How to Obtain Ash-Greninja in Pokémon Ultra Sun: A Definitive Guide
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Unfortunately, the direct answer is you cannot obtain Ash-Greninja directly in Pokémon Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon. This coveted Pokémon, which transformed with Ash during the Pokémon the Series: XYZ anime, is exclusive to the original Pokémon Sun and Moon versions. Let’s delve into why this is the case and what the process was for acquiring it, even though the Nintendo eShop’s closure on March 27, 2023, has complicated matters.
Understanding the Ash-Greninja Acquisition Process
The Ash-Greninja you’re thinking of wasn’t found in the wild nor was it bred. It was obtained through a special, limited-time method. This method involved downloading and completing the demo version of Pokémon Sun and Moon. Beating the demo granted you access to a unique Greninja with the Battle Bond ability.
The crucial point is that this Greninja could only be transferred to the full versions of Pokémon Sun and Moon, and not their upgraded sequels, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. This restriction was hardcoded into the game, making a direct transfer impossible.
Here’s a breakdown of the original (and now largely inaccessible) process:
- Download the Pokémon Sun and Moon Demo: This was available on the Nintendo eShop for the 3DS.
- Complete the Demo: Play through the demo’s storyline, which involves several battles and interactions. It culminates in a special event involving a Team Skull encounter.
- Talk to Professor Kukui: After completing the main objectives of the demo, find Professor Kukui inside the Pokémon Center. He’ll offer you the option to transfer the Greninja (and other items obtained in the demo) to the full game.
- Transfer to Pokémon Sun or Moon: Select the option to send the Greninja to your copy of Pokémon Sun or Moon. You need both the demo and the full game on the same 3DS system.
- Claim in the Full Game: In Pokémon Sun or Moon, visit the Pokémon Center and speak to the deliveryman. He will hand over the Greninja.
- Battle and Activate Battle Bond: This Greninja doesn’t automatically transform. Instead, it has the Battle Bond ability. When this Greninja defeats an opponent in battle, it transforms into Ash-Greninja. This transformation is triggered only by this specific ability.
Why the Restriction?
The decision to limit Ash-Greninja to Sun and Moon likely stems from balancing and design choices made during the development of Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. The developers may have felt that including Ash-Greninja directly would disrupt the game’s progression or introduce power imbalances. It’s also plausible that it was a marketing strategy to incentivize purchasing the original games.
The eShop Closure and Ash-Greninja’s Current Availability
With the Nintendo eShop now closed, obtaining the demo is no longer possible through official channels. If you already had the demo downloaded before the closure, you can still theoretically transfer the Greninja to a copy of Sun or Moon. However, if you didn’t download the demo before March 27, 2023, obtaining Ash-Greninja through legitimate means is no longer possible. This makes legitimate acquisition extremely difficult, if not impossible, for new players.
Potential Workarounds (Use at Your Own Risk)
It’s important to note that while the following methods might exist, using them carries risks and may violate the game’s terms of service:
- Trading: While you can’t directly get Ash-Greninja in Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon, you might be able to trade for a Greninja that someone else transferred from Sun or Moon (and then traded). Finding someone willing to part with one is another challenge.
- Third-Party Tools/Modding: Some players might explore using unofficial tools or modifying their 3DS to access save data or inject Pokémon. This is generally discouraged due to the risk of bricking your device, corrupting save data, and violating Nintendo’s terms of service.
The Games Learning Society and Pokémon
The Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, explores the intersection of games and education. While primarily focused on using games as educational tools, the society’s research could indirectly apply to understanding player motivation and engagement within games like Pokémon. For instance, the desire to obtain rare or exclusive Pokémon like Ash-Greninja highlights how game developers can leverage scarcity and limited-time events to drive player behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get Ash-Greninja in Pokémon Ultra Sun using a code?
No, there are no known distribution codes that unlock Ash-Greninja in Pokémon Ultra Sun. The Greninja was exclusively obtained through transferring it from the Sun and Moon demo to the full Sun and Moon games.
2. If I trade a Greninja to Ultra Sun, will it transform into Ash-Greninja?
No. Only the Greninja obtained from the Sun and Moon demo, possessing the Battle Bond ability, can transform into Ash-Greninja. Trading a regular Greninja or even one with a different ability won’t trigger the transformation.
3. Can I transfer items from the Sun and Moon demo to Ultra Sun?
No. Just like the Ash-Greninja, items obtained in the Sun and Moon demo can only be transferred to the full versions of Pokémon Sun and Moon. They cannot be sent to Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon.
4. Is there any way to change a regular Greninja’s ability to Battle Bond in Ultra Sun?
No. The Battle Bond ability is exclusive to the Greninja obtained from the Sun and Moon demo. There’s no in-game method or item in Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon to change a regular Greninja’s ability to Battle Bond.
5. Will Ash-Greninja ever be re-released in a future Pokémon game?
That remains to be seen and is purely speculative. Game Freak could choose to reintroduce Ash-Greninja in a future title. As the anime changes focus, it is less likely.
6. What is the Battle Bond ability?
The Battle Bond ability is what allows the Greninja from the Sun and Moon demo to transform into Ash-Greninja after defeating an opponent in battle. It is unique to that Greninja and isn’t available on other Greninja through normal gameplay.
7. Is it possible to get a shiny Ash-Greninja?
The Greninja from the Sun and Moon demo cannot be legitimately obtained as shiny. While some players have claimed to find shiny versions through illegitimate methods, the Greninja is heavily coded to prevent it from being shiny.
8. Does the Ash-Greninja transformation work in competitive battles?
Yes, the Ash-Greninja transformation works in Pokémon Sun and Moon competitive battles. It adds a unique dynamic to battles. The legality in other formats may vary depending on the rules.
9. Can I breed the Ash-Greninja to get another one?
No, breeding the Ash-Greninja will only result in regular Froakie. The Battle Bond ability is not passed down through breeding.
10. Why did they remove Ash-Greninja from Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon?
The exact reasons aren’t officially known, but it’s likely due to balancing concerns, design choices, or marketing strategies. It’s possible the developers wanted to create a different experience in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon or incentivize players to purchase the original Sun and Moon games.
11. If I have the demo and Sun/Moon can I still get it in 2024?
Yes, if you already had the Sun and Moon demo downloaded before the Nintendo eShop closure on March 27, 2023, you can still transfer the Greninja to your copy of Sun or Moon, provided you have both the demo and the full game on the same 3DS system.
12. Is Ash-Greninja considered a legendary Pokémon?
No, Ash-Greninja is not a legendary Pokémon. It’s a form change of a regular Greninja.
13. What level is the Greninja from the Sun and Moon demo?
The Greninja from the Sun and Moon demo is at level 36.
14. Will Ash-Greninja return in future Pokémon games?
The possibility of Ash-Greninja returning in future Pokémon games depends on Game Freak’s decisions. Given that Ash no longer stars in the anime, this makes this very unlikely.
15. Where does Ash-Greninja first appear?
Ash-Greninja first appeared in the Pokémon anime series Pokémon the Series: XYZ. It was later available as a transfer from the demo version of Pokémon Sun and Moon.
Obtaining Ash-Greninja in Pokémon Ultra Sun is simply impossible through legitimate means. While the closure of the eShop has further complicated the situation, understanding the history and limitations surrounding this unique Pokémon is important for collectors and enthusiasts. While other unique challenges and opportunities exist across different areas of education and the game design industry, GamesLearningSociety.org presents some relevant avenues and resources.