Pokemon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon: What’s New?

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are enhanced versions of Pokémon Sun and Moon for the Nintendo 3DS, released in November 2017. They add a new story chapter, more Pokémon, and several gameplay improvements while keeping the same Alola region setting. This article explains what these games change, how they differ from the originals, and what you should know before playing.

Background: Why Were These Games Released?

Nintendo and Game Freak have a long history of releasing “third versions� or “enhanced versions� of their main Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Yellow, Crystal, Emerald, and Platinum. Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon follow that tradition for the seventh generation. They are not sequels; they are alternate retellings of the Sun and Moon story with significant additions. The games were announced in June 2017 and released worldwide on November 17, 2017, for the Nintendo 3DS family. They were the last mainline Pokémon games released for the 3DS before the series moved to the Nintendo Switch with Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! in 2018.

Key Differences from Sun and Moon

The most obvious change is the story. Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon introduce a new group called the Ultra Recon Squad, and the legendary Pokémon Necrozma plays a central role. The game’s climax involves traveling to Ultra Space to stop Necrozma from absorbing all light. This is a departure from the original games, where the main antagonist was Lusamine and the Ultra Beasts were the focus. The story is generally considered more linear and less character-driven than Sun and Moon, but it adds new cutscenes and a post-game episode called “Episode RR� where you battle past villainous team leaders.

• New Pokémon forms: Both games feature Dusk Mane Necrozma (Ultra Sun) and Dawn Wings Necrozma (Ultra Moon), which are fusions with Solgaleo and Lunala. They also introduce Ultra Necrozma, a powerful form obtained during the story.
• New Ultra Beasts: Ultra Sun has Stakataka, and Ultra Moon has Blacephalon. Both are version-exclusive.
• New Z-Moves: Each game has an exclusive Z-Move for its legendary Pokémon, and there are new Z-Moves for some old Pokémon like Kommo-o.
• Alola Photo Club: A new feature where you can take photos with your Pokémon and decorate them.
• Mantine Surfing: A new mini-game that lets you surf on a Mantine between islands, earning BP (Battle Points) and raising your Pokémon’s friendship.
• Totem Stickers: Collectible stickers hidden throughout Alola that let you get Totem-sized Pokémon.

Gameplay Improvements and New Features

Beyond the story, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon refine the gameplay of Sun and Moon. The most appreciated change is the removal of the lengthy tutorial at the start. In Sun and Moon, the first hour was heavily criticized for being too restrictive with frequent cutscenes and forced pauses. Ultra versions streamline this, letting you move more freely and reducing the number of interruptions. The Pokédex also gets a new feature: you can now see the habitat of each Pokémon on the map, making it easier to complete your collection. The games also add a new “Ultra Warp Ride� mechanic, where you fly through Ultra Space to encounter legendary Pokémon and Ultra Beasts. This is the main way to catch many returning legendaries from past generations, such as Rayquaza, Kyogre, and Giratina.

How to Choose Between Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

The choice between Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon is mostly about version-exclusive Pokémon and the legendary you want. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Ultra Sun: Features Solgaleo (Psychic/Steel) and its exclusive Ultra Beast, Stakataka (Rock/Steel). It also has a different time-based mechanic: the in-game world is set during the day in real time, which affects when certain Pokémon appear. The legendary Pokémon you catch in Ultra Warp Ride are also different (e.g., you get Ho-Oh, Latios, and Dialga).
• Ultra Moon: Features Lunala (Psychic/Ghost) and its exclusive Ultra Beast, Blacephalon (Fire/Ghost). The in-game world is set at night in real time, so you’ll see more nocturnal Pokémon. Exclusive legendaries include Lugia, Latias, and Palkia.

If you care about competitive battling, the version-exclusive Ultra Beasts have different stats and uses. Stakataka is a defensive Rock/Steel wall, while Blacephalon is a fast special attacker. Otherwise, the games are identical in content and quality.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are simply “Sun and Moon with a few extras.� In reality, the story is different enough that many players consider them the definitive versions of the seventh generation. However, some fans were disappointed that the games did not include a Battle Frontier (a post-game facility), which was a staple in previous enhanced versions like Emerald and Platinum. Instead, the post-game is focused on the Ultra Warp Ride and the Battle Agency, a facility where you rent Pokémon and battle others. Another issue is the lack of a National Pokédex, which means you cannot transfer Pokémon from older games until you complete the Alola Pokédex. This was a deliberate design choice, but it frustrated some players who wanted to use their old teams.

Reception and Legacy

Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon received generally positive reviews, with critics praising the improved pacing, the new story, and the wealth of post-game content. However, some reviewers noted that the games felt too similar to Sun and Moon, and the story changes were not enough to justify a full-priced purchase for those who already owned the originals. Commercially, the games sold over 8 million copies worldwide, making them some of the best-selling 3DS titles. They are often recommended as the best way to experience the Alola region, especially for new players who haven’t played Sun or Moon. The games also introduced the concept of “Ultra� forms, which were later referenced in Pokémon Sword and Shield’s Dynamax mechanic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I trade Pokémon between Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon? Yes, you can trade between the two games, and you can also trade with regular Sun and Moon, but only for Pokémon that exist in both games. Some Pokémon like Ultra Beasts and legendaries are version-exclusive, so trading is the only way to complete your Pokédex.

Do I need to have played Sun and Moon first? No, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are standalone games. They tell a complete story, and you can jump in without any prior knowledge. In fact, many players recommend starting with Ultra versions because they are more polished.

What is the difference between Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon besides the legendary? The main differences are the version-exclusive Pokémon (including Ultra Beasts and some legendaries), the time-of-day setting (day in Ultra Sun, night in Ultra Moon), and the exclusive Z-Moves for Solgaleo and Lunala. The story is otherwise identical.

Can I transfer Pokémon from Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon to Pokémon Sword and Shield? Yes, you can use Pokémon Bank to transfer Pokémon from Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon to Pokémon Home, and then to Sword and Shield if the Pokémon is in the Galar Pokédex. However, not all Pokémon are available in Sword and Shield, so some may not be transferable.

Are Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon worth buying in 2025? If you own a 3DS and enjoy Pokémon, they are still considered excellent games. The 3DS eShop is closed, but physical cartridges are still widely available. They offer a lot of content and are often cited as the best 3DS Pokémon games.

What is the Battle Agency? It’s a post-game facility where you rent Pokémon and battle against AI opponents. You earn BP (Battle Points) that can be used to buy items and moves. It’s a fun way to test different Pokémon without training them yourself.

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