Day One Freebies for Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon: A Guide to Launch Window Promotions

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, the enhanced third versions of the seventh generation Pokémon games, featured a variety of promotional freebies during their launch window. These offers ranged from digital in-game distributions to physical pre-order bonuses and cross-platform promotions. This article details the available freebies based on information from the launch period, focusing on eligibility requirements, redemption methods, and the specific items distributed.

Digital Distributions for Pokémon Bank Subscribers

One of the primary digital freebies available to players involved the Pokémon Bank application, a paid cloud-based service that allows players to store and transfer Pokémon between games. During the launch window for Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, The Pokémon Company offered a special distribution for active subscribers.

Players with an active Pokémon Bank subscription could receive two specific Pokémon: Oranguru and Passimian. These were not standard versions of the Pokémon; they possessed Hidden Abilities, which are typically difficult or impossible to obtain through normal gameplay in the Sun and Moon series. Oranguru was distributed with the Hidden Ability Symbiosis, which allows it to pass its held item to an ally in Double or Triple Battles when that ally consumes its own item. Passimian was distributed with the Hidden Ability Defiant, which raises its Attack stat whenever one of its stats is lowered by an opponent.

To claim these Pokémon, users needed to insert their game cartridge (Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon, Sun, or Moon) into the Nintendo 3DS and access the Pokémon Bank application. A notification would appear indicating that the gifts were available. After closing the application, the user could open their game file and visit any Pokémon Center in the game. A deliveryman standing inside the Pokémon Center would provide the Pokémon.

Shiny Legendary Distributions

During the launch period, and specifically leading up to the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield, The Pokémon Company distributed Shiny versions of the box legendary Pokémon from the original Sun and Moon games. This distribution was available for a limited time, specifically from October 21 to November 10.

The distribution offered a Shiny Solgaleo to owners of Pokémon Moon or Ultra Moon, and a Shiny Lunala to owners of Pokémon Sun or Ultra Sun. Both Pokémon were Level 60. Shiny Solgaleo came with the moves Sunsteel Strike, Zen Headbutt, Noble Roar, and Morning Sun. Shiny Lunala came with the moves Moongeist Beam, Psyshock, Moonblast, and Moonlight.

The redemption process for these Shiny Legendaries required a specific app and a physical retail visit. Players in the United States could obtain a download code by visiting GameStop stores, while players in the United Kingdom visited participating Game stores. The process required the use of the Pokémon Pass app, a mobile application used for distributing Pokémon via QR codes.

At the participating retailer, a QR code was displayed. Using the Pokémon Pass app, the user scanned the QR code to receive a download code. The user then needed to enter this code into their game. To do this, they would select "Mystery Gift" from the game's main menu, select "Receive Gift," choose the "Get with Code/Password" option, and enter the code. After the download was complete, the user would open their save file and pick up the Pokémon from the delivery man inside any Pokémon Center.

Cross-Platform Promotions via Pokémon GO

In a move described as the first time "Pokémon GO" promoted another title from the franchise, Niantic offered free in-game avatar items to celebrate the launch of Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. This promotion was announced on Twitter.

The freebies allowed "Pokémon GO" trainers to dress like the trainers found in the Alola region of Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. The items included sandals, shorts, sun hats, flowery tank tops, and sneakers. These items were available to all players of the mobile game at no cost.

Pre-Order Bonus Physical Merchandise

A significant number of physical freebies were offered as pre-order bonuses through various retailers in Japan. These items were exclusive to customers who pre-ordered the games prior to their launch. The specific items varied by retailer and the version of the game pre-ordered (Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon).

Retailers and their specific bonuses included:

Koshin Electric: Offered a tissue box cover. The color was version-specific: orange for Ultra Sun and blue for Ultra Moon.
Tsutaya: Offered a reversible poster calendar. The calendar side was orange for Ultra Sun and blue for Ultra Moon.
Square Books: Offered a microfiber cloth. The design featured Pikachu and Mimikyu for Ultra Sun, or an assortment of Pokémon for Ultra Moon.
Toys R Us: Offered a sticker sheet featuring Dusk Mane or Dawn Wings Necrozma. The specific version received was chosen at random.
Bic Camera, Sofmap, or Kojima: Offered one of two types of sticker sheets depending on the game version. Pre-ordering both games included nanoblock sets to build a Poké Ball and Quick Ball.
Family Mart, Circle K, or Sunkus: Offered an IC card sticker featuring Pikachu. Pre-ordering both games included a round pass case with a Poké Ball design.
Futaba Books: Offered an acrylic key holder. The design featured the unevolved Alola first partner Pokémon for Ultra Sun, or the fully evolved Alola first partner Pokémon for Ultra Moon.
Heiwado: Offered a sheet of glittering stickers, with two different versions available based on the reserved game.
Yamada Denki: Offered a W pocket clear file.

In-Game Daily Activities

While not strictly "freebies" in the sense of promotional distributions, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon included daily in-game activities that provided free rewards. These activities were integrated into the game mechanics and could be performed once per day.

One such activity was the Malie City Gym. Unlike other gyms in the game, this was a Kanto-style gym that could be battled once per day for a fee of 1,000. Upon completion, players received a Fresh Water and the Surge Badge. The badge itself had no functional purpose in the game and would be replaced if the gym was defeated again, but the activity provided a daily source of experience points for the player's Pokémon.

Another daily activity was Pyukumuku Chucking, located at Hano Beach. Players could hire themselves to throw beached Pyukumuku back into the ocean. Completing this task once per day resulted in a financial reimbursement of 20,000.

Additionally, the Loto-ID feature in the Hau'oli City Shopping District's Tourist Center allowed players to potentially receive free items based on their Trainer ID number.

Conclusion

The launch of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon was supported by a diverse ecosystem of freebies. These ranged from digital content available to subscribers of a paid service (Pokémon Bank) to exclusive physical merchandise available to customers who pre-ordered at specific retailers. The promotional window also included a limited-time distribution of Shiny Legendary Pokémon that required a physical trip to a retailer to obtain a code, and a cross-promotion with the mobile game Pokémon GO. While many of these specific offers were time-limited, they illustrate the methods by which The Pokémon Company engages players during major game releases.