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Some of your Pokémon won't transfer to 'Sword' and 'Shield'
Ever since 2003, you've had the option of importing your Pokémon critters into newer games, including across platforms thanks to Pokémon Home. However, GameFreak is about to end that run. As part of an E3 chat, producer Junichi Masuda revealed that Pokémon Sword and Shield will only accept transfers from creatures that exist in the game's Galar region. That includes some Pokémon from other games, of course, but it means your beloved Meloetta won't be playable. You should still have a central collection in the Home app, you just won't get to use all of it.
'Pokémon Sword' and 'Shield' arrive on Switch late 2019
Nintendo and Game Freak have been promising an honest-to-goodness Pokémon role-playing game for the Switch for years, and they're nearly ready to deliver. They've unveiled Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, the first entries in the core RPG franchise for Nintendo's current console. The initial clips only provide so much detail, but they do suggest a change from the classic top-down perspective to a horizontal view. And of course, there's new material. You can expect a new region, Galar, as well as three new starter critters: Grookee (a grass character), Scorbunny (fire) and Sobble (water).
'Pokémon' developer is releasing a Switch RPG called 'Town'
Game Freak, the Japanese video game developer behind Pokémon, is working on a turn-based RPG simply called Town. Thankfully, that's only a working title for the new IP, so they might still come up with something more memorable. Nintendo has announced the game during its latest Direct presentation, showing some of its characters and a short preview of its gameplay. Apparently, the game is a new story set "in a village with a secret to hide." Under the protection of a castle, the village's residents enjoyed peace until giant monsters started showing up and wreaking havoc. The villagers now have to team up and fight off the fiends with their smarts and their tools.
Latest 'Pokémon' games include an ode to Nintendo's late president
Developers are still eager to show their gratitude to Nintendo's late Satoru Iwata. Gamers have learned that Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon include a clear, heartfelt tribute to the company's long-serving president. It requires that you have a creature carried over from Pokémon Silver (thankfully available in the eShop) and a trek to the Game Freak building in Heahea City, but it's worth the effort to read a short-but-sweet anecdote about one of Nintendo's most appreciated leaders.
A full 'Pokémon' game could come to Nintendo's Switch
It sounds like a version of Pokémon Sun and Moon could be headed to Nintendo's upcoming Switch console. It'd be akin to Red and Blue's sibling Yellow or Pearl and Diamond's Platinum, according to Eurogamer's sources. Currently the code name is Stars. Now, for a bit of unpacking. Both Yellow and Pearl were similar to their generational predecessors, but offered new features like different legendary-class pocket monsters or starting with the adorable Pikachu at your side.
Should Pokémon move to consoles?
Today marks the 20th Anniversary of Pokémon's Japanese debut. To celebrate, Nintendo announced the next generation (VII, for those keeping count) of the RPG, Sun and Moon, and the reaction from Engadget's staff has been mixed. Let's start things off with the trailer, just because it's great: Now, while the Pokémon fans among us will obviously all play the game, some were and are hoping for more from the series. Two, in particular, have spent the past 48 hours arguing over one question: should Pokémon move beyond Nintendo's handhelds and onto the company's fully fledged console?
Pokemon Omega/Alpha 'dual pack' has healing powers [Update]
Nintendo is packaging both versions of its upcoming Pokemon remake together, though the benefit to buying both games in one box isn't monetary. While both Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire will debut next month for $40 each, the "dual pack" bundle will still cost $80. The catch to Nintendo's two-for-two-in-different-packaging deal is that both games come with individual download codes that give players 100 potions in each game, making the familiar journey a tad easier. Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire were announced for 3DS in May as "fresh takes" on the 2003 Game Boy Advance games. Like last year's Pokemon X and Y, the games feature a load of mega-evolved versions of existing 'mon. Players can still obtain a download code to access the game's demo in the next few days by purchasing one of a handful of apps or games. Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire will launch on November 21. Update: As a minor point of clarification, the dual pack is exclusive to Best Buy stores. [Image: Nintendo]
Earn Pokemon Alpha, Omega rewards in upcoming demo
Nintendo will offer a demo version of Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire prior to the games' launches, according to its official site. The "early visit" to the games' Hoenn region will include "gameplay that you won't experience anywhere else," as well as a familiar Pokemon that is capable of Mega Evolving. Those that play the demo will be able to transfer said creature in addition to reward items to the full version of the game. Nintendo did not specify when the demo would be made available, but did mention that fans will be able to play it as many times as they like (some 3DS demos are limited in the number of times they can be accessed). The demo will also feature "special scenarios that occur if you play every day." Nintendo will reveal instructions on how players can obtain a code in the near future. The Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire remakes will launch November 21 for 3DS. [Image: Nintendo]
Become secret pals by visiting bases in Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire remakes
Nintendo's Game Boy Advance entries in the Pokemon series, Ruby and Sapphire, marked the introduction of "secret bases," in which players would annex a space of the game's worlds, decorating them as they saw fit. Secret bases are returning in the remakes of the games, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, with a modern touch. Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire players will not only have the ability to create and customize their own secret base in the games, but take it a step further by sharing their creations using the 3DS' StreetPass and QR Code creation functions. Secret bases can include mazes and traps as well as NPC visitors with Pokemon battle rules, effectively turning the customized bases into competitive Pokemon gyms of sorts. Upon visiting other bases, players will also have the opportunity to invite others to their own base as "secret pals," which instantly makes the whole thing weird for everyone involved.
Pokemon's Honedge brought to life
The folks behind the Man at Arms video series and makers of replica weaponry from games and films are at it again, this time with a Pokemon look-alike. The latest Man at Arms video shows the creation of the Pokemon Honedge, a new creature introduced in Pokemon X and Y that resembles a sword with a blue cloth attached to its hilt. While the Man at Arms crew chopped together a fine approximation of the creature (complete with a rather sharp blade, as seen in the ending demonstration), they did leave out Honedge's ornate sheath. Not that we'll be the ones telling them about the minor detail. They make swords, after all, so we'd hate to critique them. Led by master swordsmith Tony Swatton, Man at Arms' past work includes the energy sword from the Halo series, the God of War series' Blade of Chaos as well as swords from Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag. [Image: Man at Arms]
Fan-crafted Pokemon 3D captures Oculus Rift support
Our review of Pokemon X and Y spent a lot of time gushing over the introduction of 3D to the series, but now fans have taken things one step further by dragging the pixelated world of Pokemon Gold and Silver into the stereoscopic reality of the Oculus Rift headset. The footage you see above was created by a YouTube user calling himself "Vaecon," who you may recall from his work in bringing The Legend of Zelda to the Oculus Rift. For his latest project, Vaecon modified the ongoing Pokemon 3D fan project to support the virtual reality headset. Some things don't quite work - text doesn't display properly and certain details are hard to make out - and it's apparent that the game was built for a more traditional display, but despite its flaws, the end result is a three-dimensional visit to the Johto Region. While replicating this experience for yourself at home will require you to own an Oculus Rift headset, Pokemon 3D is a free download. It's not supported by Nintendo and could be struck down by a cease and desist order from the publisher at any time, but until then, the project's creators continue their efforts to add every known Pokemon and region to the 3D remake. [Image: Kolben Games]
Pokemon X/Y's Honedge already gets an evolved form in Doublade
Even though Pokemon X and Y don't arrive on 3DS until October 12, Nintendo has wasted no time in revealing a number of new creatures for the game. Among the new Pokemon coming this fall is Honedge, which will also have an evolved form called Doublade, Nintendo announced on its official Pokemon Facebook page today. The sharply named Doublade appears to be two of the sword-like Honedges joined together, similar to the evolved forms of other Pokemon from past games like Magneton. Doublade is a steel and ghost type, just like Honedge, and features a "No Guard" ability. The two creatures join a large cast of already-announced Pokemon, including two mega-evolved forms of the fan-favorite Mewtwo. Don't fret, Nintendo only has a few more weeks to spoil the rest of Pokemon X and Y.
Here are Pokemon X/Y's evolved starters, and Mewtwo's other 'Mega' form
Nintendo recently showed off the evolved forms of Pokemon X and Y's three starter creatures, Froakie, Chespin and Fennekin. The latest screens and trailer also showcase Pokemon that are evolved from fossils, as well as male and female-specific forms for Pokemon. One of the Pokemon with varying forms is Mewtwo, whose previously announced Mega-evolved form is actually called Mega Mewtwo Y, accessible through the Mega Mewtwonite Y item found in Pokemon Y version. This new Pokemon X and Y trailer shows the other form, Mega Mewtwo X, a fighting/psychic type that is, you guessed it, obtained through the same means in Pokemon X. The games will launch on October 12 for 3DS.
Pokemon X/Y's mega evolutions, super training shown in mega video, mega screens
The Pokemon Company offered more information today on the Pokemon X and Y details announced yesterday in CoroCoro. Pokemon capable of mega-evolving, such as Mewtwo, will undergo the change during battle, and only see its effects last for the duration of the battle. Eligible Pokemon must hold a "mega stone" item, each one unique to a particular creature, in order to access its latent abilities. The latest Pokemon X and Y screens and trailer also show glimpses of a new method for boosting a Pokemon's skills. Known as "super training," players can increase an individual Pokemon's base stats by playing mini-games, one being a soccer-like activity. The games will also offer "core training" workouts, allowing Pokemon to slowly improve their stats on their own. Three new Pokemon, Dedenne, Bunnelby and Skiddo, as well as a gym leader, Korrina of Shalour City, were also announced for the games. The mega-evolved version of Blaziken will only be accessed through a special distribution event via Nintendo Network starting at the game's launch for a limited time, which will grant players a free Torchic holding the Blazikenite mega stone. Pokemon X an Y will arrive on October 12 for 3DS. %Gallery-195732% %Gallery-195738%
Pokemon X and Y's legendaries are of the fairy, dark and flying persuasion
The Pokemon Company recently revealed a few more details about the two new legendary creatures for Pokemon X and Y, Xerneas and Yveltal. Xerneas, the legendary being in Pokemon X, is a fairy type that has an exclusive Geomancy move. Yveltal, Pokemon Y's legendary beast, is a dark and flying type that uses the move Oblivion Wing. Xerneas comes with the Fairy Aura ability, which strengthens fairy-type moves for all Pokemon in battle, whereas Yveltal's ability is Dark Aura, which does the same for dark-type moves. Pokemon X and Y are due out on October 12 for 3DS. %Gallery-193698%
Sword-like Pokemon Honedge coming to X and Y
Pokemon X and Y will have a number of new creatures, including a whole new fairy type. One of the new Pokemon coming this fall is a steel and ghost type named Honedge, The Pokemon Company recently announced. The sword-like Pokemon seems to have two forms, one in which the blue cloth attached to its hilt holds its sheath. The first thing we'll attempt to do when we catch Honedge is teach it the move Cut, of course. Pokemon X and Y will launch worldwide on October 12 for 3DS.
Pokemon X and Y's online features feel like a true evolution
Presiding over an audience of devoted Pokemon fans during an E3 2013 roundtable session, Tsunekazu Ishihara and Junichi Masuda of The Pokemon Company dropped some interesting new facts about the upcoming Pokemon X and Y, releasing October 12 for the 3DS. The games' new online functionality, known as the Player Search System (or P.S.S.), taps into the power of the 3DS by allowing players to switch between local wireless communication and full-fledged Internet connectivity with the push of a button. During play, the bottom screen of the 3DS will display confirmed friends – fully integrated with the 3DS' Friend List (meaning friends you add before the game's release will appear there) – as well as people in the area who happen to be playing. Battling someone from the latter group will add them to an acquaintances list, and after a few battles, X and Y will establish a friendship between the two players. True to the series' focus on multiplayer from its very first generation, X and Y has made it easier than ever to smash your pocket monsters into friends' far and wide. One important question, though, left some lingering disappointment in the room: when asked if previous generations' Pokemon can be imported into X and Y, Masuda could only offer "we're working on it," citing the problems in communicating data between the DS and 3DS. Hopefully, you won't have to take your current stable of Pokemon out behind the woodshed come October.
Nintendo on iOS? Pokédex arrives on iOS in the US and Europe, costs $2
Nintendo may not be giving up its gaming IPs to smartphones just yet, but the Japanese gaming giant is willing to work with them if it means crosspromoting games on standalone Nintendo consoles. Take, for example, today's release of the interactive Pokémon "Pokédex," available for $2 across various iOS devices -- Nintendo clearly isn't against taking fans' money in exchange for a valuable service: information on over 640 Pokémon on-the-go ... if you buy the three upgrade packs for $5.99 apiece (!!), that is. Support for the app extends all the way back to the aged iPhone 3GS, and through to the newest iPad (as well as the iPad Mini), so you'll be able to explore the wild world of Tepig from a vast array of iOS hardware. Of course, much of this could be meaningless to you if you grabbed the free version previously available on Nintendo's 3DS, but then you put it off, didn't you? And now here we are.
Pokemon Platinum revealed, set for fall release in Japan
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Pokemon_Platinum_DS_revealed_coming_Fall_to_Japan'; Pokéfanatics across the globe have been anxiously tied to their poké-related news sites over the past few weeks, attempting to prognosticate what gemstone/precious metal/color would serve as the title for the next installment in the beloved monster-enslaving series -- shortly after CoroCoro magazine dropped word of the upcoming Pokémon Platinum, the Sandshrew-swift Nintendo swooped in to confirm the title, and to reveal a fall release window for the game in Japan.Following the pattern of pokéreleases thus far, it will serve as a companion to the two current-generation titles, Diamond and Pearl -- much like Yellow, Crystal, and Emerald did for their respective generations. That means we'll likely be treated to new sprites for many the monsters, and a few tweaks to the story, but not many new entries into the ol' Pokédex. Perhaps that expansion will come in the franchise's next generation, Pokémon Ununbium and Cadmium.[Thanks, Vinay.]
Darkrai distribution events coming to Toys R' Us May 31 - June 1
If that headline appeared nigh undecipherable to your uninitiated eyes, count yourself very, very lucky, and quickly move on to the next story. Those whose hearts and pokeballs perked up upon seeing that teasing title will be happy to know that the heretofore uncatchable Darkrai, of Pokemon Diamond and Pearl fame, will be made quite catchable come the weekend of May 31 - June 1, when participating Toys R' Us stores will digitally distribute the inn key required to reach said public enemy no. 491.Though it's been a year since the monster enslaving simulator was released, we're sure that the retailer will find themselves slammed by DS-wielding trainers-in-training over the course of that weekend. We doubt that the avarice of many a poketrainer has been slaked by the current digital menagerie -- as they march onward into adorable battle, do they shout, "Gotta Catch All But One or Two of Them?" No, their kind is inclined to catch them all, and then, in some terrifying cases, their shiny counterparts.[Thanks, Jenni.]
