Ethan Crossfield 
Players looking for another trip through Alola should keep an eye on Pokemon Ultra Eclipse, but should not expect to play it yet. The project is a fan-made ROM hack built from Pokemon Emerald, designed to retell Generation 7’s core story through the sprite-based presentation associated with the Game Boy Advance era.
What the latest Ultra Eclipse update shows
A recent progress update shared on Reddit offers a closer look at Pokemon Ultra Eclipse’s current state. The footage includes a new main menu and a glimpse of gameplay, including character outfit selection. It is not a release announcement, but it gives followers a clearer sense of the project’s direction: Alola is being adapted into the visual language of Pokemon Emerald rather than recreated with the more detailed 3D look used by Sun and Moon.
Who this Alola demake is for
Ultra Eclipse is aimed at fans who enjoyed the setting, characters, and story of Pokemon Sun and Moon or Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, but prefer the series’ earlier sprite-driven style. Alola first appeared in 2016 with Sun and Moon, then returned in the enhanced Ultra versions a year later. Generation 7 stood apart through features including Alolan forms, Z-Moves, and Ultra Beasts, while its Hawaii-inspired region marked a notable change of scenery for the franchise. The ROM hack’s stated goal is to retain the main storyline while drawing from both Gen 7 releases.
What to expect before following the project
The creator has indicated that the hack will include quality-of-life improvements alongside its demake approach. Community response has particularly focused on how Pokemon designs are being simplified to better fit the Gen 3 aesthetic instead of carrying over every detail from their newer appearances. However, Ultra Eclipse has no announced launch window. Interested players can follow development updates, but should treat the project as work in progress rather than an upcoming game with a confirmed date.
What players should know
- Pokemon Ultra Eclipse is a fan-made ROM hack, not an official Pokemon release.
- It is based on Pokemon Emerald and reimagines Alola in a Gen 3-style presentation.
- The project draws from Sun and Moon as well as Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon while preserving the central story.
- A recent update showed menu screens, gameplay, and outfit selection.
- There is currently no confirmed release timeline.
Expert View
Ultra Eclipse is worth watching for players who want an Alola-focused experience with classic sprite visuals, especially as fan demakes remain a popular way to revisit Pokemon regions. Its appeal will depend on how faithfully the team translates Generation 7’s distinctive mechanics and pacing into an Emerald-based framework. Until a release window is announced, the sensible approach is to follow its updates without treating it as a near-term playable option.
