Here’s a more detailed look at the legendaries of Pokemon Sun and Moon

Every time you buy a Pokémon game, you do so because of the cover art. Not because the cover art grabbed you by the neck and threatened to choke you until enough cash was thrown over the counter, but because you were already going to. What the Pokémon game covers do however, is convince you which version to buy because everybody wants a specific legendary monster.

The catch here, has always been that choosing one over the other means that you won’t be able to obtain the partner monster outside of trading or buying the sort-of same game as well. Well played Nintendo, well played. Sucker is clearly stamped on my forehead. This year, the tradition continues. Pokémon Sun features the noble Solgaleo, while Pokémon Moon has Lunala gracing its cover.

Both fantastic looking designs, both completely different Pokémon. So how different are they exactly? Nintendo has revealed the official specs behind each Pokémon, so hopefully this will help you decide which one to go for in November. First up! Solgaleo:

Solgaleo, the Sunne Pokemon

• Name: Solgaleo
• Category: Sunne Pokémon
• Height: 11?02?
• Weight: 507.1 lbs.
• Type: Psychic/Steel
• Ability: Full Metal Body

Honoured as an emissary of the sun since ancient times, Solgaleo is referred to with reverence as “the beast that devours the sun.” Solgaleo’s body holds a vast amount of energy, and it shines with light when it is active. It has a flowing mane with a remarkable resemblance to the sun. Its signature move is Sunsteel Strike, an attack that charges at an opponent with the force of a meteor, disregarding the target’s ability. Solgaleo’s Ability is Full Metal Body, a new ability that no previous Pokémon has had. With the Full Metal Body Ability, a Pokémon’s stats will not be lowered by the effects of an opponent’s moves or ability.

Lunala, the Moone Pokemon

• Name: Lunala
• Category: Moone Pokémon
• Height: 13?01?
• Weight: 264.6 lbs.
• Type: Psychic/Ghost
• Ability: Shadow Shield

Since ancient times, Lunala has been honoured as an emissary of the moon. Referred to with reverence as “the beast that calls the moon,” Lunala is constantly absorbing light and converting it into energy. With its wings spread to absorb the surrounding light and glittering like the crescent moon, it resembles a beautiful night sky. Lunala’s signature Moongeist Beam attack releases an ominous beam of light that disregards the target’s ability.
Lunala’s ability is Shadow Shield, a new ability that no previous Pokémon has had. With the Shadow Shield ability, a Pokémon will take less damage from an attack that lands when the Pokémon has full HP.

Pokemon Sun and Moon is out later this year on November 18.

Last Updated: June 3, 2016