pokemon-x-y
Latest
Joystiq Discussion: How do you tackle your gaming back log?
January is when the sheer scale of it hits you, when you stare into the inky abyss of your Steam library and wonder: when the hell am I going to play all of these games? Every time the sale starts, the back log grows. Five measly bucks for a copy of Tomb Raider: The Definitive Edition! Who cares that I'm smack dab in the middle of three different RPGs? I can't let that pass me by! So the backlog swells, piling more and more games onto the proverbial, sometimes actual, stack. Recently I took stock of my own considerable back log, counting up all the vintage cartridges, discs, recent releases that went on sale, and downloads I'd amassed but never actually fired up to play. Turned out there were 27 games that I'd simply never turned on. In January, I'm trying to tackle them one at a time. Pokemon Y and Silent Hill: Book of Memories are first up! Once I've knocked them down, I'll move on to two more. It's not a perfect system, though. There are plenty of ways to tackle the back log. Do you take it slow? Do you not even bother and just let the back log grow? Or do you manage to keep up, finishing everything as you go. Take the poll, discuss below. How do you tackle your gaming back log? [Images: Nintendo]
PSA: Gamestop doles out Shiny Gengar, no purchase necessary
Pokemaniacs looking for a Shiny Gengar, but who would rather not spend hours upon hours hunting through the tall grass for the slim chance that one might appear, currently have another option, thanks to an ongoing Gamestop giveaway. Anyone who visits Gamestop before October 26 with either a copy of Pokemon X or Pokemon Y in tow will be given a totally gratis Shiny Gengar. What's more, the rare Pokemon - Bulbapedia claims Shiny Pokemon have a 1 in 4,096 chance of appearing in the wild - will be holding a Gengarite Mega Stone, allowing the ghostly 'mon to Mega Evolve into an even more powerful pocket monster. Best of all, there's no catch. You don't have to buy anything, sign up for a rewards card or even glance at the pre-owned games wall. Simply walk into your local Gamestop, politely ask an employee about the promotion and they should walk you through the process of downloading the Shiny Gengar. [Image: Nintendo/The Pokemon Company]
Grab a Super-Size Punkaboo in Pokemon X/Y for Halloween
Nintendo is offering a spooky treat for Pokemon trainers this Halloween. Throughout the month of October, Pokemon X and Y players can receive an exclusive Super-Size Pumpkaboo via the Nintendo Network, granting access to the upcoming Trick-or-Treat Friendly Online Competition. To get Pumpkaboo, players must choose the "Mystery Gift" option on Pokemon X/Y's main menu, then select "Get Via Internet." The Pumpkaboo comes equipped with Halloween-themed moves like Trick-or-Treat and Scary Face, and evolves into a competition-ready Gourgeist when traded with a friend. Pumpkaboo is available as a free download starting today, and will be up for grabs through October 31. [Image: Nintendo]
Twitch Plays Pokemon has beaten all Pokemon generations
We did it, everyone. Humanity has reached the highest state it will ever achieve, the pinnacle of our societal evolution. This week, Twitch Plays Pokemon completed Pokemon X, meaning that every generation of the Pokemon series has been conquered by the schizophrenic hivemind that is the TPP audience. Truly, we are ready for ascendance. The social experiment where thousands of Twitch viewers input commands to control a single character has gone on for nearly six months now, and though the main series has been mastered, the madness continues. At the time of writing, the TPP Twitch channel was still active, with audience members battling each other in Pokemon Stadium 2. Will Twitch Plays Pokemon return to the Hoenn region when Pokemon Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire hits shelves on November 21? We'll have to wait and find out. In the meantime, let us never forget this all started with a boy named Red and his Charmander, named ABBBBBBK(. Praise Helix. [Image: Twitch]
Nintendo Network smuggles Pinsir, Heracross through Pokemon X / Y's customs
"Gotta catch 'em all" is a seriously-demanding life motto these days, considering there's more than 700 Pokemon out in the wild. With some of those only appearing in one version of a region's dual-release debut, earning the Pokemon Master title can be tough if you can't find someone willing to trade. Pokemon X / Y owners will soon be able to get a little closer to Master status though, thanks to an upcoming Nintendo Network distribution event. You see, Heracross only resides in Pokemon Y, whereas Pinsir only prowls the wildlands of Pokemon X. But starting August 13, X / Y trainers can end the hunt and download level-50 versions of either Pokemon using the Nintendo Network. Beyond boosting their Pokedex headcount, trainers can also head into GameStop from August 18 - 31 to find codes for the Heracronite or Pinsirite Mega Stones, items that allow either Pokemon to Digivolve Mega Evolve mid-battle. You can get a complete stat rundown of both Heracross and Pinsir at the promotion's description page, as well as instructions for nabbing your free Pokemon. If you're all set on bug-type Pokemon and would rather not turn Pinsir into a winged nightmare, you can still get a poster by pre-ordering Pokemon Omega Ruby or Pokemon Alpha Sapphire from GameStop. [Image: The Pokemon Company]
Pokemon World Championships stream live on August 16
If you can't make it to Washington, DC for this year's Pokemon World Championships, don't worry, Twitch will be streaming the entire thing. Festivities kick off on Saturday, August 16 with an opening ceremony at 9AM EST, followed by a full day of streaming Pokebattles. From 9AM until 5PM, the streams will be reserved for those playing the 3DS' Pokemon X and Y while coverage will shift to the Pokemon trading card game after 5PM. Proper tournament play begins Sunday morning, with the trading card game finals from 10AM until 3PM EST and video game finals from 3PM to 6PM. If you miss any of the action, Twitch also plans to replay the entirety of the weekend's coverage on August 18 and 19. To catch all of this tournament coverage, visit the Pokemon Twitch channel. In case you forget any of the scheduling details we've laid out above, the channel includes a handy reference guide. [Image: Nintendo]
The nightmare returns as Twitch Plays Pokemon X / Y
The Twitch Plays Pokemon social phenomenon continues rolling along today, as the hivemind sets out to conquer the Kalos region of Pokemon X / Y. Not only is this the TPP project's final step to becoming a poke-master (which is to say that the group will have experienced all six generations of Pokemon once they beat it), but this time, rather than play an emulated version of the game like before, Twitch plays on a modified 3DS. This is a significant change because having an actual copy of the game and an actual 3DS system means being able to take advantage of Pokemon X / Y's online features. You think storing pokemon in the PC or releasing them to the wild was bad? Try dumping them on some hopeless stranger through a Wonder Trade. Chaos! Chaos reigns! The anonymous streamer in charge had the system's wireless functions turned off for an extended period of time, but it (currently) seems to be coming back. We're not ones to pick a side in whether or not Wi-Fi should be enabled, but someone out there managed to trade with the Twitch-controlled pokemon trainer to bestow upon them a "LADY HELIX." It's a sign. [Image: Twitch]
Here in my Pika-car, I feel safest of all from Team Rocket
Toyota chose our hearts when it unveiled two Toyopet Pokemon cars at this year's Tokyo Toy Show, because they're freaking delightful. The Pikachu car is lovely, even if the ears aren't the most streamlined design, but it's the Fennekin model that has our number. Check it out below the break, and there are more shots of the 'dorable duo over at Japan Trends. Toyota also has a shot of an Oshawott model, but we're not sure about that one, honestly. Fennekin stole the show in last year's Pokemon X and Y, while this year the critter-catching series goes back in time with Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. The 3DS remakes hit North America on November 21 and Europe on November 28.
Best Buy offers buy one, get one free on Pokemon, Zelda, more
Those looking to catch 'em all might want to head down to and/or log on to Best Buy this week, as the store's current promotions include a buy one, get one free deal on select Nintendo 3DS games, including Pokemon X / Y. Of course, if you're less about monster wranglin' and more about helping manage the lives of your friends, the recently-released Tomodachi Life is also included in the promotion, as are quite a few other, quality titles. Here's the full list: Bravely Default, Disney Magical World, Kirby Triple Deluxe, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Mario Golf: World Tour, Pokemon X, Pokemon Y, Tomodachi Life and Yoshi's New Island. "I don't have a 3DS," you say. "Best Buy is also offering $30 off the silver 3DS that comes with Mario & Luigi: Dream Team pre-installed," we say. "Also, it's amazing that we heard your spoken word through the internet when we're not connected to a call service," we say. Oh boy, maybe we're finally developing our mutant superpowers! Here, let's put it to good use: We foresee these deals ending on July 26. And we're definitely psychic, didn't just read that off Best Buy's website or anything. [Image: The Pokemon Company]
Catch this fancy bug in Pokemon X/Y
Fancy Pattern Vivillon is now available for Pokemon X and Y players to obtain for free, The Pokemon Company announced. The pretty bug can be downloaded through the Mystery Gift option in the game by connecting a 3DS to the Nintendo NT, then choosing to receive a gift via the Internet. While the Pokemon itself isn't all that uncommon in the game, its colorful pattern usually changes based on the real-life location of its owner. In the case of the Fancy Pattern Vivillon, which was announced in late May, the special version of the creature was created to commemorate the 100 millionth Pokemon trade via the Global Trade Station. Now that the milestone has been met, all players can pick up their new teammate today, though the developer says it "won't be available for long." [Image: Nintendo]
Pokemon Center online store opens in August
American Poke-fans can indulge themselves through a new online Pokemon Center, which is slated for a grand opening on August 6. Like the Poke-Centers dotted across the world, this is a store and not an infirmary for sick and wounded Pokemon. You can try demanding to see Nurse Joy so she can heal your pocket monsters, but we strictly wouldn't advise it. If you can't wait to buy 'em all, there are items already available to order on the store. At the moment you can grab a $17.50 Mewtwo tumbler, a $13 adorable Pika-plush, and a $24 pack of keyrings for Eevee and its evolved forms.
Pokemon Company to stream national championships on Twitch
The Pokemon Company announced that the upcoming 2014 Pokemon US National Championships will be livestreamed for the first time via its Twitch channel. The event kicks off at noon Eastern time on July 5, with Pokemon X and Pokemon Y players competing in a Swiss-system tournament. Pokemon Trading Card Game competitions will follow afterward, with a concluding video game tournament scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time on July 6. Competitors and attendees will receive a Level 50 Shiny Mamoswine through Pokemon X or Pokemon Y. Finalists will move on to the 2014 Pokemon World Championships, which will also be livestreamed when the event takes place on August 16 and 17 in Washington, DC. [Image: Nintendo]
Pokemon X/Y trading milestone captures Fancy Pattern Vivillon
To reward the legions of Pokemaniacs around the world who've spent the past seven months swapping Houndooms and haggling over Chespins in Pokemon X and Y, Nintendo has revealed plans to distribute a unique Vivillon known for its particularly ostentatious coloration. Officially known as the "Fancy Pattern Vivillon," this one-off critter bears a unique aesthetic design on its wings. Normally, Vivillon are highly sought after for online trading as each one features a design that changes depending on a player's real-world location. The Fancy Pattern Vivillon, however, looks the same no matter where it's located (though it's likely to be even more in-demand than its more common brethren, given its exclusive availability via upcoming distribution event). The timing of this distribution event is currently up in the air, as the Fancy Pattern Vivillon will only be released once the Global Trade Station tallies over 100 million trades. According to Nintendo, the counter currently sits at about 90 million. Once the 100 million mark has been passed, the official Pokemon website will be updated with details on exactly how and when players can download their lavish new bug. [Image: Nintendo]
Nintendo posts $229M loss, Wii U estimates down by 60 percent
Nintendo fell slightly short of the reduced financial projections it set in January, with the Wii U reaching 2.72 million shipments for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014. However, the system remains way off Nintendo's initial projection of 9 million, so it's no surprise to see more conservative estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015 of 3.6 million units. That's 60 percent less than Nintendo originally projected for the previous year. Total Wii U shipments are now up to 6.17 million, nearly a year and a half after the console launched. On the software side, Nintendo revealed figures of 32.28 million units to date, with New Super Mario Bros. U (4.16 million), Nintendo Land (3.09 million) and Super Mario 3D World (2.17 million) leading the way.
Pokemon are back in Happy Meals with new X, Y collection
Pokemon and McDonald's are joining forces again for the fast food chain's latest batch of bonus NEC - that's Non-Edible Content. Going by the McDonald's website, the next bunch of Happy Meals comes with one of 12 Pokemon X and Y toys and what looks like a card for the Trading Card Game. Each of the toys have "McPlay Power", meaning you can Mcscan them with MciPhones to unlock various Mcgoodies. The Poke-toys arrive hot on the heels of the Skylanders selection, which ended its run earlier this month. [Image: McDonald's]
Nintendo 2DS and Pokemon X bundle currently $100 at Target
Target is offering a Nintendo 2DS and Pokemon X hardware bundle at a steep discount this week, pricing the set at just $99.99 while supplies last. The package includes a black-and-red Nintendo 2DS and a digital copy of 2013's Pokemon X. The bundle is regularly priced at $149.99, and the 2DS hardware itself normally retails for $129.99. If you'd prefer to manage your Pokemon collection on a larger pair of screens, Target is also offering a $40 gift card with Nintendo 3DS XL purchases through April 19. [Image: Nintendo]
Who's that Pokemon commentator? It's you (possibly)!
The Pokemon Company International has announced they're looking for the very best - commentator, that is. If you think you've got the Spark inside of you and are ready to make a Splash, you could tag along with TPCI for the 2014 Pokemon US National Championships and Pokemon World Championships. Just make sure to Rest up before you Swagger on-camera for your audition; there's sure to be a lot of competition for the spot. But who knows, maybe you'll get an Encore instead of a Double Slap. Complete rules for the auditions can be found on the official Pokemon site, but the gist is that you'll need to record a video audition of you commentating on a Pokemon X / Y or Pokemon Trading Card Game battle, then paste the video to YouTube. Also, while the Pokemon games don't seem to have a problem with child endangerment or child labor, only US residents who are 18 years or older may participate. Now go out there and Charm 'em all. [Image: The Pokemon Company]
Pokemon X and Y capture 12 million sales
Buried within an announcement of another Pokemon movie, The Pokemon Company revealed today that Pokemon X and Y for 3DS have reached sales of 12 million units. According to the company, the latest installments in the gotta catch 'em all RPG series have helped the franchise reach sales of 245 million games sold to date. But that's just the video game: The collectible card game has over 20 billion cards out in the wild, and there's also the animated series empire. Pokemon will celebrate 20 years of confining animals in tiny red and white spheres in just a couple of years.
UK Pokemaniacs can catch Electabuzz, Magmar at GAME in April
In lieu of rabbits who inexplicably birth chocolate eggs, UK video game retailer GAME has opted to celebrate Easter in proper reverence by offering two rare Pokemon to local fans. Here's how it works: Come April 4, anyone who walks into a GAME retail location with a copy of Pokemon X or Y will walk away with a rare Pokemon. Players who own Pokemon X will receive the fiery Magmar, while those who own Pokemon Y will add Electabuzz to their Pokedex. Additionally, both Pokemon come equipped with the items necessary to evolve into their final forms. Both Magmar and Electabuzz will be distributed in the form of a code printed on a GAME receipt, though the retailer claims that no purchase is necessary to receive a free 'mon. Not wanting fans of the Pokemon trading card game to feel left out, GAME will also be handing out free sample card packs, each of which includes a "special foil Pikachu card." Like the virtual Pokemon, there's no purchase necessary for this piece of swag, though GAME notes that these sample packs will be handed out on a first come, first served basis. Once supplies are gone, you'll have to find some other way to catch 'em all. Edit: Originally this article claimed that the items attached to Magmar and Electabuzz would allow the Pokemon to Mega Evolve, when in fact neither of these creatures have the ability to Mega Evolve. [Image: Nintendo]
Nintendo eShop, Pokemon X/Y undergo extended maintenance this week
Heads up, Poketrainers, Virtual Console addicts and Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies fashion mavens always purchasing new outfits for Phoenix Wright: You'll have to take a siesta on Thursday when the Nintendo eShop goes offline on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. Not to worry! This is just an extended maintenance period to keep the works running. From 1PM PST to 5PM PST on Thursday, March 13, the Nintendo eShop will be "intermittently unavailable" according to Nintendo. Pokemon X/Y will also go offline for maintenance on Monday, March 17 from 1PM PST to 5PM PST. Those planning to force tiny animal companions into mortal combat that afternoon may want to make alternative arrangements at a local pet store. Maintenance on the eShop isn't unusual, especially on Thursdays, Nintendo's regular day for new digital releases. This maintenance period is a touch longer than usual, though, and comes exactly one month after the last Nintendo Direct. As the good folk at Nintendo Life note, Nintendo has a habit of running Nintendo Direct video announcements on a monthly basis. Rest assured that if there's a stealth Nintendo Direct, we'll have coverage for you, but until then it's best to simply adjust your Steel Diver: Sub Wars purchasing plans for the week. [Images: Nintendo]
