'Pokemon Sun and Moon' release date, updates: New planner helps players build the perfect team; pre-order discounts offered

With so many Pokemon available to choose from in "Pokemon Sun and Moon," it can get extremely difficult trying to pick just six for a team.

When Pokemon first became popular, there were just 151 Pokemon to choose from. Now, this number has ballooned to over 800. As such, trying to keep track of the individual Pokemon's unique attributes and figuring out what would make each the perfect member of a specific team has become exceedingly hard.

Fortunately, Reddit user richi3f has created the Pokemon Team Planner, an unofficial tool that could help solve this problem.

The planner allows players to keep track of the available Pokemon and helps them strategize and build the perfect team. It makes all the current Pokemon visible via data mines and leaks, but players can also opt to apply filters to narrow down their options based on criteria such as Pokemon type, generation and region.

Aside from this, the planner also offers a statistical analysis of what each team can do so that "Pokemon Sun and Moon" players can build the strongest team possible. It tells players what types of Pokemon their team is immune to, stronger than, and weak against.

Because "Pokemon Sun and Moon" is still days away from release, those who don't want to see the unannounced Pokemon should avoid checking the Pokemon Team Planner. But for those who don't mind if their gaming experience is spoiled, tinkering with the new tool is a good way to pass the time before the game hits store shelves.

Meanwhile, major pre-order discounts are being offered for "Pokemon Sun and Moon" buyers. According to Mic, while the game will cost $39.99, players can purchase it now for only $31.99.

Gamers can avail of this deal with free shipping via Amazon Prime and Toys R Us. Best Buy is also offering the game at 20 percent off, but only for its Gamers Club Unlocked members.

"Pokemon Sun and Moon" will be available to play on Friday, Nov. 18, for the Nintendo 3DS.