Trading Pokémon on the Nintendo DS: A Complete Guide

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Learn to trade in person or through a Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection

Co-authored by Hannah Dillon Reviewed by Ishrak

Last Updated: March 13, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Generation IV
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• Generation V
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• Generation IV to V
|
• Using the Poké Classic Network
|
• Video
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• Q&A
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• Tips

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Half the fun of Pokémon games is trading with your friends, and the DS versions have made trading easier than ever before. Depending on the version of Pokémon you are playing, you may have several options when it comes time to trade. In this article, we'll teach you how to trade in Gen IV, Gen V, between generations, and using the Poké Classic Network.

Trading Pokémon Using a DS

• To trade normally, you must have access to two DS systems. Each DS must have its own copy of a Gen IV or Gen V game.
• You can transfer Pokémon from Gen IV to Gen V (but not backwards) as long as you have two DS systems and a copy of a Gen IV game and a Gen V game.
• If you can set up the appropriate Wi-Fi network, you can connect to a fan-made server that re-enables GTS to trade online on your DS.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Generation IV

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1. 1
   Understand the limitations. To trade Pokémon in a Gen IV game, you'll need two DS systems (either both owned by you, or one owned by you and one owned by a friend). You'll also need two copies of a Gen IV game. Note: Generation IV games include Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver. If you have Black, White, Black 2, or White 2, jump to the Gen V section below.

   • The Global Trade System was shut down in 2014, so you can no longer trade online normally. You can, however, try using the Poké Classic Network to trade with other users online.
   • You can also transfer your Pokémon from a Gen IV game to a Gen V game, but not vice versa. To learn how, check out our section below.
   • In-person trades will always work, as that functionality is built into the game's hardware. For a foolproof way to trade Pokémon between Gen IV DS games, follow the steps below.
2. 
   2
   Beat the first Gym. In order to trade, you must have earned at least one Gym badge. This should only take a little while, since the first Gym is pretty close to the start of the game.

   • Capture several Pokémon on your way to the first Gym. Try to get several different types of Pokémon so that you can handle different types of opponents.
   • Level up your Pokémon before fighting the Gym Leader. By gaining a few levels for each of your Pokémon, you'll make short work of the Gym Leader.
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3. 
   3
   Have at least two Pokémon in your party before trading. You won't be able to enter the trading area, called the "Union Room", unless you have at least two Pokémon in your party. You can swap out your Pokémon using a PC, which you can find in most Pokémon Centers.
4. 
   4
   Be within 30 feet (9.1 m) of your trade partner. The DS and 3DS include wireless connectivity that allows them to connect to other systems within a 30 foot (9.1 m) radius. When using this method, you'll need to enter the Union Room in a Pokémon Center. Ensure that the Wireless switch for each of your DS systems is enabled so that they can find each other.

   • The DS Pokémon games used to allow players to connect to the Nintendo Wi-Fi service and use the Global Trade System to trade with anyone in the world. Nintendo has discontinued this service, so the only Pokémon games that can trade over the internet are Generation VI on the 3DS (click here for instructions).
5. 
   5
   Enter the Union Room. You can enter the Union Room on the second floor of any Pokémon Center. Your trade partner doesn't need to use the same Pokémon Center, as all Union Rooms are connected.
6. 
   6
   Talk to your trade partner. Approach your trade partner's player in the Union Room and select "Trade" in the conversation window. This will bring up the trade menu.
7. 
   7
   Trade your Pokémon. In the Union Room, you can only trade the Pokémon that you currently have in your party. Select the Pokémon that you want to offer to trade, and it will appear in the trade window. Once your partner has selected a Pokémon, it will appear in the other window. After both of you confirm that you want to make the trade, the Pokémon will be traded.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Generation V

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1. 1
   Understand the limitations. To trade Pokémon in a Gen V game, you'll need two DS systems (either both owned by you, or one owned by you and one owned by a friend). You'll also need two copies of a Gen V game. Note: Generation IV games include Black, White, Black 2, and White 2. If you have Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, or SoulSilver, jump to the Gen IV section above.

   • The Global Trade System was shut down in 2014, so you can no longer trade online normally. You can, however, try using the Poké Classic Network to trade with other users online.
   • In-person trades will always work, as that functionality is built into the game's hardware. For a foolproof way to trade Pokémon between Gen V DS games, follow the steps below.
2. 
   2
   Defeat the first Gym Leader. In order to receive the equipment that you need to trade, you'll need to defeat the first Gym Leader. In Black and White, this is the trio of trainers in the Striaton Gym. In Black 2 and White 2, you'll need to defeat Cheren at the Aspertia Gym.

   • In Black and White, you'll receive an elemental monkey in the Dreamyard, which will make the fight for your first badge much easier. Try to catch a Purrloin on Route 2 as well.
   • In Black 2 and White 2, make sure to catch and train a few Pokémon on your way to Aspertia City. Try to find a Riolu in Floccesy Ranch to make the battle against Cheren a snap.
3. 
   3
   Receive the C-Gear. This item is required in order to connect to other players using the IR feature in the game cartridge.

   • In Black and White, you'll need to find Fennel in Striaton City. You'll be tasked with getting Dream Mist from the Dreamyard. Use the Cut move that you're given to cut the tree in the Dreamyard. After the story sequence and the fight with Team Plasma, you'll be given the Dream Mist. Return to Fennel and exchange it for the C-Gear.
4. 
   4
   Get in the same room as your trading partner. You'll need to be within about 10 feet (3 m) of your trading partner. Once you have the C-Gear, you can trade at any time. You'll have access to all of the Pokémon you've collected, so you don't need to worry about bringing the right Pokémon in your party.
5. 
   5
   Open the C-Gear and select "IR". Select the "Trade" option from the menu that appears.
6. 
   6
   Point your game at your trading partner's game. Your trading partner will need to go through the same process. Once the two DSs are connected, you can start trading.

   • Make sure that you are close enough for the IR signal to connect. If you can't get the connection working, try using the Union Room (see the next section). The Union Room is also better for trading with strangers in public places, as you don't need to synchronize the IR connection.
7. 
   7
   Trade Pokémon. One of the major upgrades to the trading process is complete access to all of your Pokémon. Select the Pokémon that you want to offer for trade, and it will appear in the trade window. Once your partner has selected a Pokémon, it will appear in the other window. After you both accept the trade, the Pokémon will be traded.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Generation IV to V

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1. 1
   Understand the process. You normally cannot trade Pokémon between the two Generations of games. You can transfer small batches of Pokémon at a time from your Generation IV game to your Generation V game (but not vice versa). This is a one-way process, and the Pokémon will be erased from your Generation IV game after being transferred.

   • You'll need two DS systems in order to make this transfer.
2. 
   2
   Remove any items your Generation IV Pokémon may be holding. Any items that are being held by Pokémon will be lost when they are transferred, so make sure you remove any items that you want to keep.
3. 
   3
   Beat your Generation V game. In order to transfer your old Pokémon to your Generation V game, you'll need to have beaten the game first and collected all of the Gym Badges. This is to prevent you from getting an unfair advantage by importing a bunch of leveled-up Pokémon.
4. 
   4
   Head to Route 15 and enter the Pokémon Transfer Lab. You can find this facility in the same spot regardless of what Generation V game you're playing.

   • When you go to the Lab for the first time, you'll be taken through several conversations.
5. 
   5
   Select "DS Download Play" when prompted. You will then be instructed to continue the process on the second DS system
6. 
   6
   Insert the cartridge you want to transfer into the second DS, then select "DS Download Play". This will be on the main menu of the second DS, before you start the game.
7. 
   7
   Select your "Poke Transfer ID" option. It may take a few moments to download.
8. 
   8
   Select the six Pokémon that you want to transfer. You can select nearly any of your Pokémon from your PC in the Generation IV game. You cannot select any Pokémon that has learned a Hidden Move, but you can use the Move Deleter function to let the Pokémon forget it. You also can't transfer any Pokémon from your active Generation IV party, so move them to your PC first.
9. 
   9
   Use the crossbow on the bottom screen to attempt to catch the Pokémon. Tap and drag the crossbow back to aim and set the power. Release it to send a Poké Ball flying into the top screen. If it hits a Pokémon, you'll capture it.

   • If a Pokémon is hiding behind a bush, hit the bush to make it start hopping.
   • You only have a certain amount of time to complete this, but you can do this as many times as you'd like.
10. 
    10
    Confirm that you want to transfer the captured Pokémon. Once the game ends, you'll be asked to confirm the transfer. Remember, this is a one-way move, so make sure you want to proceed.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using the Poké Classic Network

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1. 1
   Set up a Wi-Fi connection that your DS can use. To connect your DS to Wi-Fi, you'll need to set up a special Wi-Fi network for it. This is because the DS only works with WEP encryption, which isn't offered by most modern routers. However, you can get around it by setting up an open Wi-Fi network with no password. To do this, you'll need a modern router or an Android phone.

   • Modern router: Set up a guest network that has no security and no password. You'll want to make sure this guest network is set up as 2.4 GHz, since the DS can't use the 5 GHz band. Only enable this network when you're using your DS to prevent unwanted users from joining it. If desired, you can use MAC address whitelisting to only allow your DS to connect to the guest network.
     • If you don't have the ability to create a guest network, you can adjust the settings for your normal network. However, make sure to switch your router settings back after you're done using Wi-Fi on your DS.
   • Android: Set up a Wi-Fi hotspot that has no security and no password. Look for an option to enable the 2.4 GHz band. The exact location of these settings varies, but you can usually find them under Settings > Hotspot & tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot.
2. 2
   Connect your DS to the Wi-Fi network you just created. If you're not sure how to do this, follow these steps:

   • Place a game with online capability in the DS (such as your Gen IV or Gen V Pokémon game).
   • Open the DS's settings.
   • Tap on Nintendo WFC.
   • Tap Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Settings.
   • Tap on a connection that's not being used.
   • Tap Search for an Access Point.
   • Choose the name of the guest network or Android hotspot you just created.
   • Tap OK > Save Settings > Yes. Your DS will run a connection test. If you successfully connected to the internet, continue to the next step.
3. 3
   Edit your connection's DNS settings. To do this, tap on the connection you want to edit (the connection you just set up). Then, tap the down arrow until you see the option to change your connection's DNS settings. Change your DNS settings to the following:

   • Primary DNS: 178.62.43.212
   • Secondary DNS: 178.62.43.212 or 0.0.0.0
4. 4
   Tap Save Settings. You can tap Test Connection to make sure the connection works properly.
5. 5
   Boot your game and use the GTS. Connecting to this DNS will allow you to use the GTS in your Pokémon game.

   • To use the GTS, go to the Global Trade Station. The location of this terminal varies depending on what game you're playing:
     • Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum: Jubilife City
       • You must have the Coal Badge to use the GTS in Diamond and Pearl.
     • Black, White, Black 2, and White 2: Any Pokémon center (except in the Pokémon League and Victory Road)
     • HeartGold and SoulSilver: Goldenrod City
   • Talk to the woman at the counter inside the Global Trade Station to start trading. You can choose to put a Pokémon you have up for trade, or you can check trades that other trainers have put up.
   • To see all the available Pokémon for trade, you can browse them easily on the Poké Classic Network website.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  Can I trade between Alpha Sapphire on a 3DS and Platinum on a DS Lite? If so, how?

  

  Community Answer

  You cannot directly trade between Alpha Sapphire on 3DS and Platinum on DS Lite. To move Pokémon from Platinum to Alpha Sapphire, you must first transfer them to a Generation 5 DS game, and then use the Poké Transporter to move them into Pokémon Bank, which can then connect to Alpha Sapphire.

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Tips

• You cannot trade between Generation III games using a DS. You must connect two GBAs with link cables in order to trade between these games.
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• If you trade for a Pokémon that is too high level, you won't be able to control it. You'll need to have the appropriate badge in order for the Pokémon to obey you.
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