completion!
