Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Pre-Orders Breakdown

The year started out with a bang for the Pokémon franchise and soon it’ll end with one. Set to début in just a week’s time, Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon pre-orders have gamers buzzing, saving and looking for any extras that they can get their hands on.

Here’s all the information you need to know about Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon pre-orders ahead of their release later this year. Gotta Be Mobile will keep this breakdown updated with news and information about the releases.

Read: Surprise Pokemon Sun & Pokemon Moon Release Revealed

Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Release Date

The most important thing we’ve learned about Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon is its release date. Nintendo teased the games in February, but didn’t talk about when they’d launch.

For North Americans, the Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon release date is November 18th. That’s in line with what most assumed about the game’s timeline. On that day, anyone that placed a pre-order with a retailer will be able to get their game. Nintendo will also make the game available in its eShop.

One very interesting thing to note is that November 18th is not the worldwide Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon release date. Different regions are getting their own releases. European gamers can expect their Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon pre-orders to arrive on November 23rd.

Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Platforms

Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon are getting what Nintendo describes as the “Nintendo 3DS family” treatment. What that means is that anyone with a Nintendo 3DS will be able to play the new role-playing game. It doesn’t matter if you have the very first Nintendo 3DS or one of the later models with extra features. Thanks to its support for 2D, users will actually be able to play the game without fussing over the 3DS’ 3D settings, if they prefer.

The New Nintendo 3DS

Nintendo will offer a few different bundles for all kinds of gamers. The Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Dual Pack combines both games into a single purchase for $69.99. A strategy guide pack includes a copy of each game with a strategy guide for $115.99. Shoppers can get one copy of either Sun or Moon with a strategy guide for $102.49. All of these are available at GameStop for pre-order today. The Dual Pack is available for pre-order at Best Buy too.

Where to Place a Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Pre-Order

Finding a Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon pre-order will be incredibly easy, as it always is with Nintendo releases.

Retailer GameStop has offered Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon pre-orders ever since Nintendo announced the two games were on the way. The company still is, with options to pick up the game in-store or have it delivered. If ordered online, GameStop won’t bill you until the game has left its warehouse. The company usually offers big trade-in value boosts, provided that the credit is used towards the purchase of new games. That’s great news for anyone who still has their older Pokémon games.

Amazon is offering Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon pre-orders too, plus giving users a 20% discount if they’ve signed up for its Amazon Prime service. Amazon does this with both new and recent releases. As such, it’s possible to skip a pre-order altogether and get the game at the discounted price. For Prime members, either Sun or Moon is just $31.99. Amazon Prime costs $99.99 a year and includes other extras. Amazon doesn’t charge cards until pre-orders have shipped too. Unfortunately, a Steelbook Case edition of the game exclusive to the online retailer is completely sold out.

Read: Pokémon Sun and Moon Deals: All the Ways You Can Save

Electronics retailer Best Buy is offering up the same discount to members of its Gamers Club Unlocked program. There Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon pre-orders are available online. Because the games cost $39.99 before any discounts, shoppers get the game delivered absolutely free of charge. Gamers Club Unlocked costs $30 for two years.

GameStop is offering a free double-sided poster and map of the game world, as long as users pre-order.

Two Pokemon Sun & Moon Extras from Nintendo

Retailers don’t have pre-order extras yet, but Nintendo does. The company announced them in a recent promotional video for the game added to YouTube.

Buyers get a Munchlax for pre-ordering or purchasing a copy of the game this calendar year, the video reveals. That Munchlax will carry Snorlium Z, a substance that players can use on their Munchlax after it has evolved into a Snorlax to unlock a special Z Move. Z-Moves are special abilities unlocked by gems that players collect in game.

Read: Pokemon Sun & Moon Buying Guide

Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon are the most exciting Nintendo launches happening this year. Depending on your preference, they may even be the most exciting games of any platform getting a release in the not-too distant future.

Rowlet, Litten and Popplio will act as the three partners in these two new games. Players will have to choose one from the game’s start. We also know that Pokémon from older versions of the game can be traded to these new versions thanks to the PokeBank. These new games are set in Alola, a new region that’s separate from Kanto and other places featured in past games.

Pokémon Sun and Moon Release Date

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Rather than come out and immediately announce the Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon release date, Nintendo opted to tease users along. It wasn’t until today that we learned more about the upcoming role-playing game and when we can expect it on store shelves. The Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon release arrives in North America on November 18th. Europe will get the game on November 23rd.

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