-Alola has 4 islands with a secret 5th island accessible during the post game

- The 5th islands is not considered part of Alola and houses a legendary Ghost/Water type pokemon

- Days last longer in Sun and shorter in Moon

- The starter evolutions seem to have slightly different appearances depending on the time of day they evolve. They retain the same stats and typing though.

- Rugky, a Fighting/Normal type and Rockruff share this trait.

- Marshadow is actually Malshadow and has its primary type change to match its opponent. It keeps that typing through out the battle.

- You return to kalos after you beat the game. There is a side quest where you gather Zygarde cells. Parts of the region are blocked off

- Lots of research has been done on mega evolution between XY and SM and are now sold at the Lumiose City stone shop along with the Kanto starter's stones.

- 10 new mega evolutions. 2 stones are sold, 3 are scattered around Kalos, 4 in Alola and the last in the secret island.

- The totem pokemon are Gumshoos, Lurantis, Pyroc (Fire/Flying) and Northwhal (Water/Ice)

- Certain towns have abandoned buildings or empty lots that can be made into gyms

- Certain characters from previous games can be battled and talked to in Kalos cafes. Cynthia, Wally, Green, Colress, Lance, Zinnia, and Lisia appear.

- Team Skull isn't after the legendaries.

- Lillie is a villain

- Berry Potts return.

- Alolan Raichu is unique in some way

- Difficulty settings return but keep the key system from B2W2

- Cutiefly has a split evolution.

- Many NPC's in kalos will trade regular forms for alola forms. This is the only way to get other forms without transferring.

- Gym customization is similar to secret bases but less limited.

- Trial captains and certain important characters can be recruited as gym leaders

- Guzma can be recruited