Link Trade
The original handshake between two carts.
Two games connected by a Link Cable (or, later, wirelessly) swap Pokemon directly. This is the foundation every other transfer method is built on, and it is the only method that is reliably two-way.
A trade is a true exchange: each side gives one Pokemon and receives one back. Within the same generation a traded Pokemon arrives intact - moves, held item, nickname (if not owned by the original trainer) and stats all survive. Cross-generation link trading is only possible between adjacent compatible generations (see the Time Capsule), because each new generation changed how Pokemon data is stored.
Step by step
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1
Connect two systems with a Link Cable, the wireless adapter, or local wireless / infrared depending on the era.
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2
Both players enter the trade center or union room.
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3
Select the Pokemon to offer and confirm the trade on both sides.
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4
Some Pokemon (Kadabra, Machoke, Graveler, Haunter and more) evolve the instant they are traded.
Watch it in action
Video coming soon
A walkthrough clip will appear here.
How a Link Trade works
A short walkthrough of Link Trade.