I was wondering why as I was watching the show. Pokemon Sun and Moon (the games) don't seem to correspond with the Sun and Moon TV show. All that's the same is the characters and the fact that Mallow has a Steenee. If it's not part of the same story, then does the show take place in the past (before the time of the games) or in the future? (after the time of the games)
Almost every question here can be answered with one simple answer. THE ANIME, THE GAMES, AND THE MANGA ARE ALL DIFFERENT THINGS. The two share several similarities, but have different standards of what's a "good" trainer. If you Use unevolved Pokemon like Pikachu and Totodile in the games, that's usually a bad idea-but only because the games are just statistics and equations to keep things even. The anime is more about caring for your Pokemon in addition to training, since for the trainers, Pokemon are like animals are to us in real life. You'd be a terrible person for treating your Pokemon the way you would competitively. Giving it a life orb, which strips its health in exchange for power, would be outlandishly cruel. The trainer should strive to be strong, but at the same time, not treat their Pokemon like tools. https://pokemondb.net/pokebase/meta/5004/anime-faq-for-anyone-who-wants-it
The games and the show aren't supposed to correspond with each other. They're separate entities and different forms of media. It would be constraining to both if they were to mirror each other. commented 2 hours ago by Fizz
Also in the new Sun/Moon anime series they seem to be experimenting to be more settled unlike the previous more nomadic series'.
Just remember it's based on the games, not canon to them. Like for example, in Pokemon R/B/Y the player's character's true name is Red; not Ash, nor does Misty have 3 sisters in the games.
