It's a big year for Pokémon as the franchise gears up to celebrate its 20th Anniversary. With that in mind Nintendo has now lifted the lid on some key releases that are on the way to the West, which should certainly please fans.
Starting with Europe, it'll receive three variations of 2DS bundles, one each for the upcoming Pokémon Red / Blue / Yellow Virtual Console titles - these seem to be equivalents of Japanese bundles. Each system will have the relevant Virtual Console game pre-installed and have "classic packaging reminiscent of the original Game Boy games", along with 15 stickers and a free HOME Theme. These are all coming on 27th February.
![Pokemon bundles.png](https://images.nintendolife.com/e76f4dbd8a152/pokemon-bundles.900x.jpg)
Next up are two cover plates for the New 3DS, one based on Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon and one celebrating the series.
![Due in Europe on 19th February](https://images.nintendolife.com/0f941713243e0/due-in-europe-on-19th-february.900x.jpg)
![Due in Europe on 27th February](https://images.nintendolife.com/ad14c2f606c41/due-in-europe-on-27th-february.900x.jpg)
The deal's different for North America, with none of the above being confirmed for the region as yet. What is confirmed is a New 3DS bundle, the smaller model (thanks Serebii) which will come with two cover plates and both Red & Blue pre-installed; it's also due on 27th February.
![New 3DS NA.png](https://images.nintendolife.com/dfc50a8ae3429/new-3ds-na.900x.jpg)
The Verge is also reporting that there'll be a general celebration of Pokémon in a Super Bowl commercial on 7th February.
Finally, an official 20th Anniversary logo has been released, which you can see below.
![Pokemon logo.png](https://images.nintendolife.com/4dd97d9bbf296/pokemon-logo.900x.jpg)
Unfortunately, though Pokkén Tournament was given a prominent mention by Nintendo of Europe in a press release it still only has a 'Spring' release window.
As a start to the anniversary year these seem like some promising announcements. Let us know what you think in the comments.
Comments 87
Must... purchase... translucent... yellow 2DS!!
Sweet choices all around.
Too bad by virtue of never having the green version, that we can't get a green 2DS system also.
im excited to see what there planning to do during the super bowl.
sadly i don't have enough for the New 3DS pokemon one. but man do i want one!
Just drops trow on the Animal Crossing early buyers including myself what an awesome bundle.
@RupeeClock
Maybe we'll get a Link 2DS?
Also, dat yellow...
Isn't Pokémon's Western 20th anniversary in 2018?
I mean I love the packaging for the 2DS, but you'll never catch me with one. the New 3DS package weirdly includes red and blue, I mean I guess, but not for me, also those cover plates are garish, why doesn't NOA think we can handle some style?
I'll probably pick up that new 3DS bundle assuming it isn't sold out by the time it's my birthday.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay....hrm...I really, really would prefer a black New 3DS Standard...and knowing me and Nintendo they'll announce one the minute I purchase this Poké Bundle!!! Still...I must have it!!!!!!!!!!! Any word on price yet??
@CB85 Yes, technically, but February 27th, 1996 is widely recognized worldwide as Pokémon's Anniversary due to the original release of Red and Green in Japan.
I might import one of those 2DS bundles just because it looks so cool.
First the Animal Crossing bundle, and now this; Nintendo's standard-size New 3DS strategy for NA has me completely baffled.
It's kinda funny how the cover plates with Red/Blue sprites only have 139/151 Pokémon. I had to count them after I noticed that there were no Metapod or Kakuna. Not sure what else it's missing. I'm not THAT interested. Just enough to count them.
@RainbowGazelle Screw that, I want all of them. XD
@Angelic_Lapras_King I never said I didn't WANT all of them. XD
Hmm... interesting... isn't the 2DS designed for kids? Not sure many current kids would be all that excited to play Red, Blue, Yellow VC games. I thought the VC releases was for us nostalgia-ridden adults. Odd that they would choose 2DS to bundle with it. Or maybe, its a way to get us nostalgia-fools to buy a 2DS when we probably otherwise never would... That artwork on the box... /sigh
I love the NA bundle and would be tempting to get if I had the money and was wiling to sell my Majora's Mask LE N3DSXL.
I just hate the white hardware.
With that said, Microsoft and Sony are going to have field day with these announcements to remind gamers that Nintendo is for kids and "casuals".
This doesn't bode well for the launch of NX.
@Shadowkiller97
2DS is designed for those who didn't or couldn't use the 3D features and wanted an entry level system.
I wish America got the 2DS bundles but its nice where still getting something for the anniversary. I wonder when a black new 3DS will come to the states
@Sonic1994CD
I'd be surprised if Black n3DS ever made it to NA.
Market research shows there is very little demand for it.
Release a New 3DS XL model and I'll upgrade my Blue XY 3DS XL Nintendo.
I don't watch football, so I'll undoubtedly miss the Super Bowl commercial. I hope the NL staff puts it on the site...
@RupeeClock just buy a Japanese 2DS and a regular 2DS, then do a shell swap or something.
@jeb_leeds wouldn't really call us early buyers, but I like this bundle better than the HHD bundle for the fact that its pokemon.
@Sonic1994CD same but you could always just buy a ruby 2DS or a Sapphire 2DS and just add the game your self, plus a random pokemon theme for $2 on the theme store if ya really want. I'd be all over that yellow bundle and I already got a 3DS XL and the N3DS HHD bundle...
@allav866 YouTube should have it as well since they normally do a competition for best ad... I think.
Wow, those crystal case 2DS bundles...Europe, I'm jealous. XD
I'm slightly tempted by the N3DS bundle over here in NA (more so than the Animal Crossing bundle), but the fact remains that it's the white system; I would much prefer the black system (or another color even).
Since so far the only "new" 3DS in NA has been in the HHD bundle, I'm going to go out on a limb and predict they don't manufacture nearly enough of these Pokemon 3DS bundles to meet consumer demand.
Am curious about the pricing, 2 faceplates plus 2 games, could be $169 to sell or $199 to collect?
Crazy Pokemon folk even created a new website, www.pokemon20.com, they are serious about moving some merchandise. I wonder if it's just a coincidence that the Nintendo NY Store re-opens 10 days before the anniversary date?
http://www.pokemon20.com/en-us/
Just remembered Build-a-Bear Pikachu should be out soon as well.
Oops, never mind, may have missed it.
http://www.buildabear.com/shopping/workshop/Pikachu-Presale-Event/1000015/11900007
Lucky Europeans...I want that Super Mystery Dungeon cover plate, unless it is getting released over here.
@Uberchu Oops guess I missed the memo on that one. My sincerest apologizes.
Where do I order this? I can't find it!
Gonna buy all three <3 and the faceplates of course
Arghhh we are being spoiled
@Xenocity lol are you for real?
@rjejr
"No such thing, Japan has never gotten any 2DS model."
It was announced earlier that the special edition 2DS will be heading to Japan, too (also for celebrating the VC releases of the Pokemon Red, Green, Blue and Yellow games):
http://www.theverge.com/2015/12/25/10665734/nintendo-2ds-japan-pokemon-special-edition
@Xenocity Fudge! I want a black one! I guess I'll just import or wait for there next handheld
So cool
A yellow 2DS is all I ever wanted... in North America, of course. Ugh...
What's a good site for importing EU systems at a good price? I need an EU system due to Nintendo's retarded region locking principles and I'd like to get the yellow one since it has the best version of the gen 1 games and because the black dpad makes it unique against the other colors. Plus, I don't have a yellow handheld at all so this would be a great addition to my collection.
Nice to see the standard New 3DS get another chance over here, but shoving it into bundles for the sole reason of charging up the arse for one is not doing it any favors.
Those cover plates though... UNF! MINE!
@Uberchu Thanks Uberchu I did not know that and I to would be all over that Pikachu 2DS
Awesome
Fun fact: The sprites on that second cover plate are the original ugly sprites from Red & Green. The Red & Blue that the west got had the updated sprites from the Japanese Blue.
@AVahne i second this. japanese versions seem easy and relatively cheap for preorders on eBay but i want to play it in English!
i have to nitpick at the moment regrading the NA(althought i'm living in some part of europe) but why isn't the america getting the standalone of the new 3ds instead of a bundle(in case noone want to buy bundle with a game they don't want) or releasing the black new 3ds bundle! anyway enough of my nitpicking! the cover plates look nice but for some reason i don't really like the cover plates from the US new 3ds bundle. i also do like the 2ds bundle with the coloured SNES ABXY button and sticker for the bundle!
Doesn't having both versions on one system kind of defeat the point? You can't trade or battle in between them!
@Xenocity That's why I play a 2DS and don't have any intention to upgrade anytime soon. My eyes can't register the 3D of the older 3DS models and even hurt my eyes at times.
So, the 2DS is the perfect system for me since I can enjoy 3DS games without the 3D.
Ugh so this isn't the XL Model. Bummer. Maybe I'll just have to order the white one off Play Asia anyway
Waiting for a new main series games but all of these are welcome I've already got a new 3ds and new 3ds xl so a yellow 2ds would fix up my collection
@AVahne there is a Australia NEW 3ds system and you can play pal game as well which it cost 170 USD for a new 3ds imported from Australia in play asia compared to 235 USD for the NEW 3ds imported from Europe
Pre-installed... PRE-INSTALLED?! WHY THE....
........
...sorry Nintendo, no dice. Make it a download code so that I can put this on my New 3DS, and I'll dip. I'll purchase all three of these then, even. But pre-installed? Please don't do that. Ugh.
@Xenocity Where's the proof on that? I'm honestly surprised there isn't at least a near third place demand for the color. Every other thing ever comes in black now.
I want that yellow 2DS! Please Nintendo bring those to NA!
YEAH A NEW 3DS BUNDLE I CAN DIG
WOW... I saw this a bit ago on Twitter. I'm freaking stoked. I'm going to be "upgrading" my new XL to this. I am so happy they are giving Pokemon this treatment as I grew up with these original red and blue. Yes, Nostalgia is a seductive liar but my 3DS is always with me. ALWAYS.
Now I regret getting the NXL
I wasn't going to buy any of the VC Pokemon games since I only have one 3DS and can't trade, but I'm very tempted by the blue translucent 2DS (the red one also looks great, though I don't care for yellow).
Also, I'm hoping for a new main series pokemon game this year. A new generation would be fantastic, though I'll settle for the inevitable Z instead.
@Dankykong
It was in numerous interviews with Reggie and other NOA said that market research showed very little interest in New 3DS, while the XL version had practically all the demand.
Reggie also said once the original XL came to market in NA, the sales of regular 3DS dried right up.
They also said retailers refused to carry New 3DS because they don't see a market for it.
XL models make up over 75% of the total sales of 3DS in NA, and have made up 90% of the weekly sales of 3DS in NA according to NPD data and retailers numbers.
This is why GameStop is only retailer to willingly carry Non XL New 3DS.
It shouldn't surprise anyone that NA decided to go wild for the big model!
@Vee_Flames Thanks. I guess when I wrote my apology reply correcting myself (post #27) I should have gone back and edited the original post huh? Guess I'll go do that now. Man I'm having a bad day on here, feels like a Monday.
I hope those bundle cover plates get sold separate at some point. Most likely people gonna start to sell them online and I hope they won't be too expensive.
Wow. To bad I don't need it, but I want it. That yellow!
XL or nothing. No idea how people play on those teeny tiny little screens.
Wow. Too bad I don't need it. That yellow!
Psyched about that new 3ds. Might finally be time to upgrade from my 2ds
I'm kinda tempted to pick up one of the 2ds bundles if I see them.
Then get the other two games on my original 3ds so I could trade between them. It would be pretty awesome to have a completed pokedex in the original games. (even if it is on virtual console)
@Caryslan You can switch it off on all standard models including New 3DS though... I never play it with 3D switched on and I only own a standard original Zelda OoT 3D 3DS and a standard New 3DS...
I live in Europe and would really like the Red and Blue cover plates. I hope they release the cover plates on their own over here.
@Xenocity I actually meant the part about zero demand for the black N3DS. The rest I knew already
That New 3DS bundle looks tempting.
i cannot wait to import those faceplates to america. i should have waited for this bundle instead of the animal crossing bundle, but either way, i am so happy they are finally releasing this game on the virtual console! everything else like the faceplates is just gravy at this point.
@kamifox1 those systems are as high as $220. The 2ds is often $70 brand new with game. If someone always plays with the 3d off, they might as well save a few hundred bucks
I want the New 3DS bundle. I love those cover plates.
Am tempted on the New 3DS, but the games are preinstalled... I would have picked it up, sold the download codes and cover plates, and tried really hard to get plain white ones from Japan. Really running out of options here to get the New 3DS without paying an arm and a leg for stuff I don't want.
Since the games are pre-installed, if I were to buy one of these and do a system transfer from my 3DS would it somehow erase the games? Or would they be added to my Nintendo ID account?
Although I already own a regular XL (coming on 2 years now) the normal sized new 3s is extremely tempting, as are the 2ds's (well see if they come to the US)
@Azikira : If I'm not mistaken, it should combine both purchases into a single account (though you may need to redownload the pre-installed game via the eShop).
@kamifox1 I also prefer the shape and form of the 2DS over its siblings. It feel very comfortable in my hands compared to the old launch-era 3DS that I used to own.
That, and the larger L and R buttons are awesome.
Will Mew be installed too?
Looks Great! Cant wait to get my hands on the Blue 2ds! Even thou i have a new XL already I will use this instead because my XL is too big and not very comfy to play on.
I bought my son the translucent red 2ds refurbished from store.Nintendo.com for his birthday last year. I really like the look of the translucent models. They really evoke the old gameboy design language. And all the electronics and guts underneath really break up the plainness of the front of it and it looks a lot less like a weird Frankenstein machine. I saw the blue model later on in a Gamestop and it looked pretty good but I'm glad I went for the red. Those colored buttons look like a nice upgrade from dull gray on his too. And I want to see that yellow one irl sometime. I basically hate Pikachu but if it looks as cool as it does in that picture it will probably be pretty popular.
gimm e e
Nice Nintendo.....give us this one too!
Damn, I know most won't agree but I wish we had the NA release bundle. I don't really want a 2DS and don't own a 'new'3DS at all yet, so that would be perfect. I really don't want to go out and get a plain console then buy the faceplates and have no game featured on it.
Will the NA release be available online for Europe? Does anyone know where I could purchase one? Thanks!
Well ladies, that 150 Pokémon 3DS Cover plate would make an excellent valentines gift! (well a late one).
Although not really interested in the 2DS, they look awesome!
@Shadowkiller97 One of my friends kids have been working their buts off to earn money for one actually. They are a big Pokemon fan and are actually pretty excited to play yellow for the first time. I for one am importing the 3ds.
@Caryslan @russellohh Fair point in both cases. I just personally don't like how the 2DS looks like a kids toy compared to both standard and XL models as well as the fact it can't be folded up to protect the screens or reduce the size.
I'd just get the yellow 2DS, first of all I'm in year 11 and exams are coming money isn't everywhere for me haha, the red and blue 2ds have been available for a while and still can be found while the yellow one is a first and wht I'd say is the only time a 2DS will be in that colour and the black d-paf adds o the uniqueness! Also yellow is the best version of the game!
@kamifox1 To me, it looks more like a small tablet or a large phone- the only things that fold up anymore are 3DSs and the old game boy SP, whereas every phone is just a large brick now. I've never had my screen damaged, but i have had the LR buttons stop working a few times. Still, in terms of overall size and weight, i find the XL models to be the most uncomfortable
@russellohh When I mentioned looks, I meant the overall look not the fact it doesn't fold up. If we're talking about things that don't fold up, I'd be more inclined to compare it to the Gameboy Color or original GBA, actually. I haven't seen a single tablet or modern phone that looks that much like a toy aside from the ones that are aimed at small kids.
I will agree, however, that the XL is the most uncomfortable unless the user has big hands like my friend who owns one does (he has the opposite issue, smaller models cause hand cramps due to his large hands). It's stupidly heavy and far too large and cumbersome.
Yes! Finally I can snipe a regular size 3ds with nice cover plates.
Though IDC about the games. Never liked Gen 1 :v
@PaperMario64 you can pre-order the bundle off the official Nintendo website
I am a sucker for Pokemon games and also 3DS consoles, although i already got the Zelda 3DS XL, the Majora's Mask N3DS XL, AC: Happy Home Designer N3DS XL (and a N3DS XL Hyrule edition in pre-order) i purchased the Yellow Pikachu 2DS Bundle i love it.
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...