Free Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon In-Game Promotions and Distribution Events

The provided source material documents several in-game promotional giveaways and distribution events for the Nintendo 3DS titles Pokémon Sun, Pokémon Moon, Pokémon Ultra Sun, and Pokémon Ultra Moon. These promotions, managed by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, offered players free items, Pokémon, and cosmetic accessories through various redemption methods, including Mystery Gift, QR codes, and cross-promotional events with Pokémon GO. The availability of these offers varied, with some being time-limited and others remaining accessible for extended periods following the games' releases.

Overview of Distribution Methods

Players could obtain free content through distinct mechanisms provided within the game menus or via external applications. The primary methods identified in the source material are the Mystery Gift feature, the QR Scanner, and cross-platform avatar item distribution.

Mystery Gift

The Mystery Gift feature is the standard method for receiving digital distributions in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon. According to the source material, players typically accessed this feature by selecting "Mystery Gift" from the main menu, followed by "Receive," and then choosing a specific connection method.

Internet Connection: For distributions broadcast directly by Nintendo, players selected "Get via Internet." An example of this was the distribution of a Shiny Tapu Koko. The source material indicates that the 3DS would search for the gift, and the Pokémon would then be delivered to the game.
Code/Password Entry: Some distributions required a specific alphanumeric code. Players selected "Receive via Code/Password" and entered the provided combination. A specific example provided is the distribution code SABLEVOLANT, which unlocked four Mega Stones.

QR Scanner

A distinct method for obtaining specific Pokémon involves the QR Scanner feature. Unlike Mystery Gift, this method often requires the player to scan a specific QR code image. The source material details that after scanning the code, the player must physically travel to a specific location within the game world to pick up the gift from a deliveryman. This method was used for the distribution of the Mythical Pokémon Magearna.

Cross-Platform Promotion

In a notable example of cross-promotion, Pokémon GO offered free avatar items to celebrate the launch of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon. This event allowed players of the mobile game to acquire cosmetic items that mimicked the appearance of Trainers found in the 3DS titles. While this distribution took place outside of the 3DS games, it is relevant as a freebie tied directly to the release of the main series titles.

Specific Distributions for Pokémon Sun and Moon

The source material highlights several giveaways available to owners of the original Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon titles. These included rare and legendary Pokémon, as well as essential battle items.

Shiny Tapu Koko

A significant distribution event involved a Shiny version of Tapu Koko, one of the game's legendary island guardians. * Eligibility: Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon players. * Availability: The source material cites a specific distribution window: "From today until August 14." However, the publication date of the source article is not provided, making the exact calendar dates indeterminate. * Details: This Tapu Koko was described as "ultra-rare" because Tapu Koko is normally "shiny locked," meaning it cannot be encountered in a shiny form during normal gameplay. The source material emphasizes the value of this giveaway for collectors. * Redemption: Players redeemed it via the Mystery Gift menu using the "Get via internet" option.

Magearna

Magearna, a Steel/Fairy-type Mythical Pokémon, was offered via a different process. * Eligibility: Players who had defeated the Elite Four and completed the main story. * Redemption Process: 1. Use the QR Scanner feature in the game menu. 2. Scan the provided QR code. 3. Visit the Antiques shop in Hau'oli City. 4. Retrieve the Pokémon from the deliveryman inside the shop. * Availability: The source material suggests this is a permanent availability offer, as it does not mention a specific expiration date or limited window.

Mega Stones

Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon introduced a distribution of specific Mega Stones via codes. These items are necessary for Mega Evolutions, a battle mechanic. The source material notes that the Pokémon capable of Mega Evolving using these stones are not available to be caught in Sun and Moon; they must be transferred from previous generations. * Batch 1 (Code: SABLEVOLANT): Unlocked Mega Stones for Tyranitar, Abomasnow, Manectric, and Aggron. * Batch 2 (Code: MATSUBUSA): Unlocked Mega Stones for Sceptile, Swampert, Blaziken, Camerupt, and Banette. * Redemption: Players entered these codes in the Mystery Gift menu under the "Code/Password" option.

Distributions for Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

While the sources provided less granular detail on specific Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon distributions compared to the original titles, they confirmed ongoing support and specific promotional tie-ins.

Year of Legendary Pokémon

Source material references a 2018 initiative known as the "Year of Legendary Pokemon," during which The Pokémon Company gave away "a ton of Legendaries." While specific details on which legendaries were included or the exact redemption methods are not detailed in the provided text, this event is cited as a major distribution for Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon players.

Pokémon GO Avatar Items

To promote the launch of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon, Pokémon GO received a update adding free avatar items. * Items Included: Sandals, shorts, sun hats, flowery tank tops, and sneakers. * Theme: The items allowed Pokémon GO players to dress their avatars like the Trainers found in the Alola region (the setting of Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon). * Significance: The source material notes that this was the first instance of Pokémon GO promoting another title from the franchise in this manner.

New Content: Mimikyu Z-Move

Although not a "freebie" in the traditional distribution sense, the source material mentions a new exclusive Z-Move for Mimikyu introduced in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon. * Move Name: "Let's Snuggle Forever." * Description: The move features Mimikyu hiding under a Pikachu costume and transforming into a larger size to hug opponents. It combines "cuteness and creepiness." * Requirement: The move is powered up by the Z-Crystal, which is presumably obtainable through standard gameplay in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.

Current Status and Availability

The source material explicitly states that many of the giveaways mentioned had already ended by the time the articles were written. For example, the Shiny Tapu Koko distribution was tied to a specific date window in the past. However, the material also notes that "there are still plenty of rare freebies for Sun and Moon players to get their hands on" and "The Pokemon Company is continuing to support the 3DS titles with free items and Pokemon."

Specifically, the Magearna QR code distribution and the Mega Stone codes (SABLEVOLANT and MATSUBUSA) are presented without expiration dates, suggesting they may remain active indefinitely or for a long duration. However, the sources advise players to check frequently for new announcements, as distributions are often added or removed.

Conclusion

The provided documentation outlines a variety of free digital content available for Pokémon Sun, Pokémon Moon, Pokémon Ultra Sun, and Pokémon Ultra Moon. These freebies range from rare Shiny Legendary Pokémon like Tapu Koko to Mythical Pokémon like Magearna, essential battle items like Mega Stones, and cosmetic cross-promotional items in Pokémon GO. Redemption generally requires access to the game's Mystery Gift or QR Scanner features, with some offers requiring specific in-game progress, such as completing the main story. While many time-sensitive distributions have expired, the sources indicate that The Pokémon Company has a history of supporting these titles with ongoing giveaways, some of which may remain accessible to players today.