‘Pokémon Sun,’ ‘Moon’ data miners extract new characters, Alolan forms from demo

By Danny Cowan Published October 18, 2016

SUN MOON DEMO DATAMINE - Part 2

A demo version of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, Nintendo’s upcoming monster-battling role-playing games, unintentionally revealed dozens of new creatures, forms, and evolutions ahead of the planned November launch of the two games — and data miners are quickly spreading word of their discoveries.

Upon disassembling the demo versions of Pokémon Sun and Moon, hackers discovered that the games’ data contained 3D models and images featuring dozens of previously unannounced Pokémon characters, including the final evolved forms of the games’ starter Pokémon. Be warned: This article and the video linked above contain spoilers for the upcoming retail versions of Pokémon Sun and Moon.

Launching worldwide next month, Pokémon Sun and Moon are the latest entries in Nintendo’s long-running monster-collecting RPG series. Pokémon Sun and Moon shift the franchise to a tropical setting, and introduces an array of regional Pokémon variants alongside critters never before seen in previous Pokémon games.

Pokémon Sun and Moon‘s alternate “Alolan” forms of returning Pokémon have garnered a great degree of discussion among fans in recent months. Data miners have discovered that 3D models of many Alolan creatures are hidden within the new demo, including reimagined versions of first-generation Pokémon like Diglett, Dugtrio, Persian, and the Geodude family.

Fans may be disappointed to find that Nintendo has limited plans for its Alolan creature subset, however. Based on data mined so far, it seems unlikely that the final versions of Pokémon Sun and Moon will feature Alolan variants of Pokémon creatures from generations beyond the series’ initial Game Boy releases.

The demo additionally outed the existence of eight ultra beasts, which feature designs that contrast sharply with existing Pokémon creatures. Currently, it’s unknown what role ultra beasts will have in Pokémon Sun and Moon‘s storyline.

Pokémon Sun and Moon will launch at retail, as well as digitally via the Nintendo 3DS eShop, on November 18.

Topics

Contributor

Danny’s passion for video games was ignited upon his first encounter with Nintendo’s Duck Hunt, and years later, he still…

Gaming

Ubisoft confirms Assassin’s Creed remakes are in the works

Basim perched on a ledge overlooking Baghdad

In a company interview with CEO Yves Guillemot posted on the Ubisoft website Thursday, the executive reveals that there are remakes of Assassin's Creed games in the works, although he doesn't specify which ones.

"Players can be excited about some remakes, which will allow us to revisit some of the games we've created in the past and modernize them," he says, implying that it could pertain to games made before Odyssey. "There are worlds in some of our older Assassin's Creed games that are still extremely rich."

Gaming

Surfaced patent shows what an Xbox streaming console would’ve looked like

An Xbox Series X sits next to both Series S models.

There have been a few Xbox devices that have never come to fruition, one of which was Keystone, a prototype for an affordable game streaming device you could hook up to your TV or monitor. Thanks to a surfaced patent, we've gotten an even closer look at what it would've potentially looked like.

The patent, first spotted by Windows Central, gives us a more complete view of the device. We've previously seen the Keystone in the flesh. Microsoft Gaming head Phil Spencer is known for hiding teases and interesting collectibles on the shelf in his office. In a 2022 X (formerly Twitter) post congratulating Bethesda on Fallout's 25th anniversary, you can see a small white device on the top shelf that's actually a Keystone prototype. Xbox told Digital Trends that it was a version of the device made before it decided to "refocus our efforts on a new approach.”

Gaming

Wordle Today: Wordle answer and hints for June 28

Someone playing Wordle on a smartphone.

We have the solution to Wordle on June 28, as well as some helpful hints to help you figure out the answer yourself, right here. We've placed the answer at the bottom of the page, so we don't ruin the surprise before you've had a chance to work through the clues. So let's dive in, starting with a reminder of yesterday's answer.
Yesterday's Wordle answer
Let's start by first reminding ourselves of yesterday's Wordle answer for those new to the game or who don't play it daily, which was "ORDER." So we can say that the Wordle answer today definitely isn't that. Now, with that in mind, perhaps take another stab at it using one of these Wordle starting words and circle back if you have no luck.
Hints for today's Wordle
Still can't figure it out? We have today's Wordle answer right here, below. But first, one more thing: Let's take a look at three hints that could help you find the solution, without giving it away, so there's no need to feel guilty about keeping your streak alive -- you put in some work, after all! Or just keep scrolling for the answer.

Today’s Wordle includes the letter D.
Today’s Wordle uses two vowels.
Today's Wordle can refer to a large number of animals, particularly livestock like cattle or sheep, that are moving together in a group.