Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, the enhanced third versions of the seventh generation Pokémon games for the Nintendo 3DS, were launched with a variety of promotional freebies. These offers, available during the launch window and subsequent promotional periods, 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. The information is sourced from promotional announcements and gaming news outlets, providing a historical overview of the types of free items that were made available to players.
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.
Cross-Platform Promotions with Pokémon GO
A cross-promotion with the mobile game Pokémon GO allowed trainers to obtain free in-game clothing items. This promotion was announced on Twitter and provided freebies that 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 colour 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.
Limited-Time Legendary Pokémon Distributions
Following the launch, The Pokémon Company continued to support the 3DS titles with free items and Pokémon through various distributions. Many of these were time-limited and required specific actions to redeem.
Shiny Poipole
To celebrate the release of the Pokémon TCG's new Dragon Majesty expansion, The Pokémon Company gave away a Shiny Poipole for a limited time. US players were able to pick up a download code at GameStop stores from September 17 to October 7, while those in the UK could obtain one at Smyths until October 15. Unlike a typical Poipole, this one was white and gold, and it already came with Dragon Pulse, the move it needs to know in order to evolve into Naganadel.
Reshiram and Zekrom
Pokémon Black and White's cover monsters, Reshiram and Zekrom, were offered as free Legendaries during the month of October. The specific distribution method for the UK is not detailed in the provided source material.
Latios and Latias
The twin Eon Pokémon, Latios and Latias, were distributed in September. In the US, they were available at a specific retailer, Best Buy, from September 2-29, with the Pokémon received depending on the game version owned: Sun and Ultra Sun players received Latias, while Moon and Ultra Moon players received Latios. Players in Europe and Australia could download the Legendaries from the Nintendo Network until September 23.
Thundurus and Tornadus
Those with a copy of Sun or Ultra Sun received Thundurus, while players who had Moon or Ultra Moon received Tornadus. To obtain the Legendaries, US residents needed to pick up a free download code at Target stores from July 13-28, while players in Europe could download the Pokémon over the Nintendo Network via Mystery Gift.
Groudon and Kyogre
The cover monsters of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Groudon and Kyogre, were available in August. In the US, they were distributed via a free download code, which could be picked up at a participating GameStop store from August 3-26. As with previous giveaways, the Legendary received depended on the game version owned: those with Sun or Ultra Sun got Kyogre, while players with Moon or Ultra Moon got Groudon.
Celebi
Players who purchased either Pokémon Gold or Silver from the 3DS eShop by September 21, 2018, received a bonus download code for the Mythical Pokémon Celebi. The code could be redeemed in Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, or Ultra Moon.
Conclusion
The launch and subsequent promotional period for Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon were 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.