Pokemon Sun and Moon are mere weeks away from release! And to get us all excited, a special demo version was released on the Nintendo eShop today. But what have we learned, now we've played it? Well, these five lessons, that's what.

1. 3D is gone completely

When the 3DS was released, Nintendo made a huge deal about how 3D was going to change gaming forever. While the technology inside the device is impressive - especially in the New variants - that bold claim has never really come to fruition.

It certainly hasn't changed the way we play games, with pretty much every other developer having given up on the tech in favour of VR. And Pokemon was one of the highest profile franchises to start that trend: not a single Pokemon game on 3DS fully supports 3D.

From the start, Pokemon X and Y only supported 3D in battles, not the overworld or cutscenes - and even in battles the frame rate tanked so much it was easier to just switch 3D off.

Now, Game Freak has seemingly gone a step further and removed 3D altogether, even from battles. This may change in the final game, but note 3D was also lacking in a recent build our sister site, Pocket Gamer, was shown at Nintendo HQ.

2. Pokemon Snap is back!

The return of a photo mode was confirmed in a recent trailer for Sun and Moon, but seeing the mini game in action is way better than any two minute YouTube video can convey.

Part of the demo sees you snapping pics of a number of rare Pokemon on the island of Alola, and it's way more fun than it sounds!

Pokemon Snap became a fan favourite after its release in 1999, and its magnificent and long overdue comeback is a welcome one.

3. Z-moves are bloody cool

I don't know about you, but when Z-moves were revealed I was more confused than anything else. They sounded weird, and I was only just over the introduction of mega evolutions.

Having now played the demo however, I can safely say they're one of the coolest new features Pokemon has seen in years. You can use them when you combine a Pokemon's Z-crytal with a trainer's Z-ring. They're incredibly powerful, but can only be used once per battle, so the novelty and excitement are kept special. They've also got a shiny effect round them, so you know they're awesome.

4. Sun and Moon are the most relaxing Pokemon games yet

Everything about Pokemon Sun and Moon screams (or rather, gently sings) calmness. The soft, upbeat music; the friendly Alolan townfolk; the purring waves; the slight mist in the sunny air. It's beautiful. And not a Gary Oak in sight.

5. Team Skull are ridiculous

Just look at them. For crying out loud.