Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Pokemon X and Y gets four new characters of various types]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/pokemon-x-and-y-gets-four-new-characters-of-various-types/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/pokemon-x-and-y-gets-four-new-characters-of-various-types/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/pokemon-x-and-y-gets-four-new-characters-of-various-types/#commentsPokemon X and Y gets four new characters of various types Four new Pokemon for Pokemon X and Y grace the pages of CoroCoro magazine, spotted and captured on film by Serebii.net. The fresh faces are a Fighting-type panda, Yanchamu; a rideable Grass-type, Gogoat; a Normal, Flying-type bird, Yayakoma; and an Electric-type, floppy-eared lizard creature.

The scan places Pokemon X and Y in the Karos region and says the game will support trainer hair and skin color customization. These four new Pokemon follow Pokemon X and Y's Mewtwo-inspired character, whom we've come to call Mewtwo With a Handle, or more lovingly, Super Saiyan Mewtwo.

JoystiqPokemon X and Y gets four new characters of various types originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsGame-FreaknintendoPokemonpokemon-x-yMon, 13 May 2013 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[New Mewtwo-like Pokemon revealed for X and Y]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/new-mewtwo-like-pokemon-revealed-for-x-and-y/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/new-mewtwo-like-pokemon-revealed-for-x-and-y/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/new-mewtwo-like-pokemon-revealed-for-x-and-y/#comments
A Mewtwo-like Pokemon was recently revealed by the Pokemon Company on the Pokemon Smash TV show in Japan. Set to appear in Pokemon X and Y, this unnamed creature bears a striking resemblance to the first Pokemon that fans would reserve their lone Master Ball for in Pokemon Red and Blue, Mewtwo.

While the developer hasn't revealed whether the unnamed Pokemon will be a new form or evolution of Mewtwo, the Pokemon Company did specifically refer to it as a new creature. Yes, we want to call it "Mewthree" as much as you do.

Gallery: Pokemon X / Y (Mewtwo)

Continue reading New Mewtwo-like Pokemon revealed for X and Y

JoystiqNew Mewtwo-like Pokemon revealed for X and Y originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsGame-FreakmewtwonintendoPokemonpokemon-x-yscreenshotsThe-Pokemon-CompanytrailerSun, 07 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokémon Rumble U toys revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/pokemon-rumble-u-toys-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/pokemon-rumble-u-toys-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/pokemon-rumble-u-toys-revealed/#comments
Nintendo officially unveiled six launch figurines for upcoming eShop brawler Pokémon Rumble U in Japan. Following the CoroCoro reveal earlier this week, Nintendo published images of the six toy critters - there's another special figure yet to be revealed - which are being released on April 24 alongside Rumble U, or Scramble U as it's known in Japan. The sextet comprises Bulbasaur, Pikachu, Torchic, Lucario, Victini, and the oh-so-cute Piplup.

As the debut trailer shows, the toys use the Wii U's Near Fields Communication tech to inferface with the game, allowing them, much like in Activision's Skylanders franchise, to appear as in-game characters. Rumble U remains unconfirmed for release outside of Japan, but if the game proves a success - who can see Pokémon meets Skylanders being anything but a goldmine? - it would be staggering for it not to make its way west.

Rumble U is priced ¥1800 (around $19), and individual figures ¥200 each (around $2).

Gallery: Pokemon Scramble U (NFC Figures)

JoystiqPokémon Rumble U toys revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eshopgame-freakjapannfcnintendopokemon-rumble-upokemon-scramble-urelease-dateumbrellawii-uFri, 15 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[HarmoKnight hops to Europe March 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/harmoknight-hops-to-europe-march-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/harmoknight-hops-to-europe-march-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/harmoknight-hops-to-europe-march-28/#comments
Cutesy 3DS rhythm platformer HarmoKnight bops its way to Europe's eShop on March 28. Nintendo confirmed the same release date for North America earlier this year, but Europe will have to wait a little longer for the demo. It's out in North America now, but won't be across the ocean until March 21.

As you might gather from the above trailer, HarmoKnight comes courtesy of Pokémon dev Game Freak. As this Iwata Asks feature reveals, while Game Freak was apprehensive about putting Pokémon songs in a fantasy-themed game, they couldn't resist adding some bonus Pokémon-themed levels outside of the main story. So yes, in HarmoKnight there's a taste of a Pokémon rhythm platformer - something we've never wanted until right now.

JoystiqHarmoKnight hops to Europe March 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseuropegame-freakharmoknightnintendorelease-dateFri, 15 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Pokémon Rumble U uses Wii U NFC with Skylanders-like toys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/report-pokemon-rumble-u-uses-wii-u-nfc-with-skylanders-like-toy/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/report-pokemon-rumble-u-uses-wii-u-nfc-with-skylanders-like-toy/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/report-pokemon-rumble-u-uses-wii-u-nfc-with-skylanders-like-toy/#comments Report Pokmon Rumble U uses Wii U NFC with Skylanderslike toysPokémon Rumble U is reportedly taking a leaf out of the Skylanders book by using the Wii U's Near Fields Communication technology with a line of physical Pokémon toys that can appear in-game. The latest CoroCoro magazine, according to Serebii, reveals the toys are going on sale when the game launches in Japan on April 24, and using the NFC tech the Wii U can recognize the figures to have them appear as playable characters.

Serebii reports the downloadable game, called Pokémon Scramble U in Japan, is priced ¥1800 (around $19), while the individual figures cost ¥200 each (around $2), with six standard toys and one special toy to go on sale at launch - including a Pikachu one, of course. While the previous Wii and 3DS Pokémon Rumble games made their way west, this Umbrella-developed follow-up has yet to be confirmed for release outside of Japan.

JoystiqReport: Pokémon Rumble U uses Wii U NFC with Skylanders-like toys originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-freaknintendopokemon-rumble-upokemon-scramble-uumbrellawii-uWed, 13 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokémon Rumble U screens feature a whole bunch of Pikachu]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/pokemon-rumble-u-screens-feature-a-whole-bunch-of-pikachu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/pokemon-rumble-u-screens-feature-a-whole-bunch-of-pikachu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/pokemon-rumble-u-screens-feature-a-whole-bunch-of-pikachu/#comments Pokmon Rumble U screens feature a whole bunch of PikachuThese are the first screens of Pokémon Rumble U, which was announced earlier this week as coming to Japan's Wii U eShop this spring. The Umbrella-developed brawler for up to four players lets 100 toy monsters face off at once, and the best way to showcase that is with plenty-o-Pika.

Gallery: Pokemon Rumble U (Japan)

JoystiqPokémon Rumble U screens feature a whole bunch of Pikachu originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eshopgame-freakjapannintendopokemon-rumble-upokemon-scramble-uumbrellawii-uFri, 15 Feb 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokémon X/Y fanart fans the flames of Fennekin fervor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/pokemon-x-y-fanart-fans-the-flames-of-fennekin-fervor/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/pokemon-x-y-fanart-fans-the-flames-of-fennekin-fervor/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/pokemon-x-y-fanart-fans-the-flames-of-fennekin-fervor/#comments Pokemon XY's Fennekin is clearly the Internet favoriteBased on sheer volume of Internet fanart alone, we're pretty sure Fennekin is the favorite new starter in Pokémon X/Y. Above is one of our favorite pieces of the preliminary collection found on the web so far - there's plenty more to ogle over on Tiny Cartridge.

Pokémon X/Y was announced for the 3DS two days, a game slated to emerge from its Pokeball worldwide in October. Pokemon X/Y promises more cinematic battles and a 3D cel-shaded art style that does away with the 2D pixel sprites found in previous Pokémon games in the past.

JoystiqPokémon X/Y fanart fans the flames of Fennekin fervor originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fan-artfanartfennekingame-freakpokemonpokemon-x-yFri, 11 Jan 2013 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokémon X, Y announced for 3DS, worldwide release this October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/pokemon-x-y-announced-for-3ds-worldwide-release-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/pokemon-x-y-announced-for-3ds-worldwide-release-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/pokemon-x-y-announced-for-3ds-worldwide-release-this-october/#comments
Nintendo announced two major Pokémon games for the 3DS this morning. Pokémon X and Pokémon Y are coming to the handheld this October, and going against tradition Nintendo is releasing them in the Americas, Europe, Japan, and Australia at the same time.

In a Direct broadcast that chronicled the series, Nintendo chief Saturo Iwata introduced the new 3D games via the above brief trailer. The trailer also presents the games' three new starter Pokémon: Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie.

Gallery: Pokemon X and Y

JoystiqPokémon X, Y announced for 3DS, worldwide release this October originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsgame-freaknintendonintendo-directpokemonpokemon-xpokemon-x-ypokemon-yTue, 08 Jan 2013 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon's World Tournament is rich with nostalgia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/pokemons-world-tournament-is-rich-with-nostalgia/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/pokemons-world-tournament-is-rich-with-nostalgia/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/pokemons-world-tournament-is-rich-with-nostalgia/#commentsThis is a column by Kat Bailey dedicated to the analysis of the once beloved Japanese RPG sub-genre. Tune in every Wednesday for thoughts on white-haired villains, giant robots, Infinity+1 swords, and everything else the wonderful world of JRPGs has to offer.
My first experience with Pokemon was on Christmas Morning 1998. I was visiting my Grandmother in Minot, North Dakota, and there was nothing to do but play as much Game Boy as humanly possible (it's true - I've never been very social, even with family).

I was rolling right along with my Charmander until I ran into Brock - the franchise's very first gym leader. For those wielding a Squirtle or a Bulbasaur, he wasn't much more than a speed bump. For a novice trainer with an under-leveled fire-type, he and his Onix were nigh invincible. I beat my head against that stone for an entire morning, only stopping when I was finally dragged out to breakfast.

I eventually defeated Brock and collected all eight badges. Then I did it again and again. If I'm not mistaken, there are 48 badges in all now. Forty-eight gym leaders! All of them different; all of them serving as the backbones of their respective games.

Gym leaders serve all sorts of different purposes. In the fiction, they are sort of like the town sheriff, serving as both a pillar of the community and a bulwark against troublesome villains like Team Plasma. Frequently, they help to advance the story in some way by helping the player solve a problem. In gameplay terms, gym leaders are convenient bottlenecks that keep players advancing through the game at the pace Game Freak prescribes.

Gallery: Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 (5/15/12)

Continue reading Pokemon's World Tournament is rich with nostalgia

JoystiqPokemon's World Tournament is rich with nostalgia originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsGame-FreaknintendoOpinionpokemon-black-2-white-2The-Pokemon-CompanyWed, 10 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[See Genesect in action in Pokemon Black and White 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/07/see-genesect-in-action-in-pokemon-black-and-white-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/07/see-genesect-in-action-in-pokemon-black-and-white-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/07/see-genesect-in-action-in-pokemon-black-and-white-2/#comments
This trailer for The Pokemon Company International's first special distribution creature in Pokemon Black and White 2, Genesect, shows off its exclusive Techno Blast move. Genesect can be downloaded for free in the game until November 12.

JoystiqSee Genesect in action in Pokemon Black and White 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Oct 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsGame-Freakgenesectlimited-timenintendoPokemonpokemon-black-2-white-2Sun, 07 Oct 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black and White 2 review: A generation's true form]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/pokemon-black-and-white-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/pokemon-black-and-white-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/pokemon-black-and-white-2-review/#comments With Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2, developer Game Freak has finally decided to stop beating around the bush and give us a "true" sequel instead of a Pokémon Platinum-esque expansion pack. The series is better for it too, even if the much touted emphasis on storytelling remains largely superfluous.

Set two years after the events of the original Pokémon Black and White, it features a new silent protagonist, a new rival, and a handful of new gym leaders. More importantly, there are new Pokémon - or should I say, old Pokémon. Unova is now rife with Pokémon from previous generations - a welcome sight for fans of the series. It makes the world of Pokémon feel bigger and more connected than it already is, and makes the Unova Pokémon feel like they're "part of the family."

Disappointingly, the returning Pokémon aren't the only familiar component. As usual, Black 2 and White 2 rigorously follows the badge/Elite 4 formula that has long since worn out its welcome but will never go away. What a pity that Game Freak didn't use this opportunity to experiment a bit with the formula and trim down the usual rote badge quest (or make it entirely optional). As a franchise, Pokémon can be at once really smart and innovative, and annoyingly set in its ways.

Gallery: Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 (5/15/12)

Continue reading Pokemon Black and White 2 review: A generation's true form

JoystiqPokemon Black and White 2 review: A generation's true form originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freaknintendopokemon-black-2-white-2Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[What a Pokemon MMO would be like]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/what-a-pokemon-mmo-would-actually-be-like/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/what-a-pokemon-mmo-would-actually-be-like/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/what-a-pokemon-mmo-would-actually-be-like/#commentsThis is a column by Kat Bailey dedicated to the analysis of the once beloved Japanese RPG sub-genre. Tune in every Wednesday for thoughts on white-haired villains, giant robots, Infinity+1 swords, and everything else the wonderful world of JRPGs has to offer.
Here's What a Pokemon MMORPG Would Actually Be Like
Could the Pokemon series translate into a good MMORPG? For fans, the answer is almost always, "Yes. Definitely. It's perfect for the MMO genre. What's taking so long?"

When Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 arrive next week - a game I've written about before - someone, somewhere will probably writing a column saying that very thing. But I think it's time that we debunk this idea that a Pokemon MMORPG would automatically be amazing once and for all. Here's the completely hypothetical scenario that would probably happen if a Pokemon MMORPG were to actually be announced.

Continue reading What a Pokemon MMO would be like

JoystiqWhat a Pokemon MMO would be like originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Game-FreakNintendoOpinionPokemonPokemon-CompanyThe-Pokemon-CompanyThu, 27 Sep 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Evolving Pokemon: How Black 2 and White 2 points to the future of 'catching them all']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/evolving-pokemon-how-black-2-and-white-2-points-to-the-future-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/evolving-pokemon-how-black-2-and-white-2-points-to-the-future-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/evolving-pokemon-how-black-2-and-white-2-points-to-the-future-o/#comments Who says Pokemon never changes? Until recently, the franchise's story wasn't much more than an afterthought. Its main virtue was its consistency - you could always count on an evil organization showing up to destroy the world for no real reason at all. With Pokemon Black and White, a sliver of change was added to adjust the formula and pointed the series toward the possibility of more deft storytelling.

That trend continues in Pokemon Black and Pokemon White 2, which takes the time to examine some of the consequences of the previous game. The somewhat deeper story isn't the only new element either. The franchise's first ever numbered sequel brings with it a few other interesting trends, which are apt to continue once the Pokemon series leaps into the Nintendo 3DS market.

Gallery: Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 (5/15/12)

Continue reading Evolving Pokemon: How Black 2 and White 2 points to the future of 'catching them all'

JoystiqEvolving Pokemon: How Black 2 and White 2 points to the future of 'catching them all' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsGame-FreakJunichi-MasudanintendoPokemonpokemon-black-2-white-2Takao-UnnoThe-Pokemon-CompanyTue, 18 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon devs launching 3DS eShop game in Japan next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/pokemon-devs-launching-3ds-eshop-game-in-japan-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/pokemon-devs-launching-3ds-eshop-game-in-japan-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/pokemon-devs-launching-3ds-eshop-game-in-japan-next-week/#comments Pokemon devs releasing 3DS eShop game in Japan next weekPokémon developer Game Freak is launching a new game, Rhythm Hunter: Harmo Knight, on the Japanese 3DS eShop next Wednesday. The news came from this morning's Nintendo Direct broadcast, hosted by Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata.

Harmo Knight is a rhythm action game featuring 2D side-scrolling levels and, yup, some Pokémon music. The levels are set to a variety of tunes, and players have to run, jump, and attack in time with the music. The play looks similar to that of rhythm-based platformer Bit.Trip Runner.

No word on any international release, of course, but with the Pokémon tie-in it seems likely. Andriasang notes Nintendo will release an Iwata Asks for the game later today.

JoystiqPokemon devs launching 3DS eShop game in Japan next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsgame-freaknintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-fall-2012pokemonrelease-daterhythm-hunter-harmo-knightWed, 29 Aug 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black and White 2 anime trailer, we choose you!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/pokemon-black-and-white-2-anime-trailer-we-choose-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/pokemon-black-and-white-2-anime-trailer-we-choose-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/pokemon-black-and-white-2-anime-trailer-we-choose-you/#comments
If you're down with Pokemon, this six-and-a-half minute animated trailer promoting October's DS launch of Pokemon Black Version 2 and Pokemon White Version 2 is going to blow your mind. It has everything Pokemon anime fans live for: Pokemon and anime. Enjoy, you earned it.

JoystiqPokemon Black and White 2 anime trailer, we choose you! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsGame-FreaknintendoPokemonpokemon-black-2-white-2The-Pokemon-CompanyThu, 09 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black and White 2 announced, hits Japanese DSes this June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/pokemon-black-and-white-2-announced-hits-japanese-dses-this-jun/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/pokemon-black-and-white-2-announced-hits-japanese-dses-this-jun/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/pokemon-black-and-white-2-announced-hits-japanese-dses-this-jun/#comments Pokemon Black and White 2 has just been announced on Pokemon Smash, an official Pokemon television program in Japan. The sequel to Pokemon Black and White will launch for the DS in Japan this June. No further specifics are yet available regarding North American availability, new Pokemon or any battle-system changes that may occur.

This will be the first numbered sequel to a traditional Pokemon game; previous generations have consisted of two initial releases followed by a single, similarly-titled "enhanced" version: Pokemon Diamond and Pearl followed by Pokemon Platinum, for instance. Now, however, we'll have Pokemon Black 2 and Pokemon White 2. Whether this distinction is purely cosmetic or carries heavier gameplay implications, remains unclear. All we know for certain is that, by now, the PokeRap must be several hours long.

Update: A statement on the US Pokemon site calls the games "Pokemon Black Version 2" and "Pokemon White Version 2" and says that details will be sent out "throughout the year." Looks like the game is heading to the US as well -- surprise!

JoystiqPokemon Black and White 2 announced, hits Japanese DSes this June originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Feb 2012 18:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freakjapannintendopokemon-black-2-white-2pokemon-black-and-white-2pokemon-black-version-2pokemon-white-version-2Sat, 25 Feb 2012 18:48:00 EST<![CDATA[PokePark 2: Beyond the World coming to Wii this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/pokepark-2-beyond-the-world-coming-to-wii-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/pokepark-2-beyond-the-world-coming-to-wii-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/pokepark-2-beyond-the-world-coming-to-wii-this-fall/#comments Hey internet, remember PokePark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure? It was that not entirely unlike Tiny Toon Adventures 2: Trouble in Wackyland minigame collection set in a Pokemon-themed poke-themepark, remember? You and Pikachu had to complete minigames and make new pokepals in order to collect the 14 missing Sky Prism pieces for Mew. Really? Not ringing any bells? Well, Nintendo and Creatures Inc remember it, and they're making another one.

The latest issue of CoroCoro Comics has revealed PokePark 2: Beyond the World, headed to the Wii (in Japan, at least) this winter. Pikachu returns as the title's star pocket monster, bringing with him additional playable pals and 4 person multiplayer. No further details are available at the moment, but Tokyo Game Show's imminent hugeness looms over the horizon in a reassuring fashion.

JoystiqPokePark 2: Beyond the World coming to Wii this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Creatures-IncGame-Freaknintendopikachupokemonpokeparkpokepark-2PokePark-2-Beyond-the-Worldpokepark-wiiPokePark-Wii-Pikachus-AdventurewiiMon, 12 Sep 2011 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nobody on the planet is as good at Pokemon as Ray Rizzo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/nobody-on-the-planet-is-as-good-at-pokemon-as-ray-rizzo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/nobody-on-the-planet-is-as-good-at-pokemon-as-ray-rizzo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/nobody-on-the-planet-is-as-good-at-pokemon-as-ray-rizzo/#comments Ray Rizzo is the greatest Pokémon player on the planet.

We have a number of reasons for thinking that -- the most obvious being that Ray Rizzo is the greatest name a human being has ever been given -- but Rizzo's accomplishments speak for themselves. He placed first in the Masters division of the 2011 Pokémon World Championships, bringing the gold home for the United States; as did Junior and Senior division winners Brian Hough and Kamran Jahadi. Take that, every other country!

These big, American heroes will take home portions of a $100,000 scholarship fund made available to competitors in the video game and trading card game tournaments. Still, we think being lifted on the shoulders of your peers and told that you're the greatest Pokémon player on the planet is probably reward enough.

Continue reading Nobody on the planet is as good at Pokemon as Ray Rizzo

JoystiqNobody on the planet is as good at Pokemon as Ray Rizzo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freaknintendopokemonPokemon-Black-and-Whiteray-rizzothe-pokemon-companyWed, 17 Aug 2011 01:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Wolfe Glick is the very best, like no one ever was]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/wolfe-glick-is-the-very-best-like-no-one-ever-was/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/wolfe-glick-is-the-very-best-like-no-one-ever-was/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/wolfe-glick-is-the-very-best-like-no-one-ever-was/#comments Americans, gather round and pay tribute to our nation's most esteemed representatives: The best and brightest Pokémon trainers who have battled their way to the top of the U.S. tournament ladder. This past weekend, the winners of each regional Pokémon Video Game Championship bracket faced off in Indianapolis, weeding out the top eight trainers from the Junior (born after 2000), Senior (born 1995 - 1999) and Master (born before 1995) divisions.

These 24 youngsters will now head to San Diego, Calif. where they'll face off against other top-tier players from around the globe in the Pokémon Video Game World Championships. Check out the full list of eligible trainers after the jump.

We're personally pulling for the Zheng brothers, who locked down top spots in the Junior and Senior brackets. Of course, we're also big fans of Wolfe Glick, the Master-tier Champion; though that has less to do with his remarkable monster-dueling prowess, and more to do with his preposterously amazing name.

Continue reading Wolfe Glick is the very best, like no one ever was

JoystiqWolfe Glick is the very best, like no one ever was originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freaknintendoPokemon-Black-and-Whitepokemon-video-game-championshipthe-pokemon-companywolfe-glickTue, 12 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black and White World Championship detailed, kicks off next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/pokemon-black-and-white-world-championship-detailed-kicks-off-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/pokemon-black-and-white-world-championship-detailed-kicks-off-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/pokemon-black-and-white-world-championship-detailed-kicks-off-n/#comments You've caught 'em all. You've trained them. You've bred them, trained them, and then EV trained them. You've hunted for their rare, shiny counterparts. You've done every little thing there is to do in the confines of Pokémon Black and White -- but you haven't yet taken on the world. Like, the real world. You know, the one we live in? Nintendo announced today its schedule for the 2011 Pokémon World Championship, a killer, three-month-long event which will test the mettle of trainers across the U.S. and Europe.

Players in the U.S. will have to attend a qualifying event held in one of six cities, starting with Seattle on May 14. Each qualifier will send sixteen players from the Junior Division (players born in 2000 or later) and the Senior Division (players born before 2000) to the National Championships on July 8 in Indianapolis. From there, the top eight will move on to the World Championships in San Diego on August 12, where they'll battle for fame, fortune and global Pokémon bragging rights, which is way more valuable then those other two things.

Check out the full schedule for the tournaments in the press release posted after the jump!

Continue reading Pokemon Black and White World Championship detailed, kicks off next month

JoystiqPokemon Black and White World Championship detailed, kicks off next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championshipdsgame-freaknintendoPokemon-Black-and-Whitethe-pokemon-companyTue, 19 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black and White use $10 off on Amazon, it's super effective]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/02/pokemon-black-and-white-use-10-off-on-amazon-its-super-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/02/pokemon-black-and-white-use-10-off-on-amazon-its-super-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/02/pokemon-black-and-white-use-10-off-on-amazon-its-super-effect/#comments If you've been holding off on purchasing Pokémon Black and White until its price is reduced or until you overcome your fears of what your grown-ass friends will think -- well, you can put one of those to rest. The new generation is available for $24.99 on Amazon as the current Deal of the Day.

Continue reading Pokemon Black and White use $10 off on Amazon, it's super effective

JoystiqPokemon Black and White use $10 off on Amazon, it's super effective originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondeal-of-the-daydsgame-freaknintendoPokemon-Black-and-Whitethe-pokemon-companySat, 02 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black and White sell 2 million in U.S. in first two weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/pokemon-black-and-white-sell-2-million-in-u-s-in-first-two-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/pokemon-black-and-white-sell-2-million-in-u-s-in-first-two-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/pokemon-black-and-white-sell-2-million-in-u-s-in-first-two-week/#comments The Pokémon franchise is commonly criticized for refusing to change between generations -- luckily for Nintendo, one of the elements that doesn't seem to change over the years is all the mad, mad money each new installment pulls in. Nintendo of America recently Tweeted to inform its followers Pokémon Black and White have sold 2 million units in the U.S. during their first two weeks on store shelves.

On top of the 5 million-plus copies that have sold in Japan, we think it's safe to say that gamers aren't scared off by all the similarities to previous iterations of the franchise. We're a little worried about the game's success, though -- after all, it's going to be rather difficult to be the very best (like no one ever was) when over 7 million people share our aspirations.

JoystiqPokemon Black and White sell 2 million in U.S. in first two weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freakindustrynintendopokemonPokemon-Black-and-WhitesalesThe-Pokemon-CompanySat, 26 Mar 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black and White sells 1.08 million on US launch day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/pokemon-black-and-white-sells-1-08-million-on-us-launch-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/pokemon-black-and-white-sells-1-08-million-on-us-launch-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/pokemon-black-and-white-sells-1-08-million-on-us-launch-day/#comments Worried that the latest Pokémon generation wouldn't find much traction on North American store shelves due to their absence of titular color? Your fears were unwarranted -- within the first 24 hours of their launch, 1.08 million copies of Pokémon Black and White were sold, beating out the record of 780,000 units set by Pokémon Pearl and Diamond.

The reason for this growth? It probably has something to do with the fact that we keep getting older, but still love playing Pokémon, and also babies keep getting born, and eventually they love playing Pokémon too. That's no unnatural phenomenon -- that's basic physical anthropology.

JoystiqPokemon Black and White sells 1.08 million on US launch day originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freaknintendoPokemon-Black-and-Whitesalesthe-pokemon-companyTue, 08 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Presidents of the United States of America pen a Pokemon song]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/presidents-of-the-united-states-of-america-pen-a-pokemon-song/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/presidents-of-the-united-states-of-america-pen-a-pokemon-song/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/presidents-of-the-united-states-of-america-pen-a-pokemon-song/#comments It's ever-so-rare that the things we love on this planet converge as expertly as they do for the song posted after the jump, so let's all take a second to really soak in this moment. Ahhhh. Feels good, right? Once you're done savoring, go listen to the Presidents of the United States of America's latest track, "Can't Stop (Catchin' 'Em All)," a tribute to some of the new collectible creatures in Pokémon Black and White.

Sure, it may lack the deeply funky bassline of a "Dune Buggy," or the raw, face-destroying rock of a "Love Everybody" -- but it's still the Presidents, dishing out tips on the latest installment in the Pokémon franchise. It is delight, in its purest form.

Continue reading Presidents of the United States of America pen a Pokemon song

JoystiqPresidents of the United States of America pen a Pokemon song originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banddsgame-freakmusicnintendoPokemon-Black-and-Whitepresidents-of-the-united-states-of-americathe-pokemon-companytheme-songMon, 07 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black and White review: This year's model]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/pokemon-black-and-white-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/pokemon-black-and-white-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/pokemon-black-and-white-review/#comments Pokémon, I love you -- but you're bringing me down.

Don't let either half of that opening assertion cheapen the significance of the other. More than any previous installment in the franchise, Pokémon Black and White taps into the visceral core of what makes the series so exceptional. The compulsion for all-catching is as strong as ever, the new roster is the best generational addition to the universal Pokécatalog, and the capacity for building, customizing and perfecting your team is the deepest its ever been.

However, for all its iterative improvements, Pokémon Black and White still feel like this year's model. The framework the game is built around, while sturdy, is the very same skeleton which propped up literally every other generation that came before it. After five generations, this duplication has lost its nostalgic charm -- now it just seems like the series' creators possess a frankly befuddling hostility towards change.

Gallery: Pokemon Black and White (DS)

Continue reading Pokemon Black and White review: This year's model

JoystiqPokemon Black and White review: This year's model originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freaknintendopokemonPokemon-Black-and-Whitethe-pokemon-companyFri, 04 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black and White launch event coming to Nintendo World Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/26/pokemon-black-and-white-launch-event-coming-to-nintendo-world-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/26/pokemon-black-and-white-launch-event-coming-to-nintendo-world-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/26/pokemon-black-and-white-launch-event-coming-to-nintendo-world-st/#comments You should probably clear your schedule on the afternoon of Saturday, March 5 -- unless, of course, you want to miss out on the coolest* party of the year. On the eve of the launch of Pokémon Black and White, Nintendo's hosting a launch shindig at its Nintendo World Store in New York City's Rockefeller Center. Attendees can check out original Pokémon artwork, and can collect stamps on a "passport," which they can exchange for a limited edition Poké-T-shirt. We're guessing the passport allows you to travel to cooltown**.

Attendees can also go to a special download station to grab a Liberty Pass, a key item which lets players catch the new legendary Pokémon Victini -- which you'll also be able to do from home over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

* - least cool
** - anywhere but cooltown

Continue reading Pokemon Black and White launch event coming to Nintendo World Store

JoystiqPokemon Black and White launch event coming to Nintendo World Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freaklaunchnintendonintendo-worldnintendo-world-storePokemon-Black-and-WhiteThe-Pokemon-CompanySat, 26 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black & White preview: a clear-cut sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/pokemon-black-and-white-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/pokemon-black-and-white-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/pokemon-black-and-white-preview/#comments Given its focus on cute, cuddly animals, it seems odd to describe the Pokémon series as hardcore, yet generation after generation of games have created an elite group of dedicated players who have "caught 'em all." They know every stat, every attribute and every breeding strategy needed to edge out competitors. As the divide between hardcore and casual Pokémon players grew, it seemed Nintendo had reason enough to press the reset button.

"A new player is starting on the same footing as a Pokémon expert," a Nintendo representative told me while pitching the latest games in the series, Black & White. At first glance, it's just another Pokémon game: you go around the 2D world collecting monsters to use in RPG-styled battles. This time, however, you won't encounter the Pokémon you've come to know, grow and love. There's an all-new set of 150+ critters to collect, meaning everyone will have to learn a brand new Pokedex to stay competitive.

"That's a good idea," I retort. "But if there aren't any new elemental types, then won't people just apply the same strategies as before?" Yes, the Nintendo representative had encountered a wild Pokemon nerd, ready for battle.

Gallery: Pokemon Black and White (DS)

Continue reading Pokemon Black & White preview: a clear-cut sequel

JoystiqPokemon Black & White preview: a clear-cut sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freaknintendopokemonPokemon-Black-and-WhiteFri, 11 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grab Pokemon Black or White at launch, get new legendary monster Victini]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/grab-pokemon-black-or-white-at-launch-get-new-legendary-monster/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/grab-pokemon-black-or-white-at-launch-get-new-legendary-monster/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/grab-pokemon-black-or-white-at-launch-get-new-legendary-monster/#comments You probably won't win every single battle in Pokémon Black and White, but that doesn't mean you can't always lay claim to victory. Anyone who grabs one of the twin titles before April 10 will be able to obtain a "Liberty Pass" using the game's Wi-Fi connect mode -- a special item that allows the player to catch the newest legendary monster Victini, who, in some circles, is known as "the victory Pokémon."

Victini's got access to a range of Fire and Psychic abilities, including one that lets you boost the accuracy of all your team's Pokémon in a particular fight -- making it indispensable for the series' new Triple Battle systems. PLUS: it's adorable.

JoystiqGrab Pokemon Black or White at launch, get new legendary monster Victini originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freaknintendoPokemon-Black-and-WhiteThe-Pokemon-CompanyvictiniThu, 03 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black and White reach five million sales in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/pokemon-black-and-white-reach-five-million-sales-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/pokemon-black-and-white-reach-five-million-sales-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/pokemon-black-and-white-reach-five-million-sales-in-japan/#comments The two latest additions to the neverending Pokémon franchise managed to move an incredible 2.6 million units during their first two days on Japanese store shelves -- but how have Black and White fared since then? Unsurprisingly, they've done just fine; according to sales statistics from Enterbrain, this week saw the pair's combined sales reach 5,036,724 units.

Pokémon Black and White aren't the first games to reach this impressive mark -- in fact, four other DS games have managed to reach five million sales in the past. However, no other DS title has managed to reach five million quite as quickly as Black and White, which have only been available for 17 weeks. We guess that just goes to prove that, for some people "Gotta Catch 'Em All" isn't just a catchphrase, it's a way of life.

JoystiqPokemon Black and White reach five million sales in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freakjapannintendoPokemon-Black-and-Whitesalesthe-pokemon-companyWed, 12 Jan 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon to invade your local mall around 'Black and White' release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/pokemon-to-invade-your-local-mall-around-black-and-white-relea/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/pokemon-to-invade-your-local-mall-around-black-and-white-relea/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/pokemon-to-invade-your-local-mall-around-black-and-white-relea/#comments We knew this day would come -- we just knew it. Fortunately, we've had a contingency plan for years now, on the off chance that wild Pokémon should ever infest our local shopping mall. If you'll turn your attention to Diagram 6C in your Poké-Survival Guide, you'll see where we've marked the locations most safe from these powerful menaces. For instance, that Hot Topic? It's really well-reinforced against some of the larger ones, and the music should scare away any monsters with unobstructed ears. The Orange Julius kiosk? That's what we like to call a "kill zone." Do not, under any circumstances, wander into the Orange Julius.

Oh, wait -- you mean that Nintendo is just demoing Pokémon Black and White at various malls around the games' release date, March 6, a full list and schedule for which is posted after the jump? We suppose that makes a lot more sense.

You'd better stay away from that Orange Julius, though. Just to be safe.

Continue reading Pokemon to invade your local mall around 'Black and White' release

JoystiqPokemon to invade your local mall around 'Black and White' release originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freakmallmarketingnintendopokemonPokemon-Black-and-Whitethe-pokemon-companyWed, 12 Jan 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamestop and Toys R Us offering Pokemon download promos next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/gamestop-and-toys-r-us-offering-pokemon-download-promos-next-mon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/gamestop-and-toys-r-us-offering-pokemon-download-promos-next-mon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/gamestop-and-toys-r-us-offering-pokemon-download-promos-next-mon/#comments If your six-strong roster in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver could use a little sparkle, a little pizazz, a little shimmer -- any of that stuff, a handful of download promotions slated for early next year should satisfy your needs quite well. You can download rare, shiny versions of legendary monsters Raikou, Entei and Suicine during various week-long periods in January at Gamestop. Check out the schedule of their availability after the jump, and plan your retail excursions accordingly.

If you're looking for something a little more plain Jane, you can pick up Ash's Pikachu -- a version of the iconic lightning mouse with a special set of abilities -- at Toys R Us between January 30 and February 5. Don't get it twisted, though; this guy starts out at level 50. This isn't the adorable mascot you came to know and love in the anime series. This Pikachu is a hardened killing machine.

[Thanks, Michael!]

Continue reading Gamestop and Toys R Us offering Pokemon download promos next month

JoystiqGamestop and Toys R Us offering Pokemon download promos next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloaddsgame-freakgamestopnintendoPokemon-Heart-GoldThe-Pokemon-Companytoys-r-usWed, 29 Dec 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan votes to decide the world's most popular Pokemon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/07/japan-votes-to-decide-the-worlds-most-popular-pokemon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/07/japan-votes-to-decide-the-worlds-most-popular-pokemon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/07/japan-votes-to-decide-the-worlds-most-popular-pokemon/#comments The Pokémon Company recently polled the hardcore players of its monster-collecting franchise to find out who's the most popular 'mon of all time. You'd think Pikachu, right? Like, that's a totally logical assumption, considering how much exposure that little yellow bastard has received over the years. Unfortunately, you're totally wrong -- first place went to Arceus, a legendary Pokémon first introduced in Diamond and Pearl.

Fellow legendaries Darkrai and Deoxys came in second and third place, respectively, followed by Pikachu in fourth and Meowth in fifth. As Siliconera points out, seeing as how the polls were conducted among hardcore players, the polls probably skewed towards the more powerful guys rather than the more recognizable guys, which is not the best metric for determining popularity. Like, we were clearly the buffest guys at our high school, but we were never elected prom king, you know?

What? Why are you laughing?

JoystiqJapan votes to decide the world's most popular Pokemon originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freakjapannintendoPokemon-Diamondthe-pokemon-companySun, 07 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One of life's great mysteries revealed: How Pokemon get made]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/one-of-lifes-great-mysteries-revealed-how-pokemon-get-made/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/one-of-lifes-great-mysteries-revealed-how-pokemon-get-made/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/one-of-lifes-great-mysteries-revealed-how-pokemon-get-made/#comments Where do Pokémon come from? No, we're not talking about the means of Poké-reproduction -- a subject matter typically skirted around in the core game franchise (do those eggs just magically appear?) -- rather, who designs, names and provides statistics for each of the game's 649 creatures? A handful of Game Freak designers recently outlined the process to 1UP -- and it's not quite as unfeelingly scientific as you might think.

"There's about 17 people in our design team, and generally what happens is they each draw their own Pokémon and then they get discussed over group meetings," Game Freak co-founder Ken Sugimori explained. He added that, for Pokémon Black and White, the lead designers focused on the game's pair of legendary monsters, while the younger staffers created the three new starters. Considering the special places we have in our hearts for the Squirtles and Charmanders of the series, that's quite a bit of pressure for the newbies.

Check out the full interview for more insight into the the miracle of Poké-life.

JoystiqOne of life's great mysteries revealed: How Pokemon get made originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freaknintendoPokemon-Black-and-WhiteThe-Pokemon-CompanyThu, 04 Nov 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get the original secret Pokemon, Mew, for HeartGold and SoulSilver]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/get-the-original-secret-pokemon-mew-for-heartgold-and-soulsilv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/get-the-original-secret-pokemon-mew-for-heartgold-and-soulsilv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/get-the-original-secret-pokemon-mew-for-heartgold-and-soulsilv/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While the rest of you suckers are going to be running around, perfectly content with your housetrained Mewtwos, we're going to take advantage of an upcoming promotion from Nintendo -- one which allows us to come face to face with the original event Pokémon: Mew. You too can lock down Number 151 by using the Mystery Gift option on your copy of Pokémon HeartGold or SoulSilver from October 15 until October 30.

The Mew you'll receive is only Level 5, meaning the world's your oyster when it comes to how you decide to raise the little guy. We're unsure of where we'd like to focus his stats, but we are certain that we're going to name him Joey, and make him wear a little baseball cap, and he will be our precious little perfect angel.

Continue reading Get the original secret Pokemon, Mew, for HeartGold and SoulSilver

JoystiqGet the original secret Pokemon, Mew, for HeartGold and SoulSilver originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freakmewnintendopokemonPokemon-Heart-GoldTue, 12 Oct 2010 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black and White get limited edition DSis in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/pokemon-black-and-white-get-limited-edition-dsis-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/pokemon-black-and-white-get-limited-edition-dsis-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/pokemon-black-and-white-get-limited-edition-dsis-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you've got a bizarre hang-up about playing video games on consoles that don't have Pokémon branded upon their hulls, you'll be pleased to learn that you'll soon be able to add the DSi to your list of allowed devices. On November 20, Japanese store shelves will be stocked with limited edition Pokémon Black and White DSis, each of which come with a copy of the appropriately hued monster-catching title.

Each handheld prominently features Black and White's main Legendaries, Reshiram and Zekrom -- a premium for which shoppers will have to pay 19,800 yen (a tad more than the DSi's standard 15,000 yen price point). Is it worth the extra cash? We're not sure, but as far as special edition Pokémon-branded handhelds go, this one's kind of ... classy? Yeah, classy.

JoystiqPokemon Black and White get limited edition DSis in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdsigame-freakjapannintendopokemonPokemon-Black-and-Whitethe-pokemon-companyThu, 07 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black and White sell over 2.6 million in Japanese launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/pokemon-black-and-white-sell-over-2-6-million-in-japanese-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/pokemon-black-and-white-sell-over-2-6-million-in-japanese-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/pokemon-black-and-white-sell-over-2-6-million-in-japanese-launch/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We find comfort in the known constants of our universe. You know, things like the laws of thermodynamics, or the fact that every time a new Pokémon game hits store shelves in Japan, people go absolutely bananas for it. Today, we have a figure for just how bananas these pocket-sized monster enthusiasts went: Within the first two days of their launch, Pokémon Black and White racked up over 2.6 million units sold.

As a point of contrast, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver only pulled in 1.4 million units during their first two days on store shelves last year. We guess Japanese gamers value the grayscale dichotomy of Black and White over the flash and elegance of Gold and Silver. Or maybe, just maybe, all those new pokémon had something to do with it.

JoystiqPokemon Black and White sell over 2.6 million in Japanese launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freakjapannintendoPokemon-Black-and-WhitesalesThe-Pokemon-CompanyTue, 21 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black and White have already gone platinum in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/pokemon-black-and-white-have-already-gone-platinum-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/pokemon-black-and-white-have-already-gone-platinum-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/pokemon-black-and-white-have-already-gone-platinum-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Describing the sales success of Pokémon titles has become a tricky enterprise, as the franchise has encompassed just about every precious metal in the Periodic Table. We hope you don't find this next statement too confusing: According to data from Media Create, Pokémon Black and White have gone Platin ... er, platinum in Japan, as pre-order sales for the two titles have already reached 1.08 million units.

These pre-orders have only been available since July 31, which The Pokémon Company claims is a new speed record for sales on the DS platform. The Company expects pre-order sales to reach 1.5 million before the game launches September 18. It would be all the more impressive if they could hit 10 million pre-orders, at which point they'd go Diamond. Or, even more ambitiously, they could aim for 20 million in pre-sales, bringing the games up to the rarely achieved SoulSilver status.

JoystiqPokemon Black and White have already gone platinum in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freakjapannintendoPokemon-Black-and-Whitepre-ordersalesThe-Pokemon-CompanyMon, 23 Aug 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black and White battle footage sways our opinion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/pokemon-black-and-white-battle-footage-sways-our-opinion/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/pokemon-black-and-white-battle-footage-sways-our-opinion/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/pokemon-black-and-white-battle-footage-sways-our-opinion/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"Sorry for the inconvenience, Mr. Ketchum, but we're going to have to run a breathalyzer on your team. We've gotten reports that since Pokémon Black and White came out, they've been swaying back and forth, a clear sign of Pokéintoxication. Check out the video below to see what we're talking about."

Continue reading Pokemon Black and White battle footage sways our opinion

JoystiqPokemon Black and White battle footage sways our opinion originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freaknintendoPokemon-Black-and-Whitethe-pokemon-companySat, 14 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black and White's colorful world map revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/pokemon-black-and-whites-colorful-world-map-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/pokemon-black-and-whites-colorful-world-map-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/pokemon-black-and-whites-colorful-world-map-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you consider yourself a budding Pokécartographer, you should turn your eyes to the official site for Pokémon Black and White, which was recently updated to reveal the layout of Isshu, the region where the title's all-catching will take place. The interactive map, which can be viewed by visiting the site's splash page and clicking the link below the Pokémon White logo, shows a few screenshots of Isshu's varied locales, and gives a few hints as to how your quest will unfold.

Of course, much of the map is still uncharted by these little tips, so we've yet to see a few of the series' staple environments. You know, like the huge town with the humble casino and gigantic, unnavigable department store? The disturbingly out-of-place mausoleum tower? The final road you have to spend hours grinding on in order to beat the Elite Four? That place on that same road where you quit playing the game forever?

JoystiqPokemon Black and White's colorful world map revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freaknintendoPokemon-Black-and-WhiteThe-Pokemon-CompanyMon, 09 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black and White to feature new Pokemon only (until you beat it)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/pokemon-black-and-white-to-feature-new-pokemon-only-until-you-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/pokemon-black-and-white-to-feature-new-pokemon-only-until-you-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/pokemon-black-and-white-to-feature-new-pokemon-only-until-you-b/#commentsFiled under: , ,

At long last, Game Freak has discovered exactly why you've been so hesitant to jump on the last few generations of Pokémon titles: It's all those old Pokémon, of course. It's hard to feel like you're on a level playing field when you don't recognize a few of the 'mons introduced in Pearl or Ruby or Silver -- but, according to a blog post from Game Freak's Junichi Masuda, that won't be a problem in Pokémon Black and White.

Going by Andriasang's translation of the blog, players of the upcoming generation of Pokémon titles will only encounter all-new monsters until they clear the game. The developer hopes this will make the game a fresh experience for veterans and newcomers alike -- though Masuda admits that coming up with new monsters has been completely challenging. Well, yeah, we'd assume anything after number 300 would be tough to come up with. Here, we'll try: Stonedog! He's a dog! But he's made of stone.

JoystiqPokemon Black and White to feature new Pokemon only (until you beat it) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgame-freaknintendoPokemon-Black-and-WhiteThe-Pokemon-CompanyWed, 04 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST