Come November, the newest generation of the Pokémon universe will be introduced to faithful gamers and diehard Nintendo fans worldwide: Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon. Of course there’s been plenty of buzz and speculation as to what this new region has to offer (with a fair share of theories floating around, too), and what’s been confirmed so far is generating a lot of hype among the Pokémon community. This new region promises plenty of new features that’ll be sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

In anticipation for the next exciting installment of the series, here are the top 10 (confirmed) reasons to get excited for Pokémon Sun and Moon.

1. Your character is customizable again, and now you can choose a skintone that indicates that you’re a black Pokémon trainer. FINALLY!

pokemon sun and moon — Photo: gameinformer.com

2. The starter Pokémon designs for Rowlet, Litten and Popplio are the perfect balance of cute and cool.

Come on, just look at them!

pokemon sun and moon — Photo: gearnuke.com

3. The new region where the game takes place, the Alola Region, is based off the islands of Hawaii.

The setting, characters and Pokémon are based off of Hawaiian culture and customs, which shows that both Gamefreak and the Pokémon Company are focusing on embracing diversity in their widely popular video games.

Sun and Moon Alola Map.jpg — Photo: pokemon-sunmoon.com

4. The Alola region is breathtakingly gorgeous. ‘Nuff said.

Sun and Moon Scenery.jpg — Photo: pokecharms.com

5. The new Pokémon designs are all unique, fun and exciting.

From an electrically-charged beetle to an adorable rock puppy, these seventh generation Pokémon are proving that after twenty years, this game still hasn’t run out of ideas and won’t be running out any time soon.

Sun and Moon New Pokemon.jpg — Photo: geekdad.com

6. There are Alolan forms of old Pokémon that we all know and love that’ll change how we see the original 150.

From an Ice/Fairy type Vulpix and Ninetails (originally Fire types), a Grass and Dragon type Exeggutor (originally a Grass/Psychic dual type), to a Ice/Steel Sandshrew and Sandslash (originally Ground types), these old names are getting a complete makeover!

Sun and Moon New Forms.jpg — Photo: ign.com

7. Professor Kukui is probably the chillest Pokémon professor we’ve ever had, and is the only Professor who isn’t interested in Pokémon evolution or their origins.

He’s interested in researching their moves, which is great for those of us who play to win.

Sun and Moon Professor Kukui.png — Photo: pokemon.wikia.com

8. Team Skull. Is. DOPE.

Their punk, grungy theme and soundtrack is a throwback to the times of Jet Set Radio, and offers a refreshing look at the villains of the Pokémon series. They’re shaping up to be the kind of villains you’d love to hate.

Sun and Moon Team Skull.jpg — Photo: neoseeker.com

9. Every Pokémon can now use what are called Z-Moves, super powerful attacks that are so strong they can only be used once per battle.

It can be your decisive move to secure the win or the one-hit-K.O. your opponent uses to finish your team. Either way, Z-Moves add an extra layer of risk and thrill to each battle.

Sun and Moon Better Z-Move.jpg — Photo: nintendo-insider.com

10. The legendary Pokémon Solgaleo and Lunala are true sights to behold.

Solgaleo is the emissary of the sun and Lunala is the emissary of the moon, both of whom have powers relating to their respective celestial bodies. What kind of Pokémon game would it be without their iconic legendaries? Not a game worth playing.

Sun and Moon Legendaries.jpg — Photo: daily.pokemoncommunity.com

What are you excited about in the upcoming Pokémon Sun and Moon games? Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts!

Want more content like this? Sign up for our newsletter!

Kristie Gadson

Writing since August 2016 · 2 stories contributed