When it comes to deciding which of the new Pokémon games to buy, there are a few things to take into consideration.

The buying decision between Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon can come down to story, Legendaries or Trials, but mostly it's about the exclusive Pokémon you can get with each version.

What to Read Next

We run through the main differences between the two versions, to help you decide which to buy. Or to help you justify your decision to buy both...

Read our full Pokémon Sun and Moon review

POKÉMON SUN VS POKÉMON MOON: STORY

Stupid dancing Pokemon Sun and Moonpinterest

The main storyline of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon does really change between the two versions, although you might notice a few differences in the cutscenes due to the differences in exclusive Pokémon and Legendary Beasts of course.

Related: Pokémon Sun and Moon tips, tricks and secrets

POKÉMON SUN VS POKÉMON MOON: ISLAND CHALLENGE TRIALS

Pokémon Sun and Moonpinterest

Don't expect mammoth changes between the two editions when it comes to the actual Island Challenge Trials, which replace the Pokémon Gyms in Pokémon Sun and Moon.

Some claim that the Totem Pokémon are a little different, but we'll have to put this to the test when we get our copy of Pokémon Moon come release date.

Related: Pokémon Sun and Moon new Pokémon list – All the new 'mon in one spot

POKÉMON SUN VS POKÉMON MOON: TIME OF DAY

Pokémon Sun, Pokémon Moon, Alolapinterest

Due to the focus on the sun and the moon with these two new Pokémon games – the clue is in the name after all – you'll actually find that there's a time difference of 12 hours between the two games.

So that means, Pokémon Sun follows the normal day and night cycle of what you're playing in real time – night is night, day is day.

But Pokémon Moon on the other hand flips this totally, making day night and night day.

Pokémon Sun, Pokémon Moonpinterest

We assume that The Pokémon Company expects you to be playing for the most part during the day, not snuggling up on the sofa in the evening with your 3DS and a hot chocolate.

POKÉMON SUN VS POKÉMON MOON: EXCLUSIVE POKÉMON

The biggest differences between the two games are the exclusive Pokémon, and this may well be what swings your purchase between Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon.

Take a look at all the version exclusives we've discovered so far:

Pokémon Sun exclusives

  • Solgaleo
  • Lycanroc Midday Form
  • Alolan Vulpix/Alolan Ninetales
  • Passimian
  • Tortuga
  • UB-02 Absorption
  • UB-04 Blade
  • Trapinch/Vibrava/Flygon
  • Gible/Gabite/Garchomp
  • Cranidos
  • Tirtouga
  • Braviary
  • Cottone/Whimsicott

Pokémon Moon exclusives

  • Lunala
  • Lycanroc Midnight Form
  • Alolan Sandshrew/Alolan Sandlash
  • Oranguru
  • Drampa
  • UB-02 Beauty
  • UB-04 Blaster
  • Archen/Archeops
  • Shieldon/Bastiodon
  • Petilil/Lilligant
  • Vullaby/Mandibuzz
  • Beldum/Metang/Metagross
  • Sliggoo/Goodra

Verdict

Whether you buy Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon is totally up to you, but we imagine it'll greatly hinge on which of the exclusive Pokémon take your fancy.

We ended up buying both, because we're, you know, Pokémon addicts.