Nintendo Reveals New Legendary Pokémon for ‘Sun and Moon’

Matthew Hadick
Games Pokémon
Games Pokémon Nintendo

Nintendo has released a video detailing the pair of legendary Pokémon from the upcoming Pokémon Sun and Moon

Solgaleo, whose likeness adorns the cover of Pokémon Sun is, strangely, a Psychic and Steel type. Its counterpart, a Psychic and Ghost type named Lunala, is featured on the cover of Pokémon Moon.

The two Pokémon will play a vital role in the game’s story. It’s very interesting that both legendary Pokémon are psychic types — I wonder if the story will center on mind control or mind reading of some sort.

Here is the information Nintendo provided about the Pokémon in a press release that accompanied the unveiling of the video.

Solgaleo

Category: Sunne Pokemon
Height: 11′02″
Weight: 507.1 lbs.
Type: Psychic/Steel
Ability: Full Metal Body

Solgaleo

Honoured as an emissary of the sun since ancient times, Solgaleo is referred to with reverence as “the beast that devours the sun.” Solgaleo’s body holds a vast amount of energy, and it shines with light when it is active. It has a flowing mane with a remarkable resemblance to the sun. Its signature move is Sunsteel Strike, an attack that charges at an opponent with the force of a meteor, disregarding the target’s Ability. Solgaleo’s Ability is Full Metal Body, a new Ability that no previous Pokemon has had. With the Full Metal Body Ability, a Pokemon’s stats will not be lowered by the effects of an opponent’s moves or Ability.

Lunala

Category: Moone Pokemon
Height: 13′01″
Weight: 264.6 lbs.
Type: Psychic/Ghost
Ability: Shadow Shield

Lunala

Since ancient times, Lunala has been honoured as an emissary of the moon. Referred to with reverence as “the beast that calls the moon,” Lunala is constantly absorbing light and converting it into energy. With its wings spread to absorb the surrounding light and glittering like the crescent moon, it resembles a beautiful night sky. Lunala’s signature Moongeist Beam attack releases an ominous beam of light that disregards the target’s Ability. Lunala’s Ability is Shadow Shield, a new Ability that no previous Pokemon has had. With the Shadow Shield Ability, a Pokemon will take less damage from an attack that lands when the Pokemon has full HP.

The video also showed off some of Pokémon Sun and Moon’s new world: The Alola region. A chain of four islands that bears a striking resemblance to Hawaii, this tropical region is bustling with new kinds of wild Pokémon who I’m sure can’t wait to be captured and enslaved by over-eager children.

Three new characters were also introduced:

  • Professor Kukui – this shirtless heartthrob of a professor helps the player get their bearings in the Alola region. His chilled-out demeanor and lack of clothing suggests he’s a local.
  • Lillie – “Kukui’s mysterious assistant” seems sort of out of place in the region, with her large sun hat and lack of tan. She’s a lover of books and seems to be wearing a bit of a frown.
  • Rotom Pokedex – For the first time, the Pokedex is a character in its own right. As you might expect, this guide provides insight on Pokémon in the region — but this time around, you’re going to have to make sure to take care of it. It seems like Nintendo will be treating the RotomPokedexx a bit like their popular Pokémon Pikachu toy from the late ’90s.

Pokémon Sun and Moon will be available for Nintendo 3DS on Nov. 18 in North America and Nov. 23 in Europe.

Matthew Hadick