Pokémon News
June2016
News Two New Pokémon and Fresh Zygarde Formes Revealed for Pokémon Sun and Moon
The puppy Pokémon has arrived
Though Pokémon Sun and Moon will play a big part on day one of E3 in the Nintendo Treehouse stream, some fresh details have emerged ahead of the LA event. We have two new Pokémon via CoroCoro Magazine, and a trailer (localised for the West) unveiling new formes of Zygarde. Let's start with Zygarde; the trailer below...
News Third Party Developer Releases "Chat for Pokemon Go" App
Let's talk about it
A decent number of smartphone owners in the US have and are currently trying out the beta of Pokémon Go. With the app all set for a Q & A with the Nintendo Treehouse team on day two of E3, there's a growing sense of momentum as it heads closer to its full release. One feature that it doesn't currently have is the ability to...
Video Japanese Hotel Hosting Special Pokémon-Themed Attraction
Welcome to "Eevee and the Mysterious Book"
The Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort in Miyazaki, Japan is holding a special Pokémon interactive attraction which involves finding monsters around the resort and recording them in a special "book" (which, in reality, is a tablet computer). Dubbed "Eevee and the Mysterious Book", the event is booked by parents...
News Pokkén Tournament Update 1.3 Promises To Bring Some Balance
Arriving this month
Got beef with some of the fighters in Pokkén Tournament? Well you'll be pleased to learn that the brawler will be getting a new update this month which should hopefully iron out some of the kinks and make everything that little bit fairer. Version 1.3 includes various balancing changes which will impact the following...
News Japan Has Voted For Its Favourite Pokémon, And It's Not Pikachu
720 monsters, one winner
A vote was recently held in Japan to decide which Pokémon is the most popular right now, and you might be shocked (no pun intended) to learn that series mascot Pikachu wasn't even in the top three. The aim of the vote was to pick a 'mon to be distributed as a free download to Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire players...
News Pokémon Sun and Moon Could Use QR Codes in Interesting Ways
Gotta scan 'em all
Pokémon is a franchise that, due to its enormous fan-base, popular culture appeal and core premise of collecting lots of 'mon, has the potential to be an even bigger money spinner than it already is. We've previously highlighted amiibo as potentially being key to this, and would be surprised if amiibo cards aren't a prominent...
News Second Wave Of US Pokémon GO Beta Invites Hitting Inboxes As We Speak
Keep an eye on your email
Pokémon GO isn't publically available yet, but a series of beta tests have been taking place all over the globe - and we're getting numerous reports that more beta invites are being sent out to US players right now. If you've already signed up to register your interest then you'll want to keep a firm eye on your email, as...
Editorial With Lowered Expectations E3 Can Still Be Full of Nintendo Magic
Focused on the now, not the future
E3, at least in the years I've been following it, has been at its best when focused on the future and full of surprises. Nintendo's plans only fulfil one of those criteria, and partially at that. The latest breakdown of Nintendo's efforts contains a day devoted to games that are rather close, due typically within...
Pokémon Go Q & A also announced
E3 just got a bit more exciting for Nintendo fans. The Pokémon Company's Japanese Twitter account has announced that Pokémon Sun and Moon will feature in the Nintendo Treehouse broadcast with new content, and there'll be a 'Pokémon Special' broadcast. Finally, there'll also be a Pokémon Go Q & A, which also...
Gallery Take a Closer Look at the Pokémon Sun and Moon Legendary Pokémon, Rotom Pokédex and More
The hype is super effective
The Pokémon Company, once again, hasn't disappointed after promising more details for Pokémon Sun and Moon. It's unveiled the Legendary Pokémon, the Rotom Pokédex and more besides for the new games; it's all rather exciting. The official website is full of details and art, so as we did with the
News Legendary Pokémon Revealed and Alola Region Shown Off For Pokémon Sun and Moon
Meet Solgaleo and Lunala
New information was promised for today, and it's been delivered - The Pokémon Company has released an exciting new trailer and details for Pokémon Sun and Moon. First of all, say hello to the Legendary Pokémon for these games, Solgaleo (Sun) and Lunala (Moon). In addition the new video introduces a number of the cast...
Reminder Mythical Pokémon Manaphy Is Up For Grabs Until 24th June
Drink it in
As part of the Pokémon 20th Anniversary celebrations various Mythical 'mon are making their way into the current-gen games. There are monthly distributions to that effect, and the June 'mon should be dropping into the games right about now - it's the turn of Manaphy this time around. This one originated in Pokémon Diamond & Pearl,...
May2016
News Pokémon Ga-Olé Bringing Plastic Card Battling Action To Japanese Arcades This July
Olé!
A short time ago, we reported on the news that a fresh Pokémon arcade title was coming to Japan. We've now got more details on the unit - named Pokémon Ga-Olé - which is due to arrive in Japanese amusement centers this July. Developed by Takara Tomy A.R.T.S. and Marvelous AQL, Ga-Olé uses plastic cards for its 'mon battling action and...
News Hong Kong Pokémon Fans Protest Over New Translation Issues with Sun and Moon
Super effective?
The global nature of the Pokémon games has no doubt been quite a headache for localisation teams over the years. Many of the creaturess names are much more than just arbitrary labels, often having some sort of cultural or self-referential elements reflected in the spelling or pronunciation of the names. Naturally, localisation of...
Nintendo Life Weekly Latest Mighty No. 9 Trailer Slated by Officials
A mighty slice of embarrassment
Another week has passed in the world of Nintendo, and so it's time for us to round up the week's events in a single, tidy package. This week we look at the turbulent response to the latest trailer for the oft delayed Mighty No. 9, A pair of interesting new costumes for Super Mario Maker, and what is supposedly the...
News Police Officer Generously Donates Treasured Pokémon Cards To Boy Whose Collection Was Stolen
It's super heartwarming!
A US police officer has come to the aid of a 9-year-old Pokémon fan after his beloved collection of cards was stolen by a local hoodlum. Young Bryce - who has been collecting the cards since he was 6 - was proudly showing off his collection to friends when the thief struck. He swiped the binder containing Bryce's cards and...
News Pokémon Trainer Club Newsletter Subscribers to Have Another Chance to Collect Mythical Mew
Sign up soon
Earlier this year owners of Pokémon X & Y as well as Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire had an opportunity to pick up a special Mythical Mew 'mon as part of a limited distribution. The distribution was mostly through serial codes, with the Mew having the following details: LEVEL: 100 TYPE: Psychic
News New Pokémon Go Screens and Details Are Revealed
Battle Details! Trainer Customisation! PokéCoins...
In March The Pokémon Company unveiled details on Pokémon Go, the upcoming app in development for smart devices, which will use real-world locations and AR (augmented reality) for its gameplay. That same official web page (which we summarised in the link above) has now been updated with more...
Random Japanese Gamers Decide Which Starter Pokémon Is The Most "Seriously Useless"
A good workman never blames his...
Starter Pokémon have always been a hot topic for debate when discussing any Pokémon game, often separating fans apart due to contrasting opinions. Just look at the first games, for instance; Pokémon Red and Blue almost split fans down the middle - you were either Team Charizard or Team Blastoise (sorry to those...
Reminder The Shiny Yveltal Distribution is Now Available in North America
A sucker punch
In early May The Pokemon Company launched a campaign with three single-week distributions in X / Y / Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire in order to promote the current series of the anime. In case you've missed it so far, it's worth noting that the final distribution in this promotion is running now, and will disappear on 26th May. This...
Soapbox How The Evolution Of Pokémon Can Unexpectedly Influence Play-Through Experiences
Arjun Joshi used Reflect...
Pokémon is amazing. It's cemented itself in my top three video game series', often switching positions between Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda. It truly was a franchise I grew up with, and I owe a great deal of my current successes and overall well-being to its games - but that's another story for another time...
News The Pokémon Company Teases the Teaser For Pokémon Sun and Moon Reveal on 2nd June
Well played
Pokémon Sun and Moon will have slow and steady reveals over a number of weeks and months, assuming The Pokémon Company follows the same strategy as it has with past releases. Following the initial reveal of the Starter Pokémon and release dates, it was recently confirmed that more details are coming on 2nd July.
News Meet The Edgy And Mature Fan-Made Pokémon Game That Aims To "Fix" The Series
Pokémon Apex has "adult dialogue, themes and minor horror elements"
Pokémon may be child-friendly, but it isn't just played by kids - the series remains massively popular with players of all ages, even those who grew up with the Game Boy debut. However, a fan-made version of the game is attempting to offer something a little more in tune with the...
The spirited Level-5 series needs time
The Yo-kai Watch franchise is enormous in Japan, to the point that in late 2015 Level-5 was able to reference 10 million games in the series being shipped. That number will have also included some sales from the first game's launch in North America, though based upon its absence from NPD's results and...
News The Pokémon Company Confirms More Sun and Moon Details for 2nd June
There's so much to share
After the silliness of CoroCoro magazine teasing Pokémon Sun and Moon details that delivered very little, series lead Junichi Masuda's subsequent tease was actually worth our time. The Pokémon Company revealed the starters and release dates, firing the starting gun for the gradual trickle of details still to come ahead of...
Feature What We Know, and Think We Know, From the Pokémon Sun & Moon Reveal Trailers
Picking through the clues
As we approach a new generation, we have now had a first look at the seventh generation of Pokémon games, Pokémon Sun & Pokémon Moon. These games are the second generation of Pokémon games on the Nintendo 3DS, so while things may look the same on the surface there are some interesting changes that have come. While...
News The Pokémon GO Field Test is Now Heading to the US
You can register your interest right now
Pokémon GO has been undergoing plenty of Beta testing this year, with developer Niantic running field tests in Japan and Australia. The global tour of this early version is going to now hit another vital market - it's coming to the US. As Pokémon GO is a game heavily reliant on augmented reality and...
Video Potential Pokémon Sun & Moon Starter Evolution Types Revealed
It was only a matter of time
It's been a big deal for Pokéfanatics, as last week we were given a couple of new trailers for the upcoming installations of the handheld series - Pokémon Sun and Moon. From these two glorious pieces of footage, we learned what our fates would hold - and that's who and what the new Starter Pokémon are. In case you've...
Nintendo Life Weekly New Sun & Moon Pokémon Leaked, Disney Infinity Shuts Down, and More
It's blurry, it's brief, it's quadrupedal
What with all the recent Pokémon news we couldn't say we'd blame you for falling behind with the news recently. That's why we've once more compiled all this loveliness into our usual package in the form of a delicious video presented by yours truly. This week we look at a new Pokémon that's been...
Video CoroCoro Releases Its Own Pokémon Sun and Moon Trailer
With some tiny differences
Are you getting tired of Pokémon Sun and Moon yet? Thought not. For those of you that like to focus on small details and expand them into a 300 page fan-fiction eBook there's great news - CoroCoro has released its own trailer for Sun & Moon. For the most part it uses the same footage as the official trailers from...
News CoroCoro Has A Pokémon Sun And Moon Exclusive Lined Up For Its Next Issue
Such a tease
Japanese magazine CoroCoro often gets handed exclusive information relating to upcoming games, and this week the publication is teasing that it has exclusive news on Pokémon Sun And Moon coming in its next issue. The news is accompanied by some artwork from the latest movie, Volcanion & The Ingenious Magearna. Beyond that,...
Reminder The Shiny Xerneas Distribution is Available Now in North America
Shining so bright...
Back in early May, The Pokemon Company kicked off a run of three single-week distributions in X / Y / Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire. We're now into the second distribution which is running from 11th to 17th May. This time around it's a Shiny Xerneas up for grabs in the 'Mystery Gift' area of the game; you can see its details...
Poll Did The First Pokémon: Sun and Moon Trailers and Starter Pokémon Get You Excited?
Which Starter will you choose?
Well, Pokémon is still a very big deal. Following the announcement of the Starter Pokémon through a debut trailer the franchise was trending on social media, and at the time of writing the trailer on the official Pokémon channel has amassed over 4.4 million views in a little over one day. Pokémon Sun and Moon had...
News Someone Has Made A Rowlet Pokémon Plush Already
Fans work fast
The starter Pokémon featured in the forthcoming Sun & Moon were only revealed yesterday, but we've already seen fan art appear for Rowlet, Litten and Poppilo. This is impressive in itself, but one fan has gone to the next level by crafting an incredibly professional-looking pl
Video A Snappy Analysis of the Pokémon Sun and Moon Trailers
Hala! Character customisation! Other stuff!
Unless you've spent the day in outer space you'll be more than aware that The Pokémon Company unleashed the first gameplay trailers for Pokémon Sun and Moon, with the main reveal being the starter Pokémon - Rowlet, Litten and Popplio. We've shared a Gallery with va
News The Pokémon Company Confirms Live Streams of National Championships Events in Europe
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire have passed three million sales in EU
We're stepping into the big leagues in the year's competitive Pokémon tournament circuit, with key National Championships happening over the next few weeks throughout Europe. The Pokémon Company has confirmed that there'll be three new Twitch channels to show the events live,...
Gallery Take a Closer Look at the Pokémon Sun and Moon Box Art and Starter Pokémon
Learn more about your new companion's moves and abilities
We were promised news on Pokémon Sun and Moon today and, thankfully, it was delivered. The Pokémon Company confirmed release dates and the starters, along with a shiny new trailer. There have also been updates to the official website, including some pleasing details on Rowlet, Litten and...
News Pokémon Sun and Moon Debut Trailer Confirms Starter Pokemon and Release Dates
Please welcome Rowlet, Litten and Popplio
Just recently Junichi Masuda promised new information on Pokémon Sun and Moon, and has been good to his word. A new trailer has been revealed which gives us a first look at the new titles and their setting - the Alola Region. In addition we have the release dates - 18th November in North America and 23rd...
News New Pokémon Sun and Moon Information is Coming on 10th May
Junichi Masuda makes the promise
Eager fans have been waiting on news for Pokémon Sun and Moon since it was revealed - with practically no details - earlier this year. These games are not only vital for the 3DS's fortunes this year, but also bring the hype that only new Pokémon titles can. The wait for information is coming to an end, however. We...
News Three Legendary Pokémon Birds Are Now Available Through the Pokémon Trainer Club Newsletter
Check that inbox
A while ago The Pokémon Company began some tentative distributions of Articuno, Zapdos or Moltres, all with their hidden abilities. In some countries, including the US, it was confirmed that the only way to get hold of these 'mon for X, Y, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire would be to sign-up to the Pokémon Trainer Club Newsletter,...
News Legendary Pokémon Zygarde, Shiny Xerneas and Shiny Yveltal All Coming to the US as Gifts
Grab Zygarde now
Just recently we shared the news that Legendary Pokémon Zygarde was released as a gift in Europe; now it's arrived in North America, with more to come as special rewards in May. The Pokémon Company is releasing three enticing Pokémon in the US this month as Mystery Gifts through the Nintendo Network, to be found in Pokémon X/Y...
Reminder Distribution is Underway for Mythical Pokémon Darkrai
Time to hit the shops
Players of Pokémon X & Y and Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire have been given regular goodies by The Pokémon Company this year. On a monthly basis there have been new Mythical Pokémon available, and now Darkrai is up for grabs until 24th May. This time around it's all down to distributions, however, so you'll need to head...
April2016
Talking Point What Would You Like to See From Pokémon Sun and Moon?
Louisa Bhairam outlines her hopes for the new Pokémon titles
Details of the next instalment in the Pokémon franchise should start to come out very soon, and we're interested in what you would like to see from the newest addition to the Pokémon family, or just the future of the series in general. To get you thinking, I've thought of some areas...
News Legendary Pokémon Zygarde is Now Available as a Special Gift in Europe
The 50% Forme has just landed
The Pokémon Company and Game Freak like to keep gamers on their toes, and appears to have done so with a surprise Nintendo Network gift for Pokémon X & Y as well as Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Seemingly the Legendary Pokémon Zygarde has arrived in Europe, dropping in as a gift with little warning...
Review Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition (3DS eShop / GBC)
First generation Pokéfun. IN COLOR!
Twenty years since the franchise began and after numerous games, TV episodes, movies, trading cards and plush toys, Nintendo has given Pokémon fans a chance to travel back to where it all began with Virtual Console releases of the first Game Boy titles. 3DS owners can purchase the original Red or Blue versions,...
News Pikachu Is Getting His Very Own Pokkén Tournament Controller
The lucky scamp
Remember the Pokkén Tournament controller we covered a while back? A new version is being released in Japan this June, and it's clad in the signature colours of the world's most famous Pokémon. Costing 3,758 Yen, the Hori-made pad will be identical to the original in terms of form and functionality, but it's yellow. And it has a...
Video Pokémon GO Footage Leaks Ahead Of Official Release
Big news from down under
Almost nine minutes of footage from the Australian field test of Pokémon GO has appeared online, giving us the best look yet at this forthcoming mobile release. The clip shows the player selecting their avatar and taking to the streets to track down wild Pokémon. As you can see, encounters make use of Augmented Reality to...
News Pokémon Shuffle Adds Plenty of New Stages in Latest Update
Time to level up
Pokémon Shuffle appears to have been one of Nintendo's more successful free-to-play releases on the 3DS eShop. Not necessarily in terms of money made for Nintendo, that we don't know, but its simple but addictive tile matching has struck a chord with some eager players. The good news is that some brand new campaign stages have...
News Distribution Details Emerge for Mythical Pokémon Darkrai
It'll be your May treat
Eager players of Pokémon X & Y, in addition to Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, have been receiving monthly gifts of Mythical Pokémon this year. So far we've had Jirachi, Mew and Celebi, and next up - as you can see in the image above - is Darkrai. The Pokémon Company has done a mix of online and serial code...
News Trademarks Lead to Speculation Over Pokémon Sun & Moon Legendaries
Pokémon The Series: XYZ episodes also available via official app
Pokémon Sun and Moon are still rather mysterious, with The Pokémon Company keeping details on the 3DS games under wraps so far. We're expecting a decent batch of information in the May issue of CoroCoro magazine, if not before. Nevertheless eager fans believe they may have dug up...
Video Shigeru Miyamoto Reflects on His Days Working on Pokémon
Nintendo Minute also shows off Star Fox Zero co-op play
Pokémon is now well into its 20th Anniversary celebrations, in what should be another big year of releases and events for fans. The Pokémon Company has been promoting the landmark with the #Pokemon20 hashtag and a series of videos, with various game makers and celebrities talking about their...
News Pokémon GO Beta Field Test Reveals Real Time Gym Battles
"It's crazy. And colorful. And gloriously not like Ingress"
A massive helping of Pokémon GO information has arrived on the web thanks to first-hand reports from players involved in the Beta field test. The most interesting piece of info is that battles occur in real time and are not turn-based like they are in the main
Rumour The Pokémon Company Plans to Make a Big-Budget Live-Action Pokémon Movie
Too good to be true?
The Pokémon cartoon has been very successful on television in all territories, capturing the minds of viewers young and old. Each year, there is also one new Pokémon movie that usually centers around a particular legendary or special Pokémon, but these are usually fairly small scale releases. Outside of Japan, these Pokémon...
Weirdness Japanese Lingerie Company Designs a Pokémon Themed Collection
Never change, Japan
The Pokémon Company is one that's not shy to merchandising opportunities; it seems there's a Pokémon inspired variant to roughly any product you could think of. This is smart advertising, and it leads to increased brand recognition, but it sometimes also leads to some humorous outcomes. While most of the time the branding makes...
News May Issue of CoroCoro Magazine to Bring Huge Scoop on Pokémon Sun and Moon
The hype intensifies
We've had enough Pokémon game releases to know the drill for The Pokémon Company's marketing strategies - gradual reveals make their debut in Japan throughout the year, which pick up a lot of steam online and culminate in formal localised announcements. Part of the thrill is in the teasing, after all. CoroCoro Magazine is at...
Video Pokkén Tournament Goes on the Road to Impress Fighting Fans at Hypespotting
Hooray for Pokémon Tekken!
Pokkén Tournament has been out for a short while now, and a fun fact is that it's called Pokémon Tekken in Germany; next time someone tells you the comparison to Tekken is entirely erroneous, point them to Amazon Germany. In any case, beyond that irrelevant factoid there are some new videos that have been shared by...
News Pokémon GO Field Testing is Heading to Australia and New Zealand
Catching 'em all Down Under
Pokémon GO is one of the year's highest profile upcoming smart device games, and one that is carrying significant hopes for Nintendo, The Pokémon Company and developer Niantic. Though a release date is yet to be given the app has already had a 'field test' with limited users in Japan, and the in-progress title is now...
News Three Legendary Pokémon Birds to Take Flight in the US in May
You need to sign up for the Pokémon Trainer Club newsletter
Not long ago we highlighted how Pokémon fans in the UK can get hold of a legendary bird from Smyths Toys Superstore outlets; other stores are doing distributions throughout Europe. For those without a local participating store in the EU, though, codes will eventually go to those signed up...
News Junichi Masuda Reassures Fans on New Pocket Monsters for Pokémon Sun and Moon
More than 10 new additions on the way
With Pokémon Sun and Moon set to grace the 3DS this year, fans are expecting a gradual roll-out of new details and reveals for the titles in the coming months. There had been hope of debut gameplay footage this weekend, though we've had to settle for a more minor update. Series director Junichi Masuda, battle...
News Mythical Pokémon Jirachi is Up for Grabs in Current-Gen Releases
TCG and plushes also on the agenda
Over a number of months The Pokémon Company is releasing Mythical Pokémon to eager fans, one per month. It's now released Mythical Pokémon Jirachi, which will be available in Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire until 24th April. To get this 'mon you need to go to 'receive gift' (there's a guide at the...
News Upcoming Pokkén Tournament Update to Fix Shadow Mewtwo's Infinite Combo
Due 'early April'
Pokkén Tournament on Wii U has certainly earned some fans, though like a lot of fighting games a dedicated audience has been digging up its flaws. That's not surprising, of course, as it's going to be prominent in the competitive scene this year through events like Evo and official Pokémon Championships. The most notorious issue...
March2016
News Pokémon Snap Comes Into Focus for Wii U Virtual Console Release in Japan
Centre frame
Whenever there's a conversation around Pokémon and desired games, it naturally turns to a new entry in the Snap series. In the current day it's questionable how relevant such a release would be, especially when the likes of Pokémon Go will have us pointing our smartphone cameras into the real world to catch pocket monsters. In any...
News Pokémon Go Field Test is Underway in Japan, Though Leakers Are Getting Removed
Secret field ops
Pokémon Go is an smartphone game carrying a lot of expectation. Developed by the highly-regarded Niantic and funded by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, the real-world AR experience has been attracting plenty of attention. Details are starting to solidify, too, with an official information dump last week telling us much more...
News Debut Pokémon Sun and Moon Footage is Expected on 3rd April
Hype engaged
After all of the rumours and speculation, the brief reveal of Pokémon Sun and Moon for 3DS prompted plenty of excited chatter among fans. Though The Pokémon Company gave a five minute video presentation all we saw of the new games was some logos and artwork, with enthusiasts deconstructing brief snippets that appeared. The game...
News More Official Pokémon Go Gameplay Details Emerge
Teams! PokéStops! Evolutions! Battles! Great Balls!
Just recently some stealthy off-screen footage emerged of Pokémon Go, the hotly anticipated AR (augmented reality) smartphone app being developed by Niantic and published by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo. It looked pretty much as expected, with the demonstration showing a stylised Google Maps...
News UK Gamers Can Now Catch a Legendary Pokémon Bird
Beautifly and Zebstrika and moonbeams...
Though the main 3DS Pokémon releases are now getting slightly long in the tooth, they continue to stay interesting courtesy of regular distributions. Now another neat giveaway is underway in the UK for those that either head to a Smyths Toys Superstore or wait for their Pokémon Trainer Club Newsletter...
Video Early Pokémon Go Footage Shows Off AR Pocket Monster Catching
Time to look slightly silly in public!
Pokémon Go is coming this year, though The Pokémon Company, Nintendo and developer Niantic have largely stuck with fancy concept CG commercials to date. The realities of the reveal trailer's pitch and the app itself will, naturally, be different, but the core idea of augmented reality (AR) gaming to catch...
Random The Pokémon Company Commissioned a Pikachu Mosaic Made From 12,987 Trading Cards
Why not?
Big companies can get a little carried away when celebrating a major anniversary, and that seems to be the case with The Pokémon Company. It commissioned British artist Quentin Devine to produce a mosaic of Pikachu, following up similar projects he's completed in the past such as a Mona Lisa and a Queen Elizabeth II mosaic made out of...
News Looks Like The Pokkén Tournament Pro Pad Was Supposed To Have LEDs And Force Feedback
Pokémon Rumble?
If you've had the good fortune to have played Pokkén Tournament in its arcade guise then you'll be aware that its controller is festooned with cool-looking LED lights. LED lights make everything look better - it's a fact. If you've also played the Wii U version with the exclusive Pokkén Pro Pad, then you'll know that this feature...
News Tsunekazu Ishihara on the Difficulty of Naming Pokémon for Different Regions
Guess what Pikachu means in Japanese?
One of the aspects of the Pokémon games that gives them so much character is the creative names that many Pokémon are assigned. The name can make or break a Pokémon's reception, yet Game Freak has consistently managed to nail the naming with clever puns and plays on words that indicate attributes of the...
Hardware Review Pokkén Tournament Pro Pad by Hori
Are you pro enough?
Having started life as an arcade game it's no surprise that Pokkén Tournament has its own controller. What is a surprise is that it's been shrunk down, had a few extra buttons added and been released for the Wii U version. Despite its most obvious shortcoming being the fact that Pokkén is the only Wii U title that's compatible...
News The Pokémon Company Confirms Outstanding Lifetime Sales for the Franchise
About 279 million sales all in
The Pokémon Company is well into its year-long anniversary celebrating its franchise, with Pokkén Tournament the latest arrival in stores, while Pokémon Sun and Moon and Pokémon Go will be a huge arrivals later in the year. We all know that the series is successful, but there are now some clear figures that...
News Pokkén Tournament Punishes Players Who Rage Quit
"Quitting in the middle of a battle is rude to your opponent"
Pokkén Tournament punishes rage quitters, Eurogamer has reported. Dropping out of a match in an attempt to avoid a "loss" being registered on your record costs you some of your precious Poké Gold. The game even goes as far as to warn you of the consequences of rage quitting before you...
News Pokkén Tournament Demo Comes Out Fighting On The European Wii U eShop
Try before you buy
Well, that was unexpected. Without any warning, Nintendo has pushed a demo of Pokkén Tournament onto the European Wii U eShop, giving players the chance to sample the title for free. The download went live last night, and weighs in at an impressive 1150MB. There's currently no sign of a similar demo on the North American eShop,...
News Pokémon Creative Director Dies at Age 42
Thank you for everything, Mr. Medalle
It was recently reported that Eric Medalle – the Creative Design Director at The Pokémon Company International – passed away yesterday afternoon in an accident. Medalle was taking his daughter for a Sunday drive through a nearby park when a Douglas Fir was pushed over onto their SUV by heavy winds. His...
Review Pokkén Tournament (Wii U)
Nintendo used Smash Hit. It's super effective!
Pokkén Tournament: it's not quite what a select few may have imagined when they dared to concoct a Pokémon / Tekken crossover game in the recesses of their wildest dreams, but few had even considered such a ludicrous idea until it actually came to fruition. Nevertheless, it's a real thing that...
News Twilight Princess HD Holds Top 10 Place in UK Charts
Pokemon gives 3DS a minor presence
The UK chart results for last week have emerged, and in the absence of any knockout new releases for Nintendo - though next week will include Pokkén Tournament - the focus has been on momentum for key titles. Namely, we're referring to The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, which had an impressive debut week...
Only in Japan, obviously
Volcanion & The Ingenious Magearna is the latest Pokémon movie to surface in Japan, and those who pre-book tickets for this cinematic event will get a Volcanion to use in Pokémon X & Y or Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire. As revealed in CoroCoro magazine, pre-booking runs from April 16th through July 15th,...
Weirdness Check Out These Ditto Inspired Pokémon Plushies
Has science gone too far?
For those of you that are unfamiliar with Pokémon, Ditto is a very popular Pokémon for, erm, breeding purposes. Essentially, Ditto is just a big, purple blob that's capable of assuming the form of any Pokémon it chooses, copying nearly everything about it. Of course – when Ditto is in its standard form – it's...
News Pokémon Comaster is Revealed as Another Upcoming Smart Device Release
If 3D chess and checkers mega evolved...
The Pokémon Company is relatively experienced in utilising smart devices, even if its parent company Nintendo is gearing up to release its first major app this month. In another effort to expand the reach of the 'mon franchise the company has announced another spin-off that's heading to phones and tablets -...
News The Pokémon Company Steps Up Its Promotion of The Pokkén Tournament Championship Series
A trip to the world finals in San Francisco is up for grabs
As competitive Pokémon players know very well we're starting to approach the competitive season. While the current-gen 3DS titles and the Trading Card Game will be in the contests as always, this year is a little different as Pokkén Tournament is also coming into the mix. Having...
Review Pokémon Ranger (Wii U eShop / DS)
Gotta circle ‘em all!
Welcome to the Fiore region, a relaxed place where Pokémon are free from Poké Balls, able to roam around in the wild or stay as someone's pet if they've taken a liking to a particularly snug blanket. You are the newest recruit to the Rangers, a group of dedicated (but often dull) individuals who provide help to citizens or...
Review Pokémon Red and Blue (3DS / GB)
Twenty years ahead of their time
When these games were released back in the late nineties, the air around younger Game Boy owners was one of excitement and rivalry. Nintendo is clearly trying to capitalise on the nostalgia factor for all of us who were within the target age group (and some who weren't) when these titles were originally released,...
Rumour Buster No, That Person You StreetPassed Is Not Playing Pokémon Sun
Sneaky homebrew malarky to blame
We get some quite exciting news tips submitted by you, our dear readers, from time to time. One such tip arrived in our email inbox from one such follower who was kind enough to alert us that a person they had recently StreetPassed appeared to be enjoying Nintendo's recently-announced Pokémon title, Pokémon Sun...
News The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Leads the Way for Nintendo in UK Charts
Number one in the single-format results
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD is the first of what Nintendo hopes will be a few key releases for Wii U in the next few months. The remaster of the previously successful Wii launch title (which also landed late on GameCube), it's also responsible for kickstarting the year's 30th Anniversary...
Nintendo Life Weekly Pokémon GO! Closed Beta Announced, Beyond Good & Evil 2 NX Rumour and More
Japan only, unsurprisingly
What with a full Nintendo Direct and a whole host of other happenings, you could easily be forgiven for missing some Nintendo news amidst all the hustle and bustle, so as usual we've distilled everything down into a quick and convenient video for your viewing pleasure. This week we're tackling Pokémon GO!'s invite-only...
Video Nintendo Minute Celebrates Pokémon Day and the Revamped Nintendo Store in New York
So many Pikachus...
27th February was dubbed 'Pokémon Day', celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the franchise and the launch of the first-gen games on the 3DS Virtual Console. Naturally there were some promotional shenanigans afoot, and this week's Nintendo Minute provides a nice look at the events in and around the recently revamped Nintendo NY...
News Pokémon Go is All Set for a March 'Field Test' in Japan
The adventure begins, sort of...
Though Pokémon Go recently saw its GDC presentation get cancelled, there's no real suggestion as yet that the project is in trouble; to the contrary developer Niantic is gearing up to send its app into the real world. In a short but sweet blog update the developer has stated that it's planning a field test of the...
News This Massive Snorlax Plush Doubles As The Perfect Pokémon Bed
59 inches long, weighs 12kg, costs $430
The Pokémon Snorlax is famous for being a bit sleepy, so you can forgive Bandai for taking advantage of this trait by creating what is best described as a giant cushion based on the character. Available in Japan for 52,000 Yen (around $430 / £300 / 390 Euros), Snorlax (or Kabigon has he's known in his...
Video Catch Plenty of Pokkén Tournament Footage in the First Nintendo Countdown Clash
With surprising results
Earlier this week we told you about the Pokkén Tournament 'Countdown Clash' series, in which Nintendo UK seeks votes via social media for a range of battles that are played out in the game. Those that enter (and are in the UK) have a chance of winning a copy of the game and one of the special pro pads, but more importantly...
News Niantic Cancels Pokémon GO Presentation At Game Developers Conference
No GO?
This year's Game Developers Conference takes place later this month, and Pokémon GO developer Niantic was due to hold a talk on March 14th about its latest game. Studio CEO John Hanke was supposed to give attendees "a first-hand, in-depth look at how players are interacting and exploring the world with one another through Pokemon GO," with...
News Three 'Solid' Pokémon Offered as Free Extras to Pokémon Bank Users
You have to regi-ster...
Pokémon Bank may not have had the most auspicious of starts, with the success of its festive launch in Japan causing the infamous Nintendo Network Christmas meltdown of 2013, but it's become an integral part of the Pokémon experience. For a relatively small annual fee ($4.99 in the US, for example) players can store their...
Video Unleash The Monster Inside With These Japanese Pokkén Tournament Commercials
Father and son bonding
Pokkén Tournament is almost upon us, and Nintendo has published two light-hearted commercials in Japan to build up interest in the crossover brawler. Both spots feature a father and his son huddled around the television, happily duking it out in the game. This tranquil scene is interrupted by comical turns to camera and...
Random Fan Intends to Recreate All 721 Pokémon as Stained Glass Artwork
Quite the undertaking
Be it by artwork, music, or something else, many artists have found creative ways to express their love for their favorite games. Seeing as how it's the 20th anniversary of Pokémon, it's no surprise that there's been something of a surge in Pokémon related content that's appearing around the web. While this will no doubt...
Poll The World Can't Get Enough Of Pokémon Yellow, But Which One Did You Buy?
Pikachu Edition comes out on top on the 3DS eShop
Nintendo finally got around to re-releasing the very first batch of Pokémon entries on the 3DS eShop last week, with Red, Blue and Yellow arriving on in the west while Japan was also gifted Pokémon Green. While Nintendo won't give actual sales figures, it has confirmed which of these titles has...
Reminder Mythical Pokémon Celebi Is Now Available to Download in Current-Gen Games
Just download it
As part of the Pokémon 20th Anniversary celebrations various Mythical 'mon are making their way into the current-gen games. Mew was the first of the monthly distributions, and now Celebi is joining in. Originating on the Game Boy Color, this modern iteration has the same moves as it did in Silver & Gold, including the ability...
Video Watch Pokémon Get Juggled in This Pokkén Tournament Combo Showcase
Ouch
While the standard flashy marketing trailers are steadily rolling out for the upcoming release of Pokkén Tournament, Nintendo UK is keeping its capture device busy in order to produce its own run of videos. It's kicked off a Countdown Clash series, but has also clearly been working on other videos to show the game off. The latest is a combo...
February2016
Review Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team (Wii U eShop / DS)
Pokécrawler: Blue
Many Pokémon are finding themselves in trouble and it's up to you and your rescue team to go and save them in this dungeon crawling spin-off from Chunsoft. Released for the DS in 2006, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team sees you fighting ill-tempered Pokémon as you search a randomly generated floor for the staircase that...
Weirdness Drew Barrymore Is Now Pokémon's Fashion Ambassador
"I like things that are colorful and happy"
Pokémon turns 20 this year as we all know, and no time is being wasted when it comes to exploiting this landmark event. Nintendo has just released the games that started it all on the 3DS eShop, and long-time merchandising partner Tomy is planning a year of special promotions. Later in the year
Talking Point The New 3DS Can Revive the Portable Family With Help From Pokémon and amiibo
Pokemon amiibo cards could print money
Nintendo knows how to bury bad news. Not long before the Pokémon Direct and the reveal of Pokémon Sun and Moon, it announced cuts to its estimated profits and sales. Net sales could be the lowest in 15 years for the
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