PokemonDiamond posts (Subscribe to this feed)
Pok-trainers to face off in pocket monster showdown
by Jason Dobson 
{ Jul 7th 2008 at 8:00AM }
On August 16, 32 Pokémon aficionados from the US will make the trek to Orlando, FL to throw down against 32 of Japan's best poké-players, using the series' latest flavors, Diamond and Pearl. The contest will be divided into two different age brackets, with those trainers born on or before 1995 making up the "senior" set. And there's more than just poké-pride at stake, as the top finisher in each group will walk away with a Nintendo Wii package and a shot at a grand prize that includes a 6-day vacation for four to either NY, Honolulu, or Tokyo. However, we should tell you that interested players must first survive a qualifier round, and that registration has already closed. Even so, organizers note that additional players may be randomly selected from those in attendance at the events, so if you fancy yourself a poké-maestro, check out the dates below before you book fare on Air Pokémon.
Pokemon Platinum revealed, set for fall release in Japan
by Griffin McElroy { May 18th 2008 at 1:30PM }
Following the pattern of pokéreleases thus far, it will serve as a companion to the two current-generation titles, Diamond and Pearl -- much like Yellow, Crystal, and Emerald did for their respective generations. That means we'll likely be treated to new sprites for many the monsters, and a few tweaks to the story, but not many new entries into the ol' Pokédex. Perhaps that expansion will come in the franchise's next generation, Pokémon Ununbium and Cadmium.
[Thanks, Vinay.]
Japan gets a chance to bag this legendary Pokemon
by Candace Savino { Apr 22nd 2008 at 8:00PM }
Just as Darkrai was offered up to Pokemaniacs during a screening of the Darkrai-based movie, the same will be happening with Shaymin this summer for the eleventh Pokemon film (Giratina and the Sky's Bouquet: Shaymin). Don't fret too much if you live outside of Japan, though. Toys R Us will be offering Darkrai to shoppers during the month of June, so it's definitely possibly that Shaymin will make his way over here at some point, too.
Get your Pokemons for cheap at Circuit City
by Candace Savino { Apr 20th 2008 at 8:00PM }
Circuit City seems to be the place to go for cheap Pokemon games this week. While a few stores are offering Pokemon related deals to celebrate the release of the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games, Circuit City has some of the better ones that we've seen.The best deal is Pokemon Emerald for the GBA, which the retailer is offering for $14.99. If you want something more modern, though, you could pick up either Diamond or Pearl, which are marked down to $24.99 for the week. Also, if your sights are set on one of the Mystery Dungeon games, purchasing one at Circuit City will net you a free Pokemon action figure. Unfortunately, we don't know what these figures look like, but since they're free with the purchase, we're not all that concerned.
The best part is that these deals are offered online at CircuitCity.com, too, so you don't have to actually leave the comfort of your own home and, you know, socialize.
[Via CAG]
Toys R Us providing more Pokemon goodness to shoppers
by David Hinkle { Apr 20th 2008 at 2:00PM }
DS releases for the week of July 23rd
by Alisha Karabinus { Jul 23rd 2007 at 2:00PM }
This week sees the release of some interesting titles around the world, such as the latest in Pokémon for Europe, and Taiko Drum Master DS in Japan. American gamers get to contend with Dynasty Warriors DS. We know some of you are looking forward to it, and some ... well, aren't. But maybe it will surprise us!- Chameleon: To Dye For!
- Dynasty Warriors DS: Fighter's Battle
- Ultimate Puzzle Games: Sudoku Edition
Diamond and Pearl release raises classic Pokmon prices
by Kyle Orland { Jun 22nd 2007 at 12:29PM }
The drive to catch all 493 beasts in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl is causing a surge in demand for old Pokémon games. JJGames' used video games price tracker shows the average price for used, classic Pokémon games rising over 20 percent since early Feburary. Used game prices in general went down nearly 20 percent during the same period.
As the above graph shows, the Pokémon prices largely track with the market through the end of February, when they surged ahead of the DS games' April 22 release. The prices take a downward turn for the month after Diamond and Pearl's release, then shoot up again after Memorial Day, the traditional start of summer.
While this meteoric rise might encourage you to invest all your savings into used Pokémon games, we encourage caution. A well-diversified portfolio of used games is the only way to avoid fiascos like this one.
Pokemon pokes fun at Sony
by David Hinkle { Apr 25th 2007 at 10:00AM }
We can't say we've encountered this for ourselves yet, but apparently it's in the game. Whether it's a joke at Sony's expense or not, we're laughing all the same. Now, if only that trainer used Krabby ...
See also: Gotta watch 'em all: Pokemon videos
DS releases for the week of April 23rd
by Alisha Karabinus { Apr 23rd 2007 at 4:15PM }
As you may have heard, there's some serious Pokémon action this week, and the sheer magnitude of that spotlight has somewhat dwarfed everything else -- but fear not, there are other games for those who aren't Poké-fans. Note that we're not promising they're good ... we're just saying that they are, in fact, games. We're curious how SNK vs. Capcom Card Fighters turns out, definitely, since we've heard mixed reports. - Classic Action: Devilish
- Pokemon Diamond
- Pokemon Pearl
- SNK vs. Capcom Card Fighters DS
Joystiq at the Pokemon launch party in NYC
by Andrew Yoon { Apr 23rd 2007 at 8:00AM }
Thousands of Pokemon fans stormed the Nintendo World Store for their incredible Pokemon Diamond & Pearl launch party. Getting into the event was no easy task, as the line stretched across a New York avenue. Once inside, fans were treated to equally long lines to purchase the game, and a myriad of activities to partake in. A scavenger hunt had Pokemaniacs survive the heat and go through all the stations set up for fans.
Junichi Masuda and Shigeru Ohmori from Game Freak stopped by to answer fan's questions and sign autographs. In spite of the surprising success of the Pokemon franchise, the two were incredibly humble and seemed jovial in the presence of their adoring fans. Children (of all ages) crowded the plaza for a chance to meet some of the people responsible for this global phenomenon.
To end the festivities, Nintendo made an incredible donation to Earth Day NY: a giant check (is there any other kind?) for $10,000 was presented to the eco-friendly charity. The event was a blast, and everyone appeared to be in high spirits. Considering the thousands of people in attendance, it's safe to say that the Pokemon phenomenon is still going strong.
Spoiler alert: all of the new Pokemon revealed
by David Hinkle { Mar 19th 2007 at 4:55PM }
If you're, like, crazy obsessed with the Pokemon, then clearly this post is not for you. In fact, we suggest you head on out to the kitchen (or break room), grab yourself a popsicle and relax for a couple of minutes. You deserve it. You worked hard.For the rest of you, who're looking to just have everything spoiled, we suggest you check out the link, as it presents you with all the dirt on the latest and greatest Pokemon set to be featured in next month's release of Pokemon Diamond & Pearl. There's a full break down of each, including their elemental properties and original Japanese name.
[Thanks, Ali!]
GDC 07: Pokemon Pearl impressions
by Andrew Yoon { Mar 8th 2007 at 5:30PM }
The Pokemon machine just doesn't stop. Pokemon Pearl was available at GDC on a pretty pink DS Lite, and while no one was looking, I got to get my hands on it. While the Pokemon franchise isn't known for its graphics, the first thing I noticed as a long-time Pokemon fan was how improved the graphics have become. The screens may not show it off too well, but the game features much better character sprites in the game world. Looking at the aliasing issues in the game, it appears that the world may even have a psuedo-3D engine behind it as well. Unfortunately, the battles haven't received as nice of a makeover: they still look incredibly primitive, even by GBA standards: the uninspired battle animations certainly don't leave a good impression.Other than the cosmetic changes, it doesn't appear as though the world of Pokemon has changed too much. Like previous iterations of the franchise, this version introduces even more pocket monsters to capture ... but not much else. The game doesn't stray far from the original Pokemon formula: classic elements, such as being forced into a fight when spotted by a rival trainer, are still retained in this latest update.
Strangely, use of the touch screen seems conspicuously absent. Of course, with other titles like Pokemon Ranger trying to take the franchise in a different direction, maybe it's best that Pokemon remains unchanged for its next major DS release.
Gotta pre-catch 'em all: Pokemon preorder bonuses
by JC Fletcher { Feb 17th 2007 at 2:15PM }
If you've been on the fence about this whole Pokémon thing, just waiting to be convinced about the monster-collecting genre (thus giving away your rock-underside-located residential status) then Nintendo knows just how to tempt you: free junk. Preorder the new DS Poké-games, Diamond and Pearl, from the Gamestop -EB mega-retail conglomerate and you'll be rewarded with a stylus! Also included is a ... stylus ... holder! It's a holder for your stylus! (Back in our day, we had stylus holders too. We called them DSes.)Naturally, both of these items are decorated with Pokemans, so friends who come anywhere near your DS-wielding hand or your designated DS Accessories Storage Area will be tipped off about your pathological need -- your addiction -- to catch 'em.
Also, it wouldn't be Pokémon if there were no incentive to buy both games -- in the case of these bonuses, the styli each have a different little Poké-mascot on top: Dialga for the Diamond version and Palkia for the Pearl version. We assure you that those are real Pokémon names and not rare diseases. Or maybe both? We don't have medical degrees.
[Via GayGamer]
Pokemon struggles on Wii
by James Ransom-Wiley { Dec 27th 2006 at 3:55PM }
If Nintendo execs assumed Pokemon Diamond & Pearl's chart-topping popularity would be an indication of Pokemon Battle Revolution's inevitable success, they were wrong. Despite Japanese shipments of Diamond & Pearl recently hitting the five-million mark, Battle Revolution, Wii's first online title, has struggled to make an impact on the sales chart, with only 67,607 copies sold in its first full week of release; by comparison, 69,923 units of Wii Sports were sold during that same period.Nintendo oddly silent on Pokemon DS online
by Justin Murray { Dec 22nd 2006 at 9:40AM }
With the new era of Pokemon coming out to savage the time of millions of DS owners worldwide, there is one feature we're not hearing much about. That feature? Online play via the DS WiFi feature.
With the Wii version of Pokemon getting a serious amount of attention about online play, the lack of DS information is puzzling. Many think that Pearl/Diamond will be completely without online compatibility. However, Nintendo quashed that rumor, saying the online play is there; they prefer the fan base to create their own buzz.
Being mum on the next big Pokemon's key feature isn't quite surprising. Nintendo has never had a problem moving handheld Pokemon titles. Nintendo is most likely choosing to focus their efforts on promoting the console version of the franchise, which will have an additional benefit of moving more Wii consoles in the process. Don't worry, Pokemon fans, you'll be throwing down with people around the nation in Pearl/Diamond.
