Batt explained that he reverse-engineered the communication protocol used by
A tech enthusiast has built a homemade device to move Pokémon from Game Boy Advance cartridges to Nintendo Switch 2, filling the gap left when Nintendo discontinued its official cloud transfer service in early 2026. The creator, Simon Batt, a computer science graduate and longtime tech writer, shared details of the project online after fans expressed frustration over losing access to legacy Pokémon collections. The workaround uses modified hardware and custom software to read data from GBA cartridges and send it wirelessly to the Switch 2, bypassing Nintendo’s now-defunct Poké Transfer app. The tool relies on a Raspberry Pi Pico connected to a GBA cartridge reader, which extracts save data and converts it into a format compatible with Pokémon Home on Switch 2.
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Apple Limits iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro Max to Reservation-Only Sales in Japan and South KoreaBatt explained that he reverse-engineered the communication protocol used by Nintendo’s former service, noting that while the process is legal for personal use, distributing the tool could violate copyright. He emphasized that the project was driven by preservation, not piracy, and that he only shares instructions for those who own original cartridges. The build requires basic soldering skills and open-source firmware available on GitHub. How the Transfer Process Actually Works Users insert their GBA Pokémon game into a USB adapter linked to the Pico, which runs a script to read the save file. The data is then encrypted and sent via Bluetooth to a companion app on the Switch 2, which injects the Pokémon into the user’s Home account. Batt said the entire transfer takes under two minutes per game and works with titles like Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen.
He added that error-checking ensures corrupted data doesn’t harm the Switch 2
He added that error-checking ensures corrupted data doesn’t harm the Switch 2 system, and that no modifications to the console itself are needed. Can Nintendo Legally Stop This Kind of Workaround? While Nintendo has not issued a statement on the DIY tool, its terms of service prohibit circumvention of platform security measures. However, legal experts note that transferring personally owned games for preservation may fall under fair use in some jurisdictions. Batt said he received no takedown notices as of September 2026 and that his guide focuses solely on enabling access to legally owned content. He warned against sharing pre-loaded SD cards or pirated ROMs, stressing that the tool only functions with physical cartridges. Frequently Asked Questions Is this tool safe to use with my Switch 2? Yes, the software only reads and transfers save data without altering system files or requiring homebrew on the console itself.
Do I need to modify my GBA cartridges? No, the adapter reads the cartridge non-destructively and leaves the original game unchanged. Will this work with Pokémon Colosseum or XD? No, those GameCube titles use a different save format and are not supported by this specific tool.