Pokémon Sun and Moon’s New Pokémon Forms and Pokédex

The Pokémon series has arguably become a little formulaic over the years. While each generation of games had differences and added some new mechanics, the basic structure remained approximately the same.

Pokémon Sun and Moon, however, looks like it may change all that. Let’s take a look at some of the new features we can expect to see when the newest Pokémon game come out later this year, starting with the new forms your Pokémon—and surprisingly, your Pokédex—will take.

Alola Form Pokémon

Aside from evolutions and a few specific Pokémon that can take on different forms, the Pokémon themselves generally look the same from generation to generation. That won’t be the case in Pokémon Sun and Moon.

Some types of Pokémon from previous generations have adapted to Alola and taken new forms. For example, Vulpix migrated to Alola’s snowy peaks, which led to the Ice-type Alolan Vulpix.

Meowth was given to the Alolan royal family, where its species became selfish and proud. When the monarchy fell, the new Dark-type Alolan Meowth entered the wild.

Alola forms have been announced for eight Pokémon so far: Sandshrew, Sandslash, Vulpix, Ninetales, Exeggutor (the source of a thousand memes), Meowth, Marowak, and Raichu.

More will probably be available, as well. While unexpected, Alola forms make for an interesting twist—and one that takes science into account!

Rotom Pokédex

The Pokédex is a series staple. It keeps track of the Pokémon you’ve seen and caught, with information provided about each one. It’s sort of a Pokémon encyclopedia…

…except in Pokémon Sun and Moon, it’s also a Pokémon.

Rotom is an Electric/Ghost-type Pokémon first introduced in Generation IV, and its key feature is that it can possess electrical appliances such as microwaves, washing machines, lawnmowers… and apparently Pokédexes.

Your Pokédex in Sun and Moon is possessed by a Rotom, which has its own personality and gives you advice on where to go next.

Whether this just means your Pokédex doubles as a quest guide or if it functions as a character is unclear. The full impact Rotom has on the games won’t be known until they come out.

Alola form Pokémon and the Rotom Pokédex are just two of the many changes in store for this Pokémon generation. Pokémon Sun and Moon will be out for the Nintendo 3DS in November.