>>13661898I think the payment is stupid(although I don't have a problem because it's only $5 a year), but it wasn't always free.
Gen 1 and 2 required a link cable. Gen 3 to 4 required a DSphat or DS Lite, alienating anyone who has a DSi. The only gen that for sure was free was Gen 4 to 5 since it was on the same console.
Besides, PokeBox isn't just for transferring, it's for making sure you always have your pokemon safe. So, if you ever lose or fuck up your game somehow or start a new game, you still have all your pokemon. Also, for Breeders, they now have a shit ton of more space that they can use while at the same time freeing up in-game space.
Also, unless I'm missing something, there's nothing stopping you from getting a friend that has the service to transfer your pokemon to his game, then transfer over to your X/Y. The only problem is if you want to mass transfer boxes. But that service is free for like 3 months, so it isn't a problem there unless you couldn't get the game for 4 months for whatever reason.
