- optional exp share and affection bonuses

- proper following Pokemon (being able to ride on bigger ones, and to carry smaller ones)

- difficulty settings

- a vast region with actual places to find and areas to explore, with proper map design

- elaborate level scaling

- a non-cookie cutter story that does not feel utterly irrelevant and repetitive

- the full national dex being available including all regional variants and forms

- NO gimmick

- contests, a Battle Frontier, secret bases and potentially a mini game mode like Pokeathlon or Pokestar Studios, potentially something like the PWT

- full customization (character, Pokeballs, ball throwing poses etc.)

- being able to set up your own online battle lobbies with custom rules (including single, double, multi, triple, rotation and battle royale battles, and inverted variants for all of them, plus being able to choose your battle environment and music)

- GTS included in the game and a better online communication and interaction feature (like the PSS, but even better)

- something like Join Avenue

- an HM like system, but without the need to actually teach your Pokemon moves, but still all of your team Pokemon can perform these to solve puzzles or progress on the map (mostly optional areas); stuff could include illumination, climbing, diving, smashing rocks, telekinesis puzzles etc.

- a post game story and post game exclusive areas to explore

- cool cameos of old characters

- a Pokedex that holds more useful information and can be expanded by exploring the world

- side quests (that are not just fetch quests)

- being able to grow berries

- also, potentially the option to catch Pokemon PLA style (maybe with a slightly lowered catch rate to still reward battling wild Pokemon or make it relevant).

- seasons