An intriguing new addition to Pokémon Sun and Moon won't be exclusively in the game - The Pokémon Company has teamed up with TOMY on real-world versions of the 'Z-Ring', an in-game item that your avatar uses when triggering powerful Z-Moves.
Early details out of Japan showed how the ring and varied Z-Crystals could be a parent's nightmare, with the initial toy being the main investment that's then followed by 18 crystal variations. Now Amazon US has opened pre-orders on the starter Z-Ring pack, and it's risen to the top of the 'Pretend Play' toy chart, while approaching the top 10 in the overall toy category. You can pre-order it for $29.99 here.
For your 30 bucks you get the ring, a 2-inch Pikachu figure and 3 Z-Crystals. Only another 15 to collect then...
It's an interesting and potentially lucrative product, given an edge by the fact it synchronises and reacts with actions in the game.
If you're a big Pokémon fan and collector or a parent of a young Trainer, this Holiday season could be a little bit more expensive than you planned.
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[source amazon.com, via tinycartridge.com]
Comments (38)
Is it bad that I really want one?
I will get one for my daughter. But maybe she will find it hard to get it off me.
Z-ring? It's a bracelet...
it doesn't look that nice to me ahah but I'll consider getting it when I see how it works with the game better.
So a ring/bracelet that ONLY lights up, makes a sound (probably), and probably vibrates on your wrist while playing Sun/Moon all for $29.99?... Pass!
Why is it so enormous?
I have it and an extra set of 3 crystals preordered
@A01 It's a kids' / Roleplay toy, so really not a surprise it's bulky for the internals workings as well as to be sturdy for less than graceful individuals
@majinx07 Then why comment?
Ordered from both Amazon Japan and Amazon. 5 bracelets in eac order and 2 packs of crystals for each bracelet. My kids and I are seriously going to have fun with these
@BensonUii I'm 25 years old and I want it to myself
Fools with money
@ShikabaneHime13 I liked @majinx07 summary of why one should pass. I can see this toy being used one or two weeks after the release of the next Pokemon games and later be forgotten in ones closest.
I like it, it's very kitschy 1980's Saturday morning carton type of toy for pretending to be Shazam or Wonder woman or Power Rangers or whoever.
I do think $30 is a bit much once you add in the price for all the extra crystals, only 7 of which can fit on the bracelet so what are you going to do w/ the other 11?, but it's still better than the $35 for Pokemon Go Plus, if that ever comes out.
I guess a lot of kids/parents will just get 7 crystals in colors that they like, then maybe trade crystals w/ their friends?
You know, in Japan this thing would probably even sell w/o the game, tieing it in w/ the 3DS game will certainly help. And sticking Pikachu in the box to emphasize Pokemon was a smart move.
Much like Ben 10 or Yokai Watch... XD
@majinx07 there's a role play mode so you don't even need to turn on your 3DS to play with it. Now everyone can pretend to be a Pokemon trainer. Just grab some balls and start throwing. . . Kind of like Pokemon go :s
@Porky It's a toy. Same can be said of any toy a kid gets. But as I said on another article, I collect things like this and play with them. My kids also play with their stuff far longer than a week or two. Part of it stems from them having active imaginations like their mom. Not to mention we're a cosplay and gaming family as well.
But this is becoming a top seller for one reason or other, so obviously both kids and adults want it. However long people play with it is irrelevent honestly.
@rjejr I'm hoping we'll get the storage book/case like Japan is getting. Was hoping we'd get that starter set but maybe it'll be sold separately. I did order the Japanese starter bundle from Amazon Japan since I wasn't sure if their version had to connect to the Japanese region games/systems or if they were region-free (I have a Japanese system and will have the games in both regions)
Looks like a McDonald's toy honestly.
I really wanted this when I first saw it, but $30? That's almost enough to buy a whole new game.
@rjejr Wonder Woman! I remember watching that when I was a really little kid. Well, I remember the spinning costume change.
This looks like something kids will like for what it is and adults might get for what it does in-game or just to collect. Good to see some efforts to market the 3DS more and to ride the trend of wearable tech.
Tbh it does not look like that boy enjoyed this job.
As for the toy, I won't buy it.
I'm sure it will be fun for teh kids—but the bracelet is a bit huge for their tiny wrists.
Gah... I want it. But $30 for a plastic bracelet that only lights up? AND I still have to purchase the rest of the crystals? What a rip off-- GAAAAaaaAAAAaaHHHHhhh but I want it!!!
Does anybody remember Captain Planet? This reminds me of that.
Wait... People are complaining about the $30 pricetag... But had no problem spending $35 for an optional add-on accessory for a free mobile app? I fail to see the logic
@kokirii I just said the same thing to myself. Lol
@ShikabaneHime13 and you know for a fact that these are all the same people?
@Kid_Sickarus It's the precedent. Point is, a lot of people didn't bat an eye when it came to the Pokemon Go Plus (yes, there were a fair number that weren't happy with the peice) but a $30 toy that syncs with a full Pokemon game is outrageous and a clunky shameless cash grab. The toy serves more function as a roleplay piece in addition to reacting to the game than the Go Plus which simply straps to one's belt or wrist so they don't have to look at their phone for Go in my opinion. I'm not knocking those that choose either or, however I think it's silly that many complain about the functionality/design/price of something that is clearly optional on one thing but will rush out and pay for something else that essentially falls into the same category.
I want this...hell I bought the mega bracelet that came out in Japan with all those extra "MegaStones", But all of that did cost me less than $30 tho...lol
I preordered a set for me and my woman! I wish they'd clarify if it can fit adult hands as well!!! I'm a 25 yr old male with an average body type so I'm praying that it fits me! I wonder if there's a latch that opens so you can put it on and shut it or what? I also have my Pokémon Go bracelet coming in September!
$30 but still has more functionality than an amiibo!
Yes, but will it fit a grown man wrist? :s
@ShikabaneHime13 fair point. I'm not interested in buying either, but that's not to do with price it's just that I already have more than enough electronic tat in my house, it's full.
@Kid_Sickarus I know that feeling. Waaaay too many electronics in our house between myself, my husband and 4 kids. But there's fun to be had with them and it keeps the peace that everyone has their own stuff
Not a bad move Nintendo, it did bring back childhood memories. I would buy for my child (only if I have one). Just imaging kids wear this and shout out loud while play Pokémon, the 80s style of how we used to play it is kind cool.
Looks like it could be fun to a lot of people.
It, certainly, isn't for me though.
My only wish is that people who doesn't want it either would just let people who does have their fun.
Really, if you don't like it, not owning one should be the least relevant gaming choice in your gamer life. Let people enjoy it
That will never fit my man-sized wrists D;
Another totally pointless over-priced marketing gimmick riding on the back of the PKMN franchise. More fool anyone for wasting their money on this plastic child's toy.
I need fifty.
I will wear them like armour.
I will be unstoppable.
Jeez $30? Pokemon is the Apple of video games.
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