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[NPD: 2010's bestselling game releases by platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/npd-2010s-bestselling-game-releases-by-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/npd-2010s-bestselling-game-releases-by-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/npd-2010s-bestselling-game-releases-by-platform/#comments Gamasutra has obtained NPD data that puts a new filter on last year's US box-copy software sales, ranking the top ten bestselling 2010 releases for each console and handheld platform (PC excluded). Like the monthly NPD breakdowns, these rankings don't include actual sales numbers, but they do reveal some interesting trends.

By omitting Nintendo's so-called "evergreen" titles (i.e., games released before 2010), Gamasutra found that -- perhaps unsurprisingly -- Just Dance 2 was last year's top-selling 2010 release for Wii, and among six additional third-party games that made the top ten in sales for the platform. On DS, however, Nintendo games filled out half of the top ten, and Pokemon SoulSilver and HeartGold were the only titles to surpass sales of one million units each.

At first glance, PSP software sales look even bleaker, with Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep on top and, according to Gamastura, the only PSP title to break 300K units sold; with the other top ten games each falling below 200K. Of course, these rankings don't include digital sales or box-copy games bundled with hardware, so it's unlikely that Birth by Sleep (which isn't available on the PlayStation Store) was the true #1 bestseller among 2010's PSP releases -- let alone the most pirated.

What is certain is that Call of Duty: Black Ops dominated torrents, as well as the games legitimately sold for PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2010. Still, both Sony and Microsoft saw two first-party releases make their console's respective top ten sales charts for the year; though each publisher's most critically-acclaimed release of 2010 -- at least, from Joystiq's perspective -- was not present. Perhaps telling of the two console's core player bases, Madden 11 beat out God of War 3 for the #2 spot on the PS3 chart, but fell to #3 beneath Halo: Reach in the Xbox 360 ranking.

Finally, we have to wonder just what were they thinking? They, of course, being all those Xbox 360 owners that purchased Fable 3 and Fallout: New Vegas instead of Mass Effect 2. Three and a half stars plus four still doesn't add up to the Game of the Year, people.

Check out Gamastutra for the complete breakdown of 2010's bestselling releases by platform.

JoystiqNPD: 2010's bestselling game releases by platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010call-of-duty-black-opsdsfable-3fallout-new-vegasgod-of-war-3halo-reachjust-dance-2kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepmadden-nfl-11mass-effect-2microsoftnintendonpdplaystationpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverps3pspsalessoftwaresonyusawiixboxMon, 07 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Toys R Us now distributing TV's Pikachu to your DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/toys-r-us-now-distributing-tvs-pikachu-to-your-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/toys-r-us-now-distributing-tvs-pikachu-to-your-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/toys-r-us-now-distributing-tvs-pikachu-to-your-ds/#comments Sure, you've probably caught plenty of Pikachu across the various generations of the Pokémon franchise, but have you ever added a celebrity Pikachu to your collection? Toys R Us is offering a chance for you to do just that from today through February 13 -- just stop by any participating location with any of the DS Pokémon games in tow, and you can download "Ash's Pikachu" directly to your roster.

What sets this particular instance of the electric rat apart from the others? Well, he possesses the same moveset as the Pikachu from the television show (Thunderbolt, Iron Tail and Volt Tackle, for interested parties) and generally has an air of authenticity you'll find lacking in your run-of-the-mill Pikachu. At least, it will until you delete those moves, replacing them with stronger abilities, then breed the little guy into oblivion hoping to get a Pichu with a favorable Nature, whom you can then EV train, evolve and level up until you have a lean, mean, Lv. 100 Raichu-killing-machine.

... We're sad that we know what all of those things mean.

Continue reading Toys R Us now distributing TV's Pikachu to your DS

JoystiqToys R Us now distributing TV's Pikachu to your DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloaddsnintendopikachupokemonPokemon-Heart-Goldtoys-r-usThu, 03 Feb 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: GameStop to distribute Celebi for Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/rumor-gamestop-to-distribute-celebi-for-pokemon-heartgold-and-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/rumor-gamestop-to-distribute-celebi-for-pokemon-heartgold-and-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/rumor-gamestop-to-distribute-celebi-for-pokemon-heartgold-and-s/#commentsThere are already plenty of upcoming opportunities for you to go to stores and download new Pokemon for HeartGold, SoulSilver, Diamond and Pearl. According to reports claimed to originate from GameStop employees with access to the promotional materials for those events, there is still one more that has yet to be announced. In the underworld of retail Pokemon data distribution events, news travels fast.

According to the reports, GameStop will offer Celebi downloads from February 27 through March 7. This is noteworthy enough, as Celebi is exceptionally rare, but this particular Celebi activates a time-travel event when encountered in HeartGold and SoulSilver, which can't be accessed any other way. Having this Celebi and transferring it into the upcoming Pokemon Black or White will also allow you to get a Zorua, one of the new Pokemon in that game.

So, in conclusion, we just wrote a whole bunch about a Pokemon distribution event that hasn't been announced. Didn't expect to do that today.

JoystiqRumor: GameStop to distribute Celebi for Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebidsgamestopnintendopokemon-black-and-whitePokemon-Heart-GoldMon, 03 Jan 2011 19:00:00 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[Best of the Rest: Griffin's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2010/#comments Cave Story
I am mad at everyone I've ever known for not telling me to play Cave Story before I grabbed it late last year. Within two months, I had beaten it four times across two different platforms. It's arguably the most charming game I've ever played, with deep layers of Metroidvania-esque exploration and a level of difficulty which expertly straddles the line between challenging and frustrating. It's one of the most polished games I played during the year, and if you find yourself with an overabundance of virtual Nintendo currency, you absolutely need to own it. Twice, if you have the means.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Griffin's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Griffin's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-rest-2010cave-storydsgod-of-war-3microsoftminecraftnintendopcplaystationpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverps3sleep-is-deathsuper-mario-galaxy-2wiiworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmxboxWed, 29 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Largest Pokemon Center on Earth opening in Osaka next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/largest-pokemon-center-on-earth-opening-in-osaka-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/largest-pokemon-center-on-earth-opening-in-osaka-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/largest-pokemon-center-on-earth-opening-in-osaka-next-month/#comments Nintendo has announced a few more details about the new Pokémon Center it's planning on opening soon in the heart of Osaka. The retail outlet, which will swing wide its colorful doors on November 26th, will stuff 2,500 different kinds of purchasable Pokémon goods and a "Union Room," where players can congregate to trade and battle, into 9,000 square feet of retail space, making it the largest Pokémon Center on this, our planet Earth. We want to go to there.

It sounds like a pretty huge ordeal, but it's kind of a waste -- all anyone ever does in those places in run to the front desk, heal their dudes, then run back out for more adventures and stuff.

[Image Credit: Ipin]

JoystiqLargest Pokemon Center on Earth opening in Osaka next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsjapannintendoosakapokemonpokemon-centerPokemon-Heart-GoldThe-Pokemon-CompanyTue, 26 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach, New Super Mario Bros. top software sales for 2010 (so far)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/halo-reach-new-super-mario-bros-top-software-sales-for-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/halo-reach-new-super-mario-bros-top-software-sales-for-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/halo-reach-new-super-mario-bros-top-software-sales-for-2010/#comments Gamasutra recently pieced together NPD data for the first nine months of 2010 to give us a look at the top-selling software of the year so far. Though the data doesn't combine the sales of multiplatform titles -- which might affect the landscape of the chart -- the results are a little perplexing. (And not just because half of the games therein were released in 2009.)

Halo: Reach is leading the pack so far, followed by New Super Mario Bros. Wii, which is so, so old. Also, the 360 version of Red Dead Redemption made the list, but not the PS3 version. Even more confusing than that: Pokémon SoulSilver made the list, while Pokémon HeartGold did not. What earthly reason could there possibly be for that? Did consumers think that gold would be more gaudy than silver?

JoystiqHalo: Reach, New Super Mario Bros. top software sales for 2010 (so far) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsHalo-Reachmicrosoftnintendoplaystationpokemon-heart-goldps3red-dead-redemptionwiixboxThu, 21 Oct 2010 00:00:00 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[Catch Latias or Latios in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver's latest Wi-Fi event]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/catch-latias-or-latios-in-pokemon-heartgold-and-soulsilver/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/catch-latias-or-latios-in-pokemon-heartgold-and-soulsilver/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/catch-latias-or-latios-in-pokemon-heartgold-and-soulsilver/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The latest online-exclusive content for Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver will give you the opportunity to acquire the Legendary Pokémon Latias or Latios for your e-menagerie, and all you have to do is ... well, kind of a lot of stuff, actually.

In order to take part in the event, you'll have to have beaten the Elite Four and received the National Pokédex. Then, you'll have to connect to the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection between July 31 and August 27 and fight a Pokémon holding an Enigma Stone. This will indirectly lead to an encounter with Latios (in HeartGold) or Latias (in SoulSilver) -- all in a day's work in the endless pursuit of 'em all.

[Press release is posted after the break.]

Continue reading Catch Latias or Latios in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver's latest Wi-Fi event

JoystiqCatch Latias or Latios in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver's latest Wi-Fi event originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCdsnintendopokemonPokemon-Heart-GoldPokemon-Soul-SilverWed, 28 Jul 2010 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver reaches 8.4m sold; other Nintendo million-sellers revealed from last fiscal year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/pokemon-heartgold-soulsilver-reaches-8-million-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/pokemon-heartgold-soulsilver-reaches-8-million-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/pokemon-heartgold-soulsilver-reaches-8-million-sold/#commentsAs an addition to its overall earnings report, Nintendo has released a list of first-party million-sellers from its last fiscal year (ending March 31). Many of these games, including Wii Sports and Wii Fit, have been out for years, but still managed to sell more than a million units over the last four quarters!

On DS, Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver have sold an astonishing 8.4 million copies -- 3.78 million in Japan, where the game's been out since September, and 4.62 million outside of Japan in just a few short weeks of availability before the close of the fiscal year. Nintendo's Japan-only Tomodachi Collection sold 3.2 million copies, and Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box moved a respectable 2.43 million copies outside of Japan. Even Style Savvy, which has a somewhat low profile in North America and Europe, sold 1.21 million copies in those territories. As for two perennial bestsellers, Mario Kart DS and New Super Mario Bros. each sold over three million copies outside of Japan in the last fiscal year.

Nintendo's marquee 2009 Wii titles, Wii Sports Resort, Wii Fit Plus and New Super Mario Bros. Wii, sold more than 10 million units each in North America and Europe alone; and worldwide, those titles sold 16.14 million, 12.65 million, and 14.7 million copies, respectively, through the fiscal year. But if you think those are big numbers, think again. Thanks to Wii Sports being bundled with the Wii system outside of Japan, the game now totals 63.46 million units sold. Heck, even Link's Crossbow Training (bundled with the Wii Zapper) broke a million sold in the last fiscal year.

Head past the break for the complete list of million-sellers from Nintendo's fiscal year ending March 31, 2010.

Source [PDF] - Supplementary information about earnings release [Nintendo]

Continue reading Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver reaches 8.4m sold; other Nintendo million-sellers revealed from last fiscal year

JoystiqPokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver reaches 8.4m sold; other Nintendo million-sellers revealed from last fiscal year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSLinks-Crossbow-Trainingmillion-sellersnew-super-mario-bros-wiiNintendopokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-heartgoldprofessor-layton-and-the-diabolical-boxsalessoftwarestyle-savvytomodachi-collectionWiiwii-fit-pluswii-sportswii-sports-resortFri, 07 May 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Walk the Winner's Path in new Pokemon HeartGold / SoulSilver DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/walk-the-winners-path-in-new-pokemon-heartgold-soulsilver-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/walk-the-winners-path-in-new-pokemon-heartgold-soulsilver-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/walk-the-winners-path-in-new-pokemon-heartgold-soulsilver-dlc/#commentsNintendo continues to support Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver with new downloadable paths, through which you can pick up new Pokemon and items.

From tomorrow, May 6, through June 25, Pokemon players in North America will be able to access the "Winner's Path Route" DLC. Pokemon available in the route, to those who pick up enough Watts with the Pokewalker accessory, include a Munchlax that knows "Selfdestruct," a Magikarp that can learn "Bounce" upon evolution into Gyarados and others, along with items like the Focus Sash, the Choice Scarf and the Choice Band. You can see the full details of the offerings here.

Can you resist the allure of a special Magikarp? Of course not!

JoystiqWalk the Winner's Path in new Pokemon HeartGold / SoulSilver DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcpokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-heartgoldpokemon-soul-silverwinners-pathWed, 05 May 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week on Nintendo Channel: Pokemon reminiscing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/this-week-on-nintendo-channel-pokemon-reminiscing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/this-week-on-nintendo-channel-pokemon-reminiscing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/this-week-on-nintendo-channel-pokemon-reminiscing/#comments Man, has it really been that long since those Pokémon hit the scene? Right now, we feel incredibly old, but don't let our impending deaths bring you down! This week on the Nintendo Channel, a pair of suspiciously attractive PokéTrainers talk about their favorite moments in the franchise.

After that, head past the break for the list of this week's content.

Continue reading This Week on Nintendo Channel: Pokemon reminiscing

JoystiqThis Week on Nintendo Channel: Pokemon reminiscing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demods-demosnintendo-channelpokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverMon, 19 Apr 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive Pokewalker path available as Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/exclusive-pokewalker-path-available-as-pokemon-heartgold-soulsil/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/exclusive-pokewalker-path-available-as-pokemon-heartgold-soulsil/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/exclusive-pokewalker-path-available-as-pokemon-heartgold-soulsil/#commentsDone with everything in Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver? Of course you are -- it's been like two whole weeks. Luckily, Nintendo is supplying some new downloadable content, in the form of the Pokewalker route "Yellow Forest." To get it, you have to enable "Mystery Gift" and connect to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection between now and May 5 to download the route.

The Yellow Forest, as you might guess from the name, is loaded with Pikachus. In fact, if you get enough steps on the Pokewalker, you can get a special Pikachu with the Surf or Fly abilities! ... You're already downloading this, aren't you? We could type anything here and you'd have no idea. Or we could even just leave in the middle of

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqExclusive Pokewalker path available as Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcpikachupokemonpokemon-heart-goldyellow-forestThu, 01 Apr 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: How to cheat with your Pokewalker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/video-how-to-cheat-with-your-pokewalker/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/video-how-to-cheat-with-your-pokewalker/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/video-how-to-cheat-with-your-pokewalker/#comments Look, we know the headline kinda endorses cheating and we often err on the less evil side of things, but desperation has left us little choice. It's just that some of us are so damn sick of hearing about how great Griffin's Blissey is. Yeah, we get it, dude -- can't we just eat our peanut butter sandwich in the break room in peace? We don't care about how much damage your Hitmonlee does. That's why the tutorial video on how to cheat using the Pokewalker past the break is such valuable intel for us.

So, we've resorted to doing the unthinkable: we're going to play Pokemon. We're going to play and we're going to level up our pokemans so high, it's going to fog up that jerk's glasses and take the breath right out of his lungs. Soon, he will know true pain as he's squashed beneath the scales of our Magikarp. Embarrassment, thy name will soon be Griffin McElroy!

[Via Destructoid]

Continue reading Video: How to cheat with your Pokewalker

JoystiqVideo: How to cheat with your Pokewalker originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheatsDSglitchheartgoldmachineNintendopokemonpokemon-companypokemon-heart-goldpokewalkersoulsilvervideoTue, 23 Mar 2010 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Snap Judgment: Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/snap-judgment-pokemon-heartgold-and-soulsilver/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/snap-judgment-pokemon-heartgold-and-soulsilver/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/snap-judgment-pokemon-heartgold-and-soulsilver/#comments I can't remember a single game release I ever anticipated more in my life than Pokémon Gold and Silver. By the time the game hit U.S. store shelves in 2000, I'd been rendered a shivering addict to versions Blue and Red for nearly two years. The promise of new pocket-sized monsters and new areas to explore thrilled me to the central of my very being -- and thankfully, the franchise's massive second generation did not disappoint.

I'm a decade older now, and while I've retained most of my love for the franchise since my middle school career, I worried that the recently released remakes, HeartGold and SoulSilver, wouldn't have the same intoxicating properties as their source materials. Now that I've spent about eight hours in the game, I feel confident in reporting that these remakes possess the same gripping magic as the originals -- partially due to the infusion of new elements introduced in later generations of the series, and, surprisingly, due to the bundled Pokéwalker peripheral.

Gallery: Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver (DS)

Continue reading Snap Judgment: Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver

JoystiqSnap Judgment: Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSgame-freaknintendopokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silversnap-judgmentthe-pokemon-companyThu, 18 Mar 2010 10:54:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Pokemon TV spots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-pokemon-tv-spots/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-pokemon-tv-spots/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-pokemon-tv-spots/#comments This week's Nintendo Channel update is about as light as it gets. Sure, there's a new DS demo to check out and a pair of TV spots for Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver -- but that's about it.

Oh, you don't believe us? Well, that hurts our feelings, but, by all means, check out the full list of this week's content past the break for yourselves. We'll just wait for you in the corner with our broken heart.

Continue reading This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Pokemon TV spots

JoystiqThis Week on the Nintendo Channel: Pokemon TV spots originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendo-channelPokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverMon, 08 Mar 2010 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo leading fans on wild Pokemon chase in New York City]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/nintendo-leading-fans-on-wild-pokemon-chase-in-new-york-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/nintendo-leading-fans-on-wild-pokemon-chase-in-new-york-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/nintendo-leading-fans-on-wild-pokemon-chase-in-new-york-city/#commentsNintendo is adding an ambulatory flourish to its Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver launch, celebrating the PokeWalker accessory with a guided walk around New York City's Times Square. On Sunday, March 14, Pikachu footprints will be placed around Broadway Plaza, inviting fans to trace the trail of the fictional giant rat, with live demonstrations of the game and accessory along the trail.

Nintendo's usual launch events take place at the Nintendo World Store in Rockefeller Center, but this one is located in (and around) the Times Square Toys 'R' Us. Should you show up at the NWS, you'll just have to do a little extra walking.

JoystiqNintendo leading fans on wild Pokemon chase in New York City originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>launch-eventnew-york-citypokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokewalkertoys-r-usMon, 08 Mar 2010 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, Pokewalker caught on video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/pokemon-heartgold-and-soulsilver-pokewalker-caught-on-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/pokemon-heartgold-and-soulsilver-pokewalker-caught-on-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/pokemon-heartgold-and-soulsilver-pokewalker-caught-on-video/#comments
If you're hoping to learn more about the device which you'll soon be hiding within your deepest, darkest pocket, filling you with terror that, while withdrawing your keys, you'll accidentally expose the accessory, bringing your reticent Pokémaniacal tendencies to light, forcing you to ... wait, what were we talking about again? Oh, yes, the Pokéwalker accessory which comes with HeartGold and SoulSilver was recently demoed in a video released at the Nintendo Media Summit, and posted above. Looks like it has some neat functionality beyond just step-counting.

Oh, the games themselves also received their own trailer, which is posted after the jump. We've seen most of the footage shown there before -- though the music is new, and totally triumphant.

Continue reading Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, Pokewalker caught on video

JoystiqPokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, Pokewalker caught on video originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSgame-freaknintendonintendo-media-summit-2010pokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokewalkerrpgthe-pokemon-companytrailervideoWed, 24 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Catch Jirachi at your local GameStop on February 27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/catch-jirachi-at-your-local-gamestop-on-february-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/catch-jirachi-at-your-local-gamestop-on-february-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/catch-jirachi-at-your-local-gamestop-on-february-27/#comments Is your elite Pokémon fighting force lacking a certain adorability factor? Starting this coming Saturday, February 27, GameStop will have the perfect remedy to your problem -- the retailer will offer a free download of the legendary Psychic/Steel-type Jirachi for anyone who treks to the store with a copy of Pokémon Pearl, Diamond or Platinum in tow. The promotion will run until March 13 -- the day before HeartGold and SoulSilver hit store shelves.

As an added bonus, trainers who have Jirachi in their collection will have access to a special training route on HeartGold and SoulSilver's bundled accessory, the Pokéwalker. That might just be enough to give us the courage required to suffer the judgmental looks of our local GameStop's customers and employees.

JoystiqCatch Jirachi at your local GameStop on February 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadDSgame-freakgamestopjirachinintendopokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokewalkerrpgTue, 23 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Video Game Championships return this spring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/pokemon-video-game-championships-return-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/pokemon-video-game-championships-return-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/pokemon-video-game-championships-return-this-spring/#comments
Justin McElroy: The first details are out on the return of the Pokémon Video Game Championships slated for this spring, in which players will compete for the first time using Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. To help me make sense of the gobbledygook on the official site, I turned to confirmed Pokémaniac Griffin McElroy. Thank you for joining us, Griffin.

Griffin McElroy: My pleasure. Also, please don't use my real name.

Continue reading Pokemon Video Game Championships return this spring

JoystiqPokemon Video Game Championships return this spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSnintendopokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-video-game-championshipWed, 10 Feb 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[English Pokemon Heart Gold/Soul Silver gets exclusive mini-game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/english-pokemon-heart-gold-soul-silver-gets-exclusive-mini-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/english-pokemon-heart-gold-soul-silver-gets-exclusive-mini-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/english-pokemon-heart-gold-soul-silver-gets-exclusive-mini-game/#comments We've always thought the regular inclusion of slot machines in the kid-friendly world of Pokémon to be bit strange, and apparently we weren't the only ones. According to Official Nintendo Magazine, the English-language versions of Heart Gold and Soul Silver have had their gambling devices replaced by a new mini-game which, according to the magazine, is surprisingly fun.

In the new game, players must flip over panels in a five-by-five grid. Some panels hide multipliers for the player's coins. Some, however, hide Voltorbs, which end the round and cause the player to lose all coins accumulated to that point. You can guess where each Voltorb is hidden using numerical clues at the end of each row and column -- it other words, its Picross meets Minesweeper. Meets Pokémon. Yes, please.

JoystiqEnglish Pokemon Heart Gold/Soul Silver gets exclusive mini-game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-freakmini-gamesnintendopokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverWed, 03 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Nintendo software sales report features large numbers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/latest-nintendo-software-sales-report-features-large-numbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/latest-nintendo-software-sales-report-features-large-numbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/latest-nintendo-software-sales-report-features-large-numbers/#comments Look, we get just as tired of seeing Nintendo's remarkably high software sales figures every few months as you do -- that's why, this time around, we're going to do things a little differently. We're just going to add up all the life-to-date totals for the company's biggest titles, and just drop them in one big chunk. Ready? Okay, here we go: 247,780,000.

Well, that sure didn't work. Fine, we'll break down each of the games highlighted by Nintendo's recent financial report (warning: .pdf link) and post their FY2010 sales and life-to-date sales after the jump. (Fun fact: All of the Wii games actually have "Wii" in the title. It's like the Nintendo 64 days all over again!)

Continue reading Latest Nintendo software sales report features large numbers

JoystiqLatest Nintendo software sales report features large numbers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSNintendopokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silversalesWiiWii-Sportswii-sports-resortFri, 29 Jan 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hey Griffin, Pikachu-colored Pichu downloadable at GameStop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/hey-griffin-pikachu-colored-pichu-downloadable-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/hey-griffin-pikachu-colored-pichu-downloadable-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/hey-griffin-pikachu-colored-pichu-downloadable-at-gamestop/#commentsThere are all kinds of different reasons for choosing to write one story over another. For instance, I'm telling you about a Pokémon-centric GameStop promotion solely to irritate Joystiq co-worker and co-brother Griffin McElroy with my ignorance. It's a pretty big sacrifice for a major gaming website with millions of readers, but Griffin loves Pokémon more than you love most members of your immediate family, so it's absolutely worth it.

So, apparently, if you take Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon Diamond or Pokémon Pearl (are there really that many?) into GameStop between January 30 and February 14, you can get a Pikachu-colored Pichu. That Pichu will also give you access to the mythical, spiky-eared Pichu in Pokémon Heart Gold and Pokémon Soul Silver (There are more of them? And they're called that?!). So make sure to say "Hi" to Griffin and his girlfriend there.

Oh, and by the way: That thing to the right is a Pichu. I don't know how to break it to you, Griffin, but he is Pikachu-colored and has spiky ears.

JoystiqHey Griffin, Pikachu-colored Pichu downloadable at GameStop originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsigamestoppokemonpokemon-diamondpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-pearlpokemon-platinumpokemon-soul-silverWed, 27 Jan 2010 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver pre-order bonuses revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/pokemon-heartgold-soulsilver-pre-order-bonuses-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/pokemon-heartgold-soulsilver-pre-order-bonuses-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/pokemon-heartgold-soulsilver-pre-order-bonuses-revealed/#comments
Click to go-oh into the galleryEven though you guys are all going to buy them anyway, Nintendo has seen fit to offer pre-order bonuses for Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, the upcoming DS remakes of the Game Boy Color's Gold and Silver. Starting February 1, a pre-order for either version at "participating retailers" will earn you a figurine featuring the Legendary Pokémon on the game's cover, produced by Japanese toy company Kaiyodo (the company also responsible for Revoltech figures like the amazing Professor Layton coming soon).

You'll get Lugia (left) with your SoulSilver reservation, and Ho-oh with copies of HeartGold. If you get them both (as we know many will), you'll totally be setting yourself up for some thrilling battles on your desk when nobody's around.

Gallery: Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver pre-order bonuses

JoystiqPokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver pre-order bonuses revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSho-ohkaiyodolugiaNintendopokemonpokemon-heart-goldpre-orderrpgTue, 19 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokewalker accessory included in North American Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/pokewalker-accessory-included-in-north-american-pokemon-heartgol/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/pokewalker-accessory-included-in-north-american-pokemon-heartgol/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/pokewalker-accessory-included-in-north-american-pokemon-heartgol/#commentsToday, Nintendo announced that the PokéWalker accessory, a Pokéball-shaped pedometer that interfaces with Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, will be packaged with copies of the games when they arrive in stores on March 14. Nintendo had previously dated Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver along with the rest of its Q1 lineup, but it omitted mention of the accessory -- though the game's Amazon listing didn't.

The Pokéwalker allows players to earn "Watts" with their steps, which can be used both to catch Pokémon inside the device and unlock routes in the main game. In addition, the device enables wireless item trading between two Pokéwalker carriers. Gotta walk the mall to catch 'em all!

Gallery: Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver (DS)

JoystiqPokewalker accessory included in North American Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSNintendopedometerpokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-heartgoldpokewalkerMon, 11 Jan 2010 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[ASCII Media Works tracks Japan's top selling games of 2009 (so far)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/ascii-media-works-tracks-japans-top-selling-games-of-2009-so-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/ascii-media-works-tracks-japans-top-selling-games-of-2009-so-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/ascii-media-works-tracks-japans-top-selling-games-of-2009-so-f/#comments
[GAME Watch]
Yes, the year technically isn't over yet -- but let's be honest: Nobody's going to be buying any new games over the next four days. As such, Dengeki publisher ASCII Media Works thought it appropriate to track the 30 best-selling games in Japan for 2009. Or, rather, 99 percent of 2009.

There aren't too many big surprises; Dragon Quest IX took top honors with 4,089,136 units sold, and Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver came in second with 3,301,873 in sales. Despite having only been out for a little over a week, Final Fantasy XIII actually managed a sixth place finish with 1,455,505 units sold. Check out the full list of top-selling games after the jump.

[Via Kotaku]

Continue reading ASCII Media Works tracks Japan's top selling games of 2009 (so far)

JoystiqASCII Media Works tracks Japan's top selling games of 2009 (so far) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascii-media-worksdengekiDQ9Dragon-QuestDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ixDSfinal-fantasy-xiiijapanJRPGLevel-5MicrosoftNintendopokemon-heart-goldRPGsalessoftwareSquare-EnixWiiXbox-360Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon listing for Pokemon remakes includes March 14 release date, Pokewalker accessory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/13/amazon-listing-for-pokemon-remakes-includes-march-14-release-dat/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/13/amazon-listing-for-pokemon-remakes-includes-march-14-release-dat/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/13/amazon-listing-for-pokemon-remakes-includes-march-14-release-dat/#comments Though Japan has been enjoying the adorable bounties of Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver for months now, us poor westerners still don't know when to expect the games on our store shelves, or whether they'll include the Pokéwalker accessory which allows you to take one of your encapsulated soldiers out for a discreet night on the town. Fortunately, if the games' Amazon listings are on the money, both these Unown pieces of info have been divulged: According to the listings, they're coming March 14, along with the Poke Ball-shaped peripheral.

The latter information actually comes from the games' supposed box art, which we've posted above. We've contacted Nintendo to find out if the Amazon listing is authentic. If it's not, we're going to give them the most guilt-inspiring sad puppy face anyone's ever seen. It will be absolutely brutal.

JoystiqAmazon listing for Pokemon remakes includes March 14 release date, Pokewalker accessory originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonDSgame-freaknintendopokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverpokewalkerrelease-daterpgthe-pokemon-companySun, 13 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon remake screens, now in English]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/pokemon-remake-screens-now-in-english/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/pokemon-remake-screens-now-in-english/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/pokemon-remake-screens-now-in-english/#commentsONM has posted the first English screens of Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, coming to North America and Europe in spring 2010. The site highlights the newly redesigned Pokedex, which comes in both red and pink, and enables touchscreen-based obsessive browsing of your collection. Also visible: your starter Pokemon, who now follows you around like Pikachu in Pokémon Yellow.

There's still no mention of the PokeWalker accessory, unfortunately, making it increasingly likely that the Pokemon-training pedometer will be left out of the Western release.

JoystiqPokemon remake screens, now in English originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pokemonpokemon-heart-goldremakeWed, 09 Dec 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest IX is Q3's top-selling game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/dragon-quest-ix-is-q3s-top-selling-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/dragon-quest-ix-is-q3s-top-selling-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/dragon-quest-ix-is-q3s-top-selling-game/#commentsDespite the handicap of not being for sale in most of the world, Dragon Quest IX for the DS sold more copies than any other game in the world between July and September of this year, according to a Top Global Markets report. With 3,925,000 copies sold in Japan, it outsold the number two best-selling game for that period, Wii Sports Resort, by almost 1,000,000 copies -- and that game was available worldwide.

Following Wii Sports Resort in the top five: Madden NFL 2010 at 2,612,000, Pokemon HeartGold And SoulSilver at 2,068,000, and Halo 3: ODST, which was only out for a week in Q3, at 1,847,000 copies. All these games have plenty more sales ahead of them as the holidays approach!

JoystiqDragon Quest IX is Q3's top-selling game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DQ9Dragon-QuestDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ixDShalo-3-odstJRPGLevel-5madden-10MicrosoftNintendopokemon-heart-goldq3-2009RPGsalesSquare-Enixtop-global-marketsWiiXbox-360Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese gaming market continues to decline]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/japanese-gaming-market-continues-to-decline/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/japanese-gaming-market-continues-to-decline/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/japanese-gaming-market-continues-to-decline/#comments We got our first indication that the Japanese gaming industry wasn't doing too hot in July, when gaming hardware and software sales from the first half of 2009 had dropped 24 percent from the same period last year. The recently released sales figures from the first half of fiscal 2009 (which runs from March 31 through September 28) are equally downtrodden: According to the industry analysts at Enterbrain, the Japanese games market fell 10.5 percent during this six-month period. That figure represents a 15.1 percent drop in hardware sales and a 7.5 percent decline in software sales.

The various models of the Nintendo DS were the biggest sellers during this period, moving nearly 1.7 million units combined. Appropriately, the top two selling titles during the half-year were Dragon Quest IX, which sold nearly 4 million copies, and the recently released Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver editions, which sold a little over 2 million combined. Not faring quite as well are the PSP (813k units sold), Wii (594k units sold), PS3 (581k units sold) and Xbox 360, which moved a paltry 137k units in the first half of the fiscal year.

No use crying over spilled milk, we suppose. Things can only go up from here! Unless, of course, they continue to go down. That's also an option.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqJapanese gaming market continues to decline originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009DQ9Dragon-QuestDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ixDSfiscal-yearhardwareindustryjapanJRPGLevel-5Nintendopokemon-heart-goldRPGsalessoftwareSquare-EnixThu, 01 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon remakes break a million in two days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/pokemon-remakes-break-a-million-in-two-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/pokemon-remakes-break-a-million-in-two-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/pokemon-remakes-break-a-million-in-two-days/#commentsThe top two games on the Media Create charts for the week ending September 13 are Pokemon HeartGold and Pokemon SoulSilver. Despite coming out just one day before the end of that week, the games managed to outsell everything else in Japan, almost by a factor of ten. The distribution of the 1,442,990 copies sold was pretty evenly split between the two versions, with Soul Silver's 722,904 copies edging out Heart Gold's 720,086.

The number three spot belongs to Tomodachi Collection, also on the DS, followed by Dragon Quest IX, PS3's Gundam Senki, and Wii Sports Resort. The only other new game in the top ten is MAPLUS Portable Navi 3, a PSP map/navigation program.

JoystiqPokemon remakes break a million in two days originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSjapankidou-senshi-gundam-senkimaplusmedia-createNintendopokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverMon, 21 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo announces Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver for US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/nintendo-announces-pokemon-heart-gold-and-soul-silver-for-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/nintendo-announces-pokemon-heart-gold-and-soul-silver-for-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/nintendo-announces-pokemon-heart-gold-and-soul-silver-for-us/#commentsTurn those baseball caps backwards and clear you calendars, because Nintendo's latest Pokemon titles, Pokemon HeartGold and Pokemon SoulSilver, are set to invade North America during spring of next year. The games release in Japan next month and take players back to the Johto region, recreating the classic Pokemon Gold and Pokemon Silver games on the Game Boy Color. The press release made no mention of the walking functionality, which kind of bums us out. What, you didn't think we would actually beef up our Pokemon by playing the game, did you?

Gallery: Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver (DS)

JoystiqNintendo announces Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver for US originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSNintendopokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-heart-silverpokemon-heartgoldpokemon-heartsilverFri, 14 Aug 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver hitting Japan Sept. 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/pokemon-heart-gold-and-soul-silver-hitting-japan-sept-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/pokemon-heart-gold-and-soul-silver-hitting-japan-sept-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/pokemon-heart-gold-and-soul-silver-hitting-japan-sept-12/#comments
Yes, the once-vague "fall" launch window for the pedometer-infused pokéremakes, Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver, has evolved into a much more specific Japanese release date of September 12. The game will be catchable if you've got 4,980 yen ($50) to spare, which seems an exorbitant price, but is actually the standard cost of Pokémon titles in Japan, thanks to that completely unwarranted Adorability Tax.

North America hasn't gotten a release date or price for the remakes -- probably because Nintendo has yet to formally announce the games in the States -- but we'll let you know when it finally does. You'll know which post contains this announcement, because it'll be written in bold all-caps to reflect our uncontrollable excitement.

JoystiqPokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver hitting Japan Sept. 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-freaknintendopokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverrelease-dateFri, 26 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Gold/Silver remakes let you train Pokemon by walking]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/pokemon-gold-silver-remakes-let-you-train-pokemon-by-walking/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/pokemon-gold-silver-remakes-let-you-train-pokemon-by-walking/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/pokemon-gold-silver-remakes-let-you-train-pokemon-by-walking/#commentsTurns out that the same technology used in Personal Trainer: Walking to train you will also help you train Pokemans in Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver. According to Andriasang, the Pokémon Sunday TV show revealed a new pedometer device used in the game, called the "Poké Walker," that resembles a cross between a Pokeball and the Pokémon Mini handheld. For some reason, Nintendo decided to make another wireless pedometer peripheral for the DS rather than allowing people to use the existing one.

The device allows you to build one Pokémon's experience and personal affinity simply by walking. In addition, the Poké Walker generates "watts," which can be used to catch wild creatures and find tools inside the Poké Walker world to send back to the full game.

Check out the first screens of the remakes in our gallery, as you come to the terrifying realization that Nintendo didn't mention this game at all at E3.

Gallery: Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver (DS)

JoystiqPokemon Gold/Silver remakes let you train Pokemon by walking originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSNintendopedometerpoke-walkerpokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverMon, 08 Jun 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First footage of Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/10/first-footage-of-pokemon-heart-gold-and-soul-silver-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/10/first-footage-of-pokemon-heart-gold-and-soul-silver-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/10/first-footage-of-pokemon-heart-gold-and-soul-silver-revealed/#comments
As promised, today's episode of Pokémon Sunday brought the now not-so-surprising reveal of Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver. While the actual revelation wasn't particularly mind-blowing, the episode did feature a few seconds of gameplay (posted after the break) that will likely whet the appetites of many a pocket-sized monster fanatic.

The gameplay itself isn't that interesting -- the protagonist merely walks in circles a few times -- though we do get a good sense of the Pearl and Diamond-esque art style the remakes will adopt. Also, if this clip is any indication, it looks like your starter pokémon will follow your character around in a Pokémon Yellow-esque fashion. We feel so sorry for Pokémon detractors. If you guys had hearts, that news would make them feel pretty warm.

Continue reading First footage of Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver revealed

JoystiqFirst footage of Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSgame-freakmothernintendopokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverpokemon-sundaySun, 10 May 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo chooses to announce Pokemon Gold and Silver remakes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/nintendo-chooses-to-announce-pokemon-gold-and-silver-remakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/nintendo-chooses-to-announce-pokemon-gold-and-silver-remakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/nintendo-chooses-to-announce-pokemon-gold-and-silver-remakes/#commentsSo, that Pokémon announcement that everyone assumed would be remakes of Gold and Silver? Totally remakes of Gold and Silver. We'll get to play new versions of the Game Boy Color Pokemans and we get the satisfaction of being right! This time, it was Nintendo that jumped the gun with the announcement.

The DS remakes, called Pokémon Heart Gold and Pokémon Soul Silver, are scheduled for release in Japan this fall. Going by the time it took Diamond and Pearl to reach North America, we could possibly see these by spring 2010.

[Via Kotaku; thanks, Fernando Rocker!]

JoystiqNintendo chooses to announce Pokemon Gold and Silver remakes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 May 2009 23:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSNintendopokemonpokemon-gold-and-silverpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverremakeThu, 07 May 2009 23:23:00 EST