Review · Gaming & entertainment
Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon review
The 2017 Nintendo 3DS expanded versions of Sun and Moon, set in the island region of Alola.
By the DBotMaker research desk · Updated November 10, 2026
- Capabilities (40%)
- 8.8
- Ease of setup (30%)
- 8.4
- Value (30%)
- 7.8
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon are the best Pokémon games on the 3DS and land sixth. The Pokémon Company describes them as powered-up versions of Sun and Moon, set in Alola's four islands plus one artificial island. New additions include the Ultra Wormhole, which leads to Ultra Space where you can meet Ultra Beasts and Legendary Pokémon such as Mewtwo, Ho-Oh and Lugia; a larger role for Necrozma; and Team Rainbow Rocket, where Giovanni leads villains from Team Magma, Aqua, Galactic, Plasma and Flare. Side content includes Mantine Surf, which earns Beach Points for move tutors, and the Battle Agency in Festival Plaza. Pokémon lists 1 to 4 players. A used Ultra Sun cartridge lists at $94.99 at DKOldies, about a quarter of the DS classics. If you already own Sun or Moon, the overlap is large.
Who it is for
3DS owners who want the most content-packed handheld Pokémon game at a lower used price than the DS classics.
Price
Used Nintendo 3DS Ultra Sun cartridge from $94.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).
Original price: $94.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.
Key features
- Ultra Wormhole travel into Ultra Space with Solgaleo or Lunala
- Team Rainbow Rocket, led by Giovanni, with villains from earlier games
- Mantine Surf between the Alola islands
- Battle Agency with borrowed Pokémon in Festival Plaza
- New Z-Moves and island trials with Totem Pokémon
Strengths and weaknesses
- Strength: Ultra Space lets you meet legendaries such as Mewtwo, Ho-Oh and Lugia
- Strength: Lots of side content, from Mantine Surf to the Battle Agency
- Strength: Much cheaper used than the DS games here at $94.99
- Weakness: Needs a Nintendo 3DS family system
- Weakness: Story overlaps heavily with Sun and Moon
- Weakness: Not sold new
Key facts
- Platform: Nintendo 3DS
- Release date: November 17, 2017
- Genre: Adventure RPG
- Players: 1 to 4
- Used price: $94.99 Ultra Sun
Where it ranks
Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon is No. 6 in our Best Pokémon Games verdict.
Alternatives we scored
Visit pokemon.com · Questions or corrections: editorial@dbotmaker.io