Pokémon Sun and Moon Demo: Unlockables, Transfers, and Free In-Game Rewards

The Pokémon Sun and Moon Special Demo Version was released on October 18, 2016, for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, the demo was made available worldwide via the Nintendo eShop. It was designed to provide players with an early look at the new Alola region, introduce new game mechanics, and offer transferable rewards to the full version of Pokémon Sun or Moon upon release.

The demo serves as a promotional tool to generate anticipation for the main titles, which launched the following month. Unlike some game demos that function as standalone vertical slices, this version includes specific unlockables that can be moved to the final game. The primary incentive for completing the demo is obtaining Ash-Greninja, a unique Pokémon modeled after the anime character’s partner.

Demo Availability and Technical Requirements

The Pokémon Sun and Moon Special Demo Version was released simultaneously in Japan, North America, Australia, Europe, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan on October 18, 2016. It was distributed through the Nintendo 3DS eShop and was also available for download via Nintendo’s official website.

The file size of the demo required approximately 3,055 to 3,058 blocks of free space on an SD card. This translates to roughly 382 MB of storage. The demo can be launched an unlimited number of times, allowing players to revisit unlocked content or attempt optional challenges. It utilizes Nintendo Network connectivity for the transfer of data to the full game.

Gameplay Overview and Features

The demo is set in Hau'oli City and the surrounding Ten Carat Hill area. Players are introduced to the Alolan region through a brief narrative involving Team Skull and Professor Kukui. The gameplay loop introduces several mechanics new to the seventh generation of Pokémon games, including:

Z-Moves: High-power attacks that can be used once per battle.
Island Trials: A replacement for the traditional Gym system, involving specific tasks rather than just battles.
Pokémon Camera: A new feature allowing players to take photos during gameplay.
Ride Pager: A utility that allows players to summon Ride Pokémon, such as Tauros, to traverse the map quickly.

The demo features a scripted sequence where the player receives a Greninja from a mysterious trainer, who is revealed to be Ash Ketchum from the anime. This Greninja possesses the ability Battle Bond, which allows it to transform into Ash-Greninja during battle.

Unlockables and Transferable Rewards

The demo offers several items and Pokémon that can be transferred to the full version of Pokémon Sun or Moon. These transfers are facilitated by speaking to Professor Kukui inside a Pokémon Center in the full game.

Ash-Greninja

The main reward for completing the demo is Ash-Greninja. To unlock it, players must complete the main story of the demo. The required steps include: 1. Receive the Greninja from the mysterious trainer. 2. Leave City Hall and defeat the Team Skull Grunts outside. 3. Head north to the Pokémon Center to meet Professor Kukui and accept a Trial. 4. Travel to Ten Carat Hill. 5. Navigate through the tall grass and reach the cave where Professor Kukui is waiting. 6. Complete the trial, which involves taking photos of Jangmo-o and Hakamo-o and battling a Totem Hakamo-o.

Once the demo is completed, Ash-Greninja is unlocked for transfer. In the full game, this Greninja retains the Battle Bond ability, allowing it to transform into Ash-Greninja, a form visually similar to Mega Evolution.

Additional Items

While Ash-Greninja is the only reward available immediately after completing the main story, additional items become accessible after the demo is completed and the Ride Pager is unlocked. These items are obtained through optional bonus challenges. The specific items mentioned in reports include:

Super Potion: Received from Hau at the Pokémon Center during the main story.
Nugget: Rewarded for performing well in a special challenge at Ten Carat Hill where players capture as many Pokémon as possible within a time limit.

These items, along with any other unlocked rewards, can be claimed by speaking to Professor Kukui in the Pokémon Center of the full game.

Data Transfer Process

The transfer of unlockables from the demo to the full game is a one-way process. Players must have both the demo and the full game available on the same Nintendo 3DS system or system transfer data. The process involves:

Completing the demo to unlock the necessary items and Pokémon.
Launching the full version of Pokémon Sun or Moon.
Visiting a Pokémon Center in the game.
Speaking to Professor Kukui, who will offer to transfer the gifts.

Once transferred, the items are added to the player's inventory, and Ash-Greninja is added to the player's party or PC Box. This functionality ensures that players who invest time in the demo are rewarded with a head start in the full game.

Critical Reception and Player Impressions

Early impressions of the demo focused on the presentation and atmosphere of the new region. Sources noted the quality of the music, specifically the "island tunes" which were described as "fantastic and funky." The demo successfully conveyed the sense of adventure associated with new Pokémon releases, evoking nostalgia for long-time fans while showcasing the transition to fully 3D environments.

The demo also served as a technical showcase for the Nintendo 3DS, demonstrating the capabilities of the hardware in rendering the new region and battle animations. The inclusion of Ash-Greninja, a fan-favorite Pokémon from the anime, was viewed as a significant draw for players familiar with the television series.

Release Context

The demo was released one month prior to the launch of the full games. Pokémon Sun and Moon were released in North America and Japan on November 18, 2016, with a European release following on November 23, 2016. The timing of the demo release allowed players to experience the core mechanics and aesthetic of the new generation shortly before the official launch, serving as a bridge between the announcement period and the full release.

Conclusion

The Pokémon Sun and Moon Special Demo Version provided a functional and rewarding preview of the main titles. It successfully introduced new mechanics such as Z-Moves and Island Trials while offering tangible rewards in the form of Ash-Greninja and various in-game items. The transfer system incentivized completion of the demo, allowing players to carry their progress and unique Pokémon into the full game. Released globally on October 18, 2016, the demo served as an effective promotional tool that heightened anticipation for the launch of Pokémon Sun and Moon.