Supporters of Japanese football who also happen to be obsessed with Pokémon are in for a special treat with a very exclusive giveaway. Nintendo are giving fans the chance to score one of three limited edition Pokémon-themed 3DS XL systems at Yokohama F. Marinos, Urawa Red Diamonds, and FC Tokyo J-League matches – the number of systems distributed at each game depends on the home side’s score. Each system features identical Pokémon artwork with the respective club name of the home side on the base.
Fans who attend these matches will not only be in the running for one of these extremely rare 3DS XL models, but they will also receive special "Pikachu-playing-soccer" Pokémon cards – and even be able to meet a life size Pikachu. This special giveaway follows last month’s announcement that Pikachu and 10 other Pokémon would team up with Adidas – the apparel sponsor of the Japan team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup – as the official mascot.
Alongside the release of Nintendo Pocket Football Club, this giveaway exclusive to the J-League comes as a timely reminder of just how much Nintendo loves football and other sports such as baseball. In a recent Iwata Asks, Software Developer Sonobe-san reinforced this – referencing the J-League as inspiring the creation of the original Nintendo Pocket Football Club for Game Boy Advance.
After making baseball and horse racing games, I was looking for ideas as to what to do next. It was just at that point that the J-League started in Japan, and people were getting really excited about football. I started watching football games, and people were expecting me to come up with a football version of Best Play Pro Baseball.
It’s also common knowledge Nintendo of America has ownership of a professional baseball team – the Seattle Mariners.
So, what do you think of these J-League exclusive Pokémon-themed 3DS XL systems? If you want to be in the running for one you’ll either need to live in Japan, or fly over and see one of the three clubs in action on-field.
For Aussies, we'd add, this proposal isn’t as insane as it sounds, with many down under recently jetting over to Japan to watch teams from the A-League compete against J-League sides in the 2014 AFC Champions League competition. Now there's even more incentive to make the trip.
[source tinycartridge.com, via nintendo.co.uk]
Comments 14
I want it...
wow i would really love to get my hands on one of those. i wonder if one will end up for sale on ebay or somewhere for an insane amount. if i was super rich i would try to get it probably. especially that red one!
Man, if only they'd give those away to attendees of Japan matches in the World Cup...
Great idea! Japan loves football! And personally I love watching their national team play. It's just a different attractive style and because they are not as tall as other nations players might be, they cope with heartwarming efforts on the field.
Hardcore Nintendo fans might wanna cheer for "Júbilo Iwata" (ジュビロ磐田), just because of the Team's name
(Although I just saw the play in the second league now: J2)
Not necessarily the prettiest XL model, But certainly cool! i already have the Yveltal XL.
A 3DS for every goal scored in a football match? Oh man, I can't even imagine the production costs.
@mch I always find Japan's technical ability and work ethic on the world stage very impressive.
If they play like they did during last year’s Confederation Cup, they should perform quite well at this year’s FIFA WC.
Meh. I wish Nintendo would do a Pokedex 3DS design.
Hmmm...its not particularly pretty. You could probably buy a sticker off ebay and make something better.
I remember Pokemon Centers where having some big soccer Adidas promotion last time I was in Japan. I don particularly like soccer/football, though I'll go to a baseball game from time to time ^^
Now I'm getting off topic （;￣O￣）the limited edition console is great and all, but WHYYYY does Satoshi have to be on it?? Nobody wants to see him, they wanna see Lizadon/Charizard or a legendary or something! Not Satoshi seeing a legendary, then forgetting about seeing the legendary in the actual anime Like the movies
@Liam_Doolan
Absolutely! Incredible "work ethic", that's the term!
I will definitely try to watch some of the games of the Japanese team.
Oh, and i'll cheer for the aussies, too!
@Veloster Exactly. Lol. The design for this looks really tacky. @_@; Like just slapping on some decal.
I take it your not talking about "American Football" rather you are talking about "Soccer"
I wish I could go but I am short on money and can't afford to go to Japan yet. It is a dream of mine to go there. Also I am not fluent enough with the language yet.
Pretty cool.
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