Not through Nintendo’s documented method. Nintendo’s original instructions required the Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Special Demo Version to transfer Ash-Greninja into the full Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon game. New 3DS demo downloads ended on March 27, 2023, so a player who never obtained the demo cannot download it now. Nintendo’s official sources do not confirm a specific way to trade for Ash-Greninja without the demo.
How Ash-Greninja was originally obtained
Nintendo’s October 18, 2016 announcement said players could transfer Ash-Greninja from the Special Demo Version to the full Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon after those games launched. Nintendo’s Pokémon Sun game listing also describes that demo-to-full-game transfer. The documented route therefore required both access to the demo and a full Sun or Moon game; owning the full game alone was not described as sufficient.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Pokémon Ultra Sun - Nintendo 3DS | $54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Pokémon Moon - Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) | $43.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Pokemon Moon - Nintendo 3DS Moon Edition | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Pokémon Ultra Sun - Nintendo 3DS | $79.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Pokémon Ultra Sun (Nintendo 3DS) | $104.88 | Buy on Amazon |
Nintendo’s announcement also described downloading the demo through the Nintendo 3DS eShop, including via Nintendo’s website with the download processed through the eShop. That was the historical download route, not a way around the later eShop shutdown. Nintendo’s October 18, 2016 announcement gives the original transfer details.
Can you download the demo now?
No. Nintendo Support says 3DS game demos are no longer available for download. Nintendo ended new downloads of demos and other free content on March 27, 2023. The date applies to new downloads, not play access for everyone: a demo downloaded before that date can still be played, and Nintendo says previously obtained content may still be redownloaded under its policy.
#1 Best Overall
- A new light shines on the Alola region!
- Take on the role of a Pokemon Trainer and encounter Pokemon, uncover new tales, and Unravel the mystery behind the two forms reminiscent of the legendary Pokemon.
- These new titles power up the Pokemon Sun and Pokemon moon content with new story additions and features, earning them the name “ultra!” another adventure is about to begin!
- Destructoid: "A hallmark of excellence.";GameSpot: "...a fun-filled and uplifting Pokemon adventure…"
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Mild cartoon violence
See Nintendo Support’s demo availability information and its Nintendo 3DS eShop discontinuation Q&A for the current policy.
What to do in your situation
| Your situation | What the documented information means |
|---|---|
| You downloaded the demo before March 27, 2023 | Nintendo says previously downloaded demos can still be played. The original method was to transfer Ash-Greninja from the demo to a full Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon game. |
| You never downloaded the demo | You cannot newly download it through the 3DS eShop. Buying the full game by itself does not provide the Ash-Greninja transfer described by Nintendo. |
| You hope to receive Ash-Greninja in a trade | The Nintendo sources cited here do not establish whether a no-demo trade works or specify its game, save, or trading requirements. Treat it as unconfirmed until you verify the exact circumstances for your game. |
Does trading solve the no-demo problem?
It may be worth checking whether another player can trade one to you, but the official information cited here does not confirm that this is possible or identify the conditions. It would be misleading to promise that a trade will work—or to say it is impossible—without verifying the specific game version and trade setup. If you investigate this route, confirm those details before relying on it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A Pokémon adventure awaits in Alola, with new worlds to discover, over 400 Pokémon to catch and host of new features, this isn’t the Alola you thought you knew
- Travel through an ultra wormhole that lead to different worlds
- Encounter team rainbow rocket made up of the bosses from past titles in the Pokémon series
- Discover legendary Pokémon like never before, get all the legendary Pokémon from previous games and add them to your team
- Compatible with 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS, New 3DS, 3DS XL and New 2DS XL consoles
Rank #4
- A new light shines on the Alola region!
- Take on the role of a Pokemon Trainer and encounter Pokemon, uncover new tales, and Unravel the mystery behind the two forms reminiscent of the legendary Pokemon.
- These new titles power up the Pokemon Sun and Pokemon moon content with new story additions and features, earning them the name “ultra!” another adventure is about to begin!
- Destructoid: "A hallmark of excellence.";GameSpot: "...a fun-filled and uplifting Pokemon adventure…"
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Mild cartoon violence
Rank #3
- Pokemon Moon will launch in the US November 18th, 2016 exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- Embark on a new adventure as a Pokemon Trainer and catch, battle, and trade all-new Pokemon on the tropical islands of a new Region and become a Pokemon Champion!
- Rated “E”; Everyone w/ Mild Cartoon Violence
Rank #2
- Authentic Pokemon Moon
- Does not come with original case or manuals. Cartridge only
- Cartridge and label are in nice condition
- Fully tested and guaranteed
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