National Dex in Sun and Moon: The Evolution of Pokémon Catching

Pokémon Sun and Moon marked a significant milestone in the Pokémon franchise, introducing players to the Alola region, new Pokémon species, and gameplay mechanics. One notable change was the absence of the National Pokédex, a staple in previous games. In this guide, we'll explore the concept of the National Dex, its significance in Pokémon games, and how it evolved in Sun and Moon.

1. The Role of the National Pokédex:

National Pokédex

The National Pokédex has been a fundamental feature in Pokémon games since its inception. It serves as a comprehensive database of all Pokémon species, allowing players to track their progress in catching 'em all.

Players could complete the Regional Pokédex in the main game, and once achieved, they could access the National Dex, which included Pokémon from other regions.

2. Introduction of Alola Region:

Pokémon Sun and Moon brought players to the Alola region, a tropical paradise with its own unique ecosystem.

This marked a departure from the traditional Pokémon formula, as Alola featured a different set of Pokémon species and its own Regional Pokédex.

3. No National Dex in Sun and Moon:

One of the most significant changes in Sun and Moon was the absence of the National Dex.

Unlike previous games, where players could eventually transfer Pokémon from older games into the current one, Sun and Moon restricted the available Pokémon to those found within the Alola region.

4. Alola Regional Dex:

Instead of the National Dex, Sun and Moon introduced the Alola Regional Pokédex, which contained a curated selection of Pokémon specifically chosen to fit the tropical theme of the region.

This meant that players could only catch and trade Pokémon native to Alola.

5. The Reasoning Behind the Change:

Behind the Change

Game Freak, the developer of Pokémon games, stated that the decision to omit the National Dex in Sun and Moon was to encourage players to focus on the new Pokémon introduced in the Alola region. It also aimed to create a fresh experience for both newcomers and long-time fans.

6. Pokémon Bank Compatibility:

While the absence of the National Dex in Sun and Moon was a departure from tradition, Game Freak didn't entirely abandon the concept.

Players could still use the Pokémon Bank service to transfer Pokémon from previous games, but these Pokémon couldn't be used in the main storyline until the release of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.

7. Return of the National Dex in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon:

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, enhanced versions of the original Sun and Moon games, brought back the National Dex.

This allowed players to catch and trade Pokémon from other regions in addition to the Alola natives. It was a welcomed return for fans who missed the comprehensive Pokédex.

8. Gotta Catch 'Em All: The National Dex Completion Challenge:

For dedicated Pokémon trainers, completing the National Dex has always been a rewarding challenge. It involves capturing or trading for every

Pokémon species across all regions, requiring effort, strategy, and sometimes collaboration with other players. The National Dex in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon rekindled this pursuit.

9. Pokémon Home and Beyond: The Future of the National Dex:

With the release of Pokémon Home, a cloud-based service for storing and transferring Pokémon between games, the concept of the National Dex has evolved even further.

Pokémon Home serves as a hub for all Pokémon games, allowing players to transfer Pokémon from older titles to newer ones. While not every Pokémon is available in every game, this system provides a means for dedicated trainers to maintain their collections.

The absence of the National Dex in Pokémon Sun and Moon was a bold move that aimed to bring a fresh experience to the franchise. While it initially disappointed some fans, the return of the National Dex in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, coupled with the introduction of Pokémon Home, has provided players with new ways to pursue the "Gotta Catch 'Em All" motto.

The National Dex remains a symbol of the enduring spirit of Pokémon, where players embark on journeys to capture, train, and bond with these fantastic creatures. As the franchise continues to evolve, the National Dex continues to play a pivotal role in connecting the past, present, and future of the Pokémon world, ensuring that the thrill of completing it remains an exciting challenge for generations to come.