The landscape of Pokémon games has evolved significantly across generations, with Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon standing as pivotal titles in Generation VII. As the enhanced and upgraded versions of the original Sun and Moon, these games introduced not only a revised storyline involving the Ultra Recon Squad and the threat of Necrozma, but also specific visual identifiers known as origin marks. Among these, the blue pentagon (later transitioning to black) and the black clover symbol serve as critical data points for trainers, historians, and collectors, denoting the regional provenance and generational lineage of captured Pokémon. Understanding these symbols is essential for navigating the complex ecosystem of Pokémon storage, trading, and regional Pokédex registration in the modern Pokémon meta.
The blue pentagon, often referred to as the Kalos native symbol, represents a deep connection to the Kalos region. While this symbol is blue in Generation VI games and within Pokémon Bank, it appears as a black pentagon from Generation VII onward, including in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. This visual shift in color and form is not merely aesthetic; it signifies the transition between game generations and the specific regional identity of the Pokémon. The pentagon shape is derived from the geography of the Kalos region itself, acting as a visual shorthand for any Pokémon originating from that area.
In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, the Alola region is represented by a distinct black clover symbol, also known as the Alola symbol. This mark identifies Pokémon that were obtained specifically within the Alola region games. The distinction between the Kalos pentagon and the Alola clover is fundamental for trainers managing their teams across different games and transfer mechanisms like Pokémon HOME. These symbols allow for the accurate tracking of a Pokémon's history, ensuring that when a Pokémon is deposited into Pokémon HOME, it is registered in the correct regional Pokédex based on its origin mark.
The scope of Pokémon eligible for these marks is extensive. All of the first 721 Pokémon can possess the blue pentagon, as they are all obtainable or were distributed as event Pokémon in Generation VI games. Beyond the original cast, several newer Pokémon have also been granted this mark due to their evolutionary lineage. Specifically, Mr. Rime, Kleavor, Wyrdeer, Ursaluna, Annihilape, Farigiraf, Dudunsparce, and Kingambit can display the blue pentagon. This eligibility stems from the fact that their respective pre-evolved forms—Mime Jr., Scyther, Stantler, Ursaring, Primeape, Girafarig, Dunsparce, and Bisharp—were capable of having the mark. This brings the total number of Pokémon able to display this specific origin mark to 729.
Regional variants also play a crucial role in the distribution of these marks. Alolan Raichu, Exeggutor, and Marowak; Galarian Weezing and Mr. Mime; and Hisuian Typhlosion, Samurott, Lilligant, Braviary, Sliggoo, Goodra, and Avalugg can all possess the blue pentagon. This is because their pre-evolved forms—Pikachu, Exeggcute, Cubone, Koffing, Mime Jr., Quilava, Dewott, Petilil, Rufflet, Goomy, and Bergmite—are themselves capable of bearing the mark. The inheritance of the origin mark through evolutionary lines ensures that even Pokémon introduced in later generations can maintain a link to their Kalos origins if their base forms are from Kalos.
The mechanics of these origin marks extend into the functionality of Pokémon HOME and the broader transfer ecosystem. When a Pokémon is deposited into Pokémon HOME, the system reads the origin mark to determine where it should be registered. A Pokémon with a "Let's Go" symbol (excluding Mythical Pokémon) registers in the Kanto Pokédex. Similarly, a Pokémon with the Galar symbol registers in the Galar, Isle of Armor, or Crown Tundra Pokédex, provided it exists in the Sword and Shield dexes, with the exception of Zarude. The Sinnoh symbol places a Pokémon in the Sinnoh Pokédex (excluding Manaphy), while the Hisui symbol registers in the Hisui Pokédex.
For the Alola region, the black clover symbol ensures that Pokémon obtained in Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon are correctly registered in the Alola regional Pokédex. In the case of Pokémon Champions (likely referring to Pokémon Legends: Z-A or a similar future title), bringing over specific Pokémon with the Legends: Z-A origin mark from Pokémon HOME grants the player corresponding Mega Stones for Chesnaught, Delphox, Greninja, and Eternal Flower Floette. This integration highlights how origin marks are not just static icons but functional keys to game mechanics, item rewards, and Pokédex completion.
The games Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon were released on November 17, 2017, for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. They are categorized as Role-Playing Games (RPGs) developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. These titles are the final core series games released for the 3DS platform, marking the end of an era for handheld Pokémon adventures. The games support 1-4 players simultaneously and utilize 3DS Wireless, Nintendo Network, and IR connectivity.
In terms of content, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon feature a significantly expanded Pokédex compared to their predecessors. The Alola Pokédex is split into several island-specific Pokédexes, including Melemele Island, Akala Island, and Ula'ula Island, with an overall Alola dex. Unlike the National Pokédex of earlier generations, these games focus strictly on the regional diversity of Alola. The games expand the available Pokémon count to over 400, introducing new Legendary Pokémon and altering the storyline to focus heavily on the Ultra Recon Squad and the antagonist Necrozma.
The reception of these titles was overwhelmingly positive. Gaming magazine Famitsu awarded the games a score of 36 out of 40. IGN rated them an "Amazing" 9.0/10, and on Metacritic, both versions hold a rating of 84%. These high scores reflect the quality of the enhanced content, including the new story elements and the expanded roster of Pokémon. The games also feature a unique trivia point regarding shared Pokédex entries: Buzzwole, Xurkitree, and Guzzlord appear in Ultra Sun, while Pheromosa, Celesteela, and Kartana appear in Ultra Moon.
Sales data indicates a robust but specific market performance. In the fiscal year of their release, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon sold 7.51 million units worldwide. As of March 31, 2025, the total lifetime sales reached 9.26 million copies. Despite these figures, they are noted as the lowest-selling core series Pokémon games on the Nintendo 3DS. In Japan, the games sold 667,439 individual units in their first week, with a sell-through rate of approximately 66%. By January 3, 2021, cumulative sales in Japan reached 1,908,201 copies. The Veteran Trainer's Dual Pack also performed well, selling 247,782 units in its first week with an 84.37% sell-through.
The visual identity of the games is deeply tied to the origin marks. The box art for Ultra Sun features Dusk Mane Necrozma, while Ultra Moon features Dawn Wings Necrozma. When placed side by side, the box arts create a silhouette that represents Ultra Necrozma. However, placing the physical boxes together reveals a slight visual obstruction where the Nintendo 3DS logo on the Ultra Sun box interferes with the silhouette formation.
A critical aspect of the origin marks in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon is the "black clover" or Alola symbol. This symbol is exclusively found on Pokémon obtained within the Alola region games. Unlike the Kalos pentagon, which is inherited through evolution lines, the Alola symbol is native to the Alola games. This distinction is vital for players utilizing Pokémon HOME, as the system uses these marks to populate the correct regional Pokédex entries. For instance, a Pokémon with the GO symbol (excluding Mythical Pokémon) will register in the Pokémon GO Pokédex, while the Alola symbol ensures registration in the Alola Pokédex.
The evolution of the blue pentagon from Generation VI to VII is a subtle but significant detail. In Generation VI (Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire), the mark was blue, matching the color scheme of those games. In Generation VII, including Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, the pentagon turned black. This change reflects the stylistic shift of the new generation. The pentagon shape itself is a direct reference to the Kalos region's map shape, serving as a geographical anchor for the Pokémon's origin.
The list of Pokémon eligible for the blue pentagon is extensive, covering the first 721 Pokémon. The inclusion of newer Pokémon like Mr. Rime and Kleavor demonstrates how the game developers maintain continuity across generations. Even though these Pokémon were introduced in later generations (Generation IX), their evolutionary lineage traces back to Kalos, allowing them to bear the pentagon mark. This mechanism ensures that the historical connection to Kalos is preserved for descendants of Kalos Pokémon, regardless of when the descendant was introduced.
The Alola region's unique characteristics are further highlighted by the black clover symbol. This symbol is unique to Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon. It serves as the definitive identifier for Pokémon native to or caught in the Alola region. This distinction is crucial for the functionality of Pokémon HOME, where the system relies on these marks to correctly sort Pokémon into their respective regional Pokédexes. Without these marks, the system would struggle to accurately categorize Pokémon from different eras and regions.
The storyline of Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon deviates significantly from the original Sun and Moon games. The narrative centers on the Ultra Recon Squad and their mission to protect their world from the threat of Necrozma. This plot change influences the gameplay, altering Island Trials and introducing new legendary encounters. The games also feature unique Pokémon that are not found in the original Sun and Moon, adding to the diversity of the Alola Pokédex.
The technical specifications of the games are aligned with the Nintendo 3DS hardware. They support single-player and multiplayer modes (1-4 players) and utilize various connectivity options. The games are part of Generation VII of the core series. The release dates were synchronized globally on November 17, 2017, covering Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
The reception of the games was marked by high critical acclaim. The scores from Famitsu, IGN, and Metacritic underscore the quality of the enhanced content. The sales figures, while making them the lowest-selling 3DS core series titles, still represent millions of copies sold, indicating a solid fanbase. The games also feature a unique design element where the box arts of Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon combine to form the silhouette of Ultra Necrozma, a detail that adds depth to the game's visual marketing.
The functional utility of origin marks extends beyond mere aesthetics. In the context of Pokémon HOME, these marks act as digital passports. When a Pokémon is deposited, the system reads the origin mark to determine which regional Pokédex it belongs to. This ensures that a Pokémon caught in Ultra Sun with the Alola clover symbol is registered in the Alola Pokédex, while a Pokémon from Omega Ruby with the blue pentagon is registered in the Kalos Pokédex. This system allows for a seamless transition of Pokémon across the franchise, maintaining the integrity of regional data.
The specific Pokémon that can bear the blue pentagon include a wide array of species. The list includes the first 721 Pokémon, plus the new additions like Mr. Rime and Kleavor. The inclusion of regional variants such as Alolan Raichu and Hisuian Typhlosion further demonstrates the flexibility of the system. These Pokémon inherit the mark from their pre-evolved forms, ensuring that the regional identity is preserved through evolution.
The black clover symbol, specific to the Alola region, is a defining feature of Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. It distinguishes these games from the Kalos-based pentagon system. This distinction is critical for players who wish to maintain the authenticity of their Pokémon's origin. The symbol is not just a visual element but a functional tag that dictates the Pokémon's registration in the global Pokédex system.
In summary, the origin marks in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon serve as vital tools for tracking the provenance of Pokémon across the franchise. The blue pentagon represents Kalos, while the black clover represents Alola. These symbols are not static; they evolve with the games and are integral to the functionality of Pokémon HOME and the broader ecosystem of the Pokémon world. Understanding these marks allows players to navigate the complex web of regional Pokédexes and ensure that their Pokémon are correctly categorized and recognized.
Comparative Analysis of Origin Marks and Regional Symbols
The following table summarizes the key attributes of the origin marks found in the Pokémon franchise, specifically focusing on the transition from the Kalos pentagon to the Alola clover in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.
| Feature | Blue Pentagon (Kalos) | Black Clover (Alola) |
|---|---|---|
| Region Represented | Kalos | Alola |
| Game Generation | Generation VI (Blue) / Generation VII+ (Black) | Generation VII |
| Primary Games | Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon | Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon |
| Color Evolution | Blue in Gen VI, Black in Gen VII+ | Black |
| Eligibility | First 721 Pokémon + descendants | Pokémon caught in Alola games |
| Pokémon HOME Function | Registers in Kalos Pokédex | Registers in Alola Pokédex |
| Shape Meaning | Shape of Kalos region | Unique Alola symbol |
| Specific Examples | Mr. Rime, Kleavor, Wyrdeer | All Alola-native Pokémon |
The distinction between these marks is crucial for players managing large collections. The blue pentagon, now black in Generation VII, signifies a Kalos origin. This mark is inherited by Pokémon whose pre-evolved forms originated in Kalos, such as Mr. Rime (from Mime Jr.) and Kleavor (from Scyther). The black clover, conversely, is exclusive to the Alola region. This symbol ensures that Pokémon caught in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are correctly identified as Alola natives.
The Evolution of Origin Marks Across Generations
The concept of origin marks has evolved alongside the games. In Generation VI, the blue pentagon was the standard for Kalos. As the franchise moved into Generation VII, the pentagon turned black, signaling the new era. This color shift is a visual cue for the transition in game mechanics and regional focus. The Alola region introduced a new symbol, the black clover, which became the hallmark of Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.
The inheritance of these marks is a sophisticated mechanism. Pokémon do not need to be caught in the specific region to bear the mark; if their pre-evolved form originated there, they inherit the symbol. For example, Alolan Raichu bears the blue pentagon because Pikachu (its pre-evolved form) is a Kalos Pokémon. This system ensures that the regional identity is maintained even as Pokémon evolve into new forms or regional variants.
Functional Integration with Pokémon HOME
The utility of these marks is most evident in the functionality of Pokémon HOME. When a Pokémon is deposited, the system reads the origin mark to determine the correct regional Pokédex. A Pokémon with the Kalos pentagon registers in the Kalos Pokédex. A Pokémon with the Alola clover registers in the Alola Pokédex. This system ensures that the global Pokédex remains accurate and that players can track their progress across different regions.
The system also handles exceptions. For instance, Mythical Pokémon with the Let's Go symbol do not register in the Kanto Pokédex in the same way. Similarly, certain Pokémon like Zarude and Manaphy are excluded from automatic registration based on their specific symbols. This nuance highlights the complexity of the origin mark system and its role in maintaining data integrity.
Conclusion
The origin marks in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are more than simple icons; they are fundamental to the structure of the Pokémon universe. The blue pentagon, representing Kalos, and the black clover, representing Alola, serve as digital fingerprints for Pokémon, allowing for accurate tracking and registration across games and platforms like Pokémon HOME. The evolution of these marks from blue to black, and the introduction of the Alola symbol, reflects the shifting focus of the franchise from Kalos to Alola.
These symbols ensure that the history of each Pokémon is preserved, allowing players to trace their origins back to the specific regions where they were first caught. Whether it is the blue pentagon inherited by descendants of Kalos Pokémon or the black clover native to Alola, these marks are essential for the organization and management of the global Pokédex. As the franchise continues to expand, the integrity of these origin marks remains a cornerstone of the Pokémon experience.