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Unlocking the Power of Ash-Greninja: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re eager to harness the unique power of Ash-Greninja? Let’s cut to the chase: to transform a Greninja into Ash-Greninja, you needed the special Greninja from the Pokémon Sun and Moon demo. This Greninja possessed the ability Battle Bond. When this Greninja caused another Pokémon to faint using a damaging move, it would transform into Ash-Greninja during battle.

However, the ability to obtain Ash-Greninja in its original form is now largely limited. The Nintendo eShop, which allowed downloading the required Pokémon Sun and Moon demo, closed in March 2023. This means that only players who already had the demo downloaded before the closure can still obtain Ash-Greninja and transfer it to the main Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon games.

In more recent games, the Battle Bond ability has been changed. It no longer results in a form change but instead boosts Greninja’s Attack, Special Attack, and Speed stats when it causes a Pokémon to faint.

Let’s delve deeper into the history of Ash-Greninja and what you can still do.

The Legacy of Ash-Greninja

Ash-Greninja holds a special place in the hearts of Pokémon fans, primarily due to its prominence in the Pokémon the Series: XYZ anime. This form represents the incredibly strong bond between Ash Ketchum and his Greninja. This bond allowed Greninja to tap into a power source resulting in a visual transformation mirroring Ash’s own appearance.

Understanding Battle Bond

The Battle Bond ability is the key to understanding Ash-Greninja. Unlike Mega Evolution, which requires a Key Stone and a Mega Stone, Ash-Greninja‘s transformation is triggered solely by the bond between trainer and Pokémon and the successful defeat of an opponent.

The Pokémon Sun and Moon Demo

The Pokémon Sun and Moon demo provided a unique opportunity for players to obtain a Greninja with the Battle Bond ability. This Greninja was specifically designed to transform into Ash-Greninja.

What You Can Still Do (If You Have the Demo)

If you were fortunate enough to download the Pokémon Sun and Moon demo before the eShop closure, here’s how you can still experience Ash-Greninja:

Complete the Demo: Play through the demo until you defeat Team Skull Admin Plumeria. This unlocks Ash-Greninja.
Transfer to Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon: Talk to Professor Kukui in the demo and transfer your Ash-Greninja to your full copy of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon. You’ll need both games installed on your 3DS or have a physical copy of Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon inserted.
Enjoy Ash-Greninja in Battle: Once transferred, you can use Ash-Greninja in your Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon adventure. Remember that the transformation occurs when Greninja defeats another Pokémon with a damaging move.

Modern Adaptations of Battle Bond

While the original Ash-Greninja form may be largely inaccessible, the Battle Bond ability lives on in newer Pokémon games, albeit in a modified form.

In more recent generations, Pokémon with Battle Bond get a stat boost when they knock out an opponent. While it is not a full transformation, it still makes them formidable opponents, rewarding strategic play and skillful battling. If you are studying the science of games and how players interact with them, you might be interested in the resources at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ash-Greninja

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Ash-Greninja to further clarify its mechanics and availability:

Can I still get Ash-Greninja in 2024?

If you did not download the Pokémon Sun and Moon demo before the eShop closure, then unfortunately, obtaining Ash-Greninja in its original form is no longer possible through legitimate means.
Is Ash-Greninja available in Pokémon Sword and Shield or Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

No. Greninja cannot be transferred to Pokémon Sword and Shield. While Greninja is in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the Battle Bond ability does not trigger a form change.
What level does Frogadier evolve into Greninja?

Frogadier evolves into Greninja starting at level 36.
How long does it take to complete the Pokémon Sun and Moon demo?

Completing the demo and unlocking Ash-Greninja typically takes around 20 minutes.
Can I get more than one Ash-Greninja?

You can transfer Ash-Greninja multiple times from the demo, but each Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon game cartridge can only receive one Ash-Greninja.
Is Ash-Greninja a temporary transformation?

Yes, Ash-Greninja is a temporary transformation that occurs during battle when the Battle Bond ability is triggered.
Is Ash-Greninja gender-locked?

The playable Greninja in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which features the Ash-Greninja form as part of its Final Smash, is confirmed to be male. This suggests a likely correlation with the anime representation.
Why did Ash release his Greninja in the anime?

Ash released Greninja to help Zygarde restore balance to the Kalos region by sensing and destroying lingering roots that threatened the environment.
Can Ash-Greninja be shiny?

While the demo version isn’t explicitly shiny locked, internal mechanics prevent it from being shiny upon transfer to the main game.
How do I claim Greninja in the Pokémon Sun and Moon demo?

Speak with Professor Kukui at the Pokemon Center in the demo after completing the main quest.
What makes Ash-Greninja so strong?

The bond between Ash and Greninja unlocks a power that surpasses even some Mega Evolutions.
Is Ash-Greninja breedable?

No, Ash-Greninja is not breedable.
Can I catch Greninja in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Yes, Greninja appeared in Tera Raid Battles in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. However, the Battle Bond ability does not trigger the Ash-Greninja form change in these games.
How has the Battle Bond ability changed in newer games?

In newer games, when a Pokémon with Battle Bond causes another Pokémon to faint, its Attack, Special Attack, and Speed stats are boosted instead of undergoing a form change.
Where can I learn more about the mechanics of Pokémon games?

The science of games and how players interact with them is constantly evolving. For more on games and learning, check out GamesLearningSociety.

Conclusion

While obtaining the original Ash-Greninja form is now challenging due to the Nintendo eShop closure, its legacy and impact on the Pokémon franchise remain strong. The unique bond between trainer and Pokémon, represented by Ash-Greninja, continues to inspire players and is a testament to the power of connection and strategic gameplay. Even without the physical form change, the Battle Bond ability continues to reward players who build strong teams and battle strategically. You might be interested to review the work and research done by members of the Games Learning Society. Good luck on your Pokémon journey!

How do I turn Greninja into Ash-Greninja?