Naturally, this new version will include the critters from the latest generation of pokegames, Pokemon Black/White. I recall speculating that Nintendo would offer paid DLC for the original Rumble to add the newest monsters to the roster. Obviously I was wrong.

The press release sets October 24 as the release date, but does not offer a definite mention of price or format. Under the name Super Pokemon Scramble, the game gets a retail release in Japan next week (Source: Kotaku).

I spent some good times in the original Rumble… it was an arcadey take on Pokemon battles, kind of with a Robotron feel, and tons of unlockables. One expects that tradition to continue, EXCEPT IN 3-D. And StreetPass support, which gives me something to look forward to during next year’s E3.

Pokémon Rumble Blast for Nintendo 3DS Set to Launch Oct. 24

First Pokémon Game for Hand-Held Nintendo 3DS System Includes Fast-Paced Battles, Social Play Features and More Than 600 Pokémon

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Starting this fall, Pokémon™ fans will be able to experience the franchise’s battle-based action and adventure in a whole new dimension. Nintendo of America has announced an Oct. 24 launch date for Pokémon™ Rumble Blast, the first Pokémon game created exclusively for the hand-held Nintendo 3DS™ system. An action-packed Pokémon adventure in 3D without the need for special glasses, the game lets players battle against waves of opposing wind-up Toy Pokémon, connect and play with friends, and collect more than 600 Toy Pokémon.

As players advance through each stage in Pokémon Rumble Blast, their Toy Pokémon will face dozens of Toy Pokémon at once, creating fast and furious real-time battles. Players must also face off against giant Boss Pokémon, whose massive size and strength offer special challenges. Certain defeated Toy Pokémon can be added to the player’s team, and players may also collect special Toy Pokémon, each with its own unique stats and abilities. Players can collect more than 600 Toy Pokémon in all, including those from the recently released Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version games. Players can quickly and easily switch between the various Toy Pokémon they collect throughout the game.

Pokémon Rumble Blast offers two ways for players to wirelessly connect with each other. Using a local wireless connection, they can enjoy a cooperative play mode that allows them to battle through levels together and more easily befriend defeated Toy Pokémon. Using the Nintendo 3DS StreetPass™ feature, they can challenge the Toy Pokémon of players they pass in their daily travels and view other players’ Mii™ characters in the game.

“Pokémon Rumble Blast delivers instant Pokémon gratification,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “The controls are intuitive and simple enough for anyone to pick up and play, while new battle modes, more than 600 Toy Pokémon and social play opportunities offer deep experiences for longtime fans.”

Remember that Nintendo 3DS features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

For more information about Pokémon Rumble Blast, visit http://www.pokemon.com/rumbleblast.

Chief among the initial offerings is Pokedex 3D, a free download that includes the usual grainy data on characters from Pokemon Black/White. But beyond the number-crunching, Pokedex 3D will SpotPass and AR functionality… including the ability to pose pokemon in your real-world 3D pictures! Commence pictures of me hugging Oshawott!

The web browser will also appear during this update, and as a system-level app it will be accessible while gameplay is paused. Plus owners of DSi content will be able to transfer “most” previously downloaded DSiWare content to the 3DS.

The remastered line of 3D NES classics will take a bow with Excitebike, which will be made available for free for one month. Game Boy and Game Boy Color games appear to be coming shortly to the eShop’s Virtual Console, with Nintendo namechecking Super Mario Land, Alleyway and Radar Mission… a trio of very early Game Boy originals. No pricing scheme is outlined in the official press release. The promised 3D video viewer is also coming soon in the form of another downloadable app.

Nintendo also mentioned that Thursday will be the day for planned weekly content updates.

June 6 Nintendo 3DS System Update Adds Internet Browser, Online Store and Pokédex 3D

Nintendo Offers Free Re-mastered 3D Version of NES Classic Excitebike for Limited Time

NOTE: Multimedia available here

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Nintendo of America has announced that the first major system update for the hand-held Nintendo 3DS™ system will be available in North America the evening of June 6, Pacific time. By installing the free update via a wireless broadband Internet connection, Nintendo 3DS users will have access to an Internet browser and the Nintendo eShop, which contains a variety of new content, including Pokédex™ 3D, an application that lets fans see Pokémon™ characters in 3D. To celebrate the grand opening of the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo is offering the NES™ game Excitebike™ re-mastered in 3D as a free download until July 7 for anyone who installs the system update. Upcoming Virtual Console™ content available in the Nintendo eShop includes Game Boy™ games Super Mario Land™, Alleyway™ and Radar Mission™. New content will be added to the Nintendo eShop on Thursdays.

The Nintendo eShop is a digital store for Nintendo 3DS owners that provides access to a wide variety of downloadable content, such as original 3D software, classic games that have been re-mastered in 3D called 3D Classics, Game Boy and Game Boy Color “Virtual Console” games in their original 2D glory, and more than 350 Nintendo DSiWare™ games. Visitors can also view video game trailers, screen shots and product information for games, including those available at retail locations.

Within the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo 3DS users will also be able to download the free Pokédex 3D application and start collecting data for more than 150 Pokémon from the Pokémon™ Black Version and Pokémon White Version games. This new application lets users view each Pokémon in 3D with animated motion and sound. The Pokémon image can be rotated 360 degrees, allowing users to zoom in and view it from any angle. The detailed Pokédex also allows users to search, sort and filter all of the data they receive in a variety of ways, making it the essential guide for Pokémon fans. Players can complete their Pokédex by sharing data with friends and using the SpotPass™ feature, or by scanning special Pokémon AR Markers (augmented-reality markers). Once users have received data for a Pokémon, the AR Viewer allows them to view that Pokémon image in a real-world setting in real time, and create photos to share with friends.

“The Nintendo 3DS system is constantly evolving and growing,” said Nintendo of America president and COO Reggie Fils-Aime. “The Nintendo eShop is a one-stop resource for a broad range of Nintendo information and downloadable games and applications. It expands the Nintendo 3DS experience with new and entertaining content.”

Other capabilities that go live with the system update include a free Internet browser that has the capability to show 3D images on sites specifically designed to show 3D images. The browser can also be used during game play. Users can stop their Nintendo 3DS game and go to the browser by pressing the Home button and then resume their game when they are finished browsing.

The system update also gives Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™ system owners the ability to easily transfer most of their previously downloaded Nintendo DSiWare™ games to their new Nintendo 3DS systems.

In the near future, users will be able to download a free application for a short-form video service that will enable them to view specially selected video content, including 3D movie trailers, comedy clips and music videos automatically received when the SpotPass feature is activated.

To install the recommended system update, Nintendo 3DS users can simply start the “System Settings” from the Home Menu, select “Other Settings” and scroll the page right to select “System Update.”

Remember that the Nintendo 3DS system features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo3ds.com.

From April 27 to May 31, you have a month to get a egg that will hatch one of three secret pokemon, each meant to mimic the characters found on the latest episodes of the animated series. The silhouettes seem to offer a Pidove (which sucks), a Pansage (which might be ok, depending on the starter you chose), and an Axew (which is probably the best one of the three.) Although often these event pokemon know unusual moves or come with oddball items that you don’t find with the off-the-rack caught-’em-myself breeds.

Toys R Us should also have the new B&W TCG packs in stock. A special booster two-pack is to include a bonus card featuring one of the Secret Egg pokemon. Buy, buy, buy!

Source: Toys R Us.com, Pokemon.com

Pokémon Secret Egg Download
Wednesday, April 27 – Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Toys”R”Us Exclusive Event!

FREE Pokémon Secret Egg Download from April 27-May 31. Get a secret egg that hatches to reveal one of three characters from Ash’s traveling party on the new Pokémon TV series, at DS Download station only at Toys”R”Us!

Bring your Nintendo DS system and your Pokémon Black or White Versions to Toys”R”Us to recieve the Character Download!”

The Wii sold over 290,000 for the month… although now that we’re seemingly on track for a price drop and a successor system, who can predict how much strength the Wii has left in it.

Nintendo’s press release reminds us that the 3DS is slated for a free “future” system update that will turn on the unit’s currently-inactive Web Browser icon, as well as the eShop. The update also promises to provide some magical, mysterious way to shift DSi purchases to the 3DS. What do you think… an authorized re-download, or a local WiFi transfer?

The PR also recaps the summer lineup, previously revealed, plus the vague summer target for enabling Netflix on the 3DS

Pokémon Games Sell Nearly 2.5 Million in Nintendo’s Best March in U.S. History for Portable Hardware Business

The new Nintendo 3DS™ system combined with the Nintendo DS™ family of systems to make last month the best-selling March in U.S. history for Nintendo’s portable hardware business, according to the independent NPD Group, which tracks video game sales in the United States.

After only one week on sale following its March 27 launch, Nintendo 3DS sold just shy of 400,000 units. Propelled by sales of more than 1.3 million Pokémon™ White Version games and more than 1.1 million Pokémon™ Black Version games, the Nintendo DS family of systems topped all home and portable video game systems in March, with more than 460,000 sold.

“Both Nintendo 3DS and the Nintendo DS family had a strong month, indicating that Nintendo has something for everyone,” said Charlie Scibetta, Nintendo of America’s senior director of Corporate Communications. “Nintendo provides people with the best video game experiences, from 3D visuals without special glasses to a touch-screen interface to motion controls.”

Nintendo’s Wii™ console sold more than 290,000 in the United States in March, giving Nintendo combined hardware sales of more than 1.1 million for the month. The upcoming Wii Play™: Motion game launches on June 13 and will have players smiling as they use their Wii Remote™ Plus controller (or Wii Remote™ with Wii MotionPlus™ accessory) in 12 new motion-controlled games. Wii Play: Motion comes packaged with a black Wii Remote Plus controller to deliver great value, precise motion control and immersive social fun that anyone in the household can pick up and instantly enjoy.

As Nintendo 3DS heads into its first full month of sales, a number of milestones are on the horizon to keep momentum going:

A free future system update will provide Nintendo 3DS owners with an Internet browser and access to the Nintendo eShop, which will bring consumers a broad variety of downloadable software as well as video game trailers, screen shots and related information. The system update also delivers a solution for Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™ owners to easily transfer most of their Nintendo DSiWare™ games to their new Nintendo 3DS systems.

On June 19, The Legend of Zelda™: Ocarina of Time™ 3D introduces a completely re-mastered version of an epic entry in the beloved The Legend of Zelda game series. The game couples phenomenally enhanced graphics, stunning glasses-free 3D visuals, a touch-screen interface and newly implemented motion controls to provide a fresh experience. The game will also feature new challenges not included in the original game. The Legend of Zelda veterans can look forward to the Master Quest – a second quest with revamped puzzles and redesigned dungeons that feature the same graphical and interface upgrades as the main game.

Later this summer, Netflix members who own a Nintendo 3DS system and can access a broadband wireless Internet connection will be able to instantly watch TV episodes and movies streaming from Netflix directly to their Nintendo 3DS systems. A Netflix unlimited membership is required.

For more information about Nintendo, visit http://www.nintendo.com.

GAME> Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time / Explorers of Darkness (2008)
SYSTEM> Nintendo DS
SOURCE> GameStop flyer, 2008

Celebrate 3DS launch weekend with some codes for the second wave of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games! I mysteriously hid two more passwords in the dungeon after the jump.

In North America, the Wii itself topped 35 million sold in February, which makes it the fastest console in history to reach that mark. (Note that, while these numbers were not specifically stated as such in the press release, Nintendo has long relied on sold-to-customers as their basis, not sold-to-retailers.) Sure, sales of the Wii have been slowing, but hey, what are we at here, 80 million sold worldwide? Nintendo seems pretty happy about that.

On the software side, last fall’s Donkey Kong Country Returns crossed two million sold in February and 2009′s New Super Mario Bros Wii has now sold over eight million copies. Hey, where’s Kirby’s Epic Yarn you guys? Am I allowed to kick off a Pundit Gamer Shame campaign over Epic Yarn sales in a couple years, like we’re all enjoying with Beyond Good & Evil right now?

Pokemon SoulSilver seems to have proven itself super-effective against its partner game, Pokemon HeartGold. SoulSilver (a March 2010 release) crossed two million sold in February… while Nintendo said nothing about HeartGold sales. And the granddaddy of DS games, New Super Mario Bros from 2006, achieved over nine million in sales in February. 2006 and still shifting units!

This info comes hot on the heels of Pokemon Black/White selling a million+ on launch day last weekend, beating the previous Pokemon record of 780,000 set by Pokemon Diamond/Pearl in 2007.

Once it goes live, the Global Link will include both the Pokemon Global Battle Union and the Pokemon Dream World. The GBU will be used for online battles, while the Dream World will allow players to meet up and find items and pokemon. Until March 30, you’ll just get a crap error message.

You’ll need an online Pokemon Trainer Club account to sync to your game, as the Global Link includes a web-based interface. So get on that.

While you wait, don’t forget about catching that Victini, a free downloadable that is only available through April 10. You do not actually get a Victini, you get a Liberty Pass item that will let you travel to where you can then attempt to catch a Victini. I nabbed my Victini last night and the Level 15 pisser ate through ten poke balls before I caught him.

Then, of course, there’s a little somethin’ called the 3DS just over the three-dimensional horizon. Are you ready for 3D-DAY?

March 6
Pokemon Black/White (DS) – Hurry up and get one of these in order to download Victini, a vicious little bugger that wins every time. HENCE THE NAME.

March 15
Okamiden (DS) – Given that this li’l pup is launching under the dual shadows of Pokemon and the 3DS, we can safely assume it will be just as successful as the original Okami.

Top Spin 4 (Wii) – Because, I mean, what other possible way is there to play tennis on your Wii, am I right?

March 22
LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars (Wii, DS) – Aaaaaand arriving on 3DS for launch. I’m hanging out to see who gets to kill Ahsoka.

Raving Rabbids Party Collection (Wii) – Holy freaking heck. Rayman Raving Rabbids, Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 and Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party in one box, $30. I guess.

Get Fit With Mel B (Wii) – I just saw the PS3 version of this one already on deep discount at Target.

WWE All-Stars (Wii) – Finally, Randy Savage.

Monster Tale (DS) – Nintendo Power has been giving this one a lot of coverage.

March 27 – 3D-DAY
Pilotwings Resort (3DS) – “You got Wii Sports Resort in my PilotWings!” “You got PilotWings in my Wii Sports Res… wait, what’s PilotWings?”

nintendogs+cats (3DS) – Finally, cats.

Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition (3DS) – No DLC for this one, which is probably a good thing given what we’re about to pay in total for Marvel vs Capcom 3.

Ridge Racer 3D (3DS) – I was lukewarm on this one until I saw they were back to pimping Reiko Nagase from R4 as the spokesmodel.

(Fan art source here!)

From the March 6 release through April 10, Nintendo will have a Liberty Pass item available for download over the WiFi Connection. This pass will let players catch Victini, who cannot otherwise be captured during normal gameplay. All the crazy Poke-centric details are in the press release below.

Nintendo has also formally announced the free download of Ash’s Pikachu at Toys R Us, from now through February 13. This special pikachu is for the previous generation of Pokemon games – Pearl, Diamond, Platinum, HeartGold and SoulSilver. It knows “moves like Thunderbolt, Iron Tail and Volt Tackle – just like Ash’s on TV!”

Early Purchasers of Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version to be Rewarded with Exciting Victini Distribution

Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are giving Pokémon™ fans yet another reason to get revved up for the March 6 launch of the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems. Consumers who purchase either of the new games between launch and April 10 will be able to receive a special Liberty Pass via Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection (broadband Internet access required), which will enable them to catch the never-before-seen Mythical Pokémon Victini™.

Victini – the Victory Pokémon – is the first Pokémon that’s Psychic- and Fire-type and cannot be obtained through normal game play. It is said that Victini creates an unlimited supply of energy, which it shares with others. This energy source may be the secret to how it brings about victories. Victini’s unique and exclusive Victory Star ability not only increases its own accuracy in battle, but also boosts the accuracy of all a player’s Pokémon in battle. Victini is a must-have in any Pokémon battle, and is especially useful in Triple Battles, which debut in Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version.

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version include more than 150 never-before-seen Pokémon that players can catch, train and battle as they progress through the game. Both games are now available for pre-order from major retailers throughout the United States for a suggested retail price of $34.99 each. A deposit may be required for pre-orders. See individual retailers for details.

For more information about Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version, visit http://www.pokemonblackwhite.com.

The tour will cover all the latest in Pokemon. In addition to the expected DS demo kiosks of Black and White, the tour will offer free screenings of the new movie, Pokémon-Zoroark: Master of Illusions. Nearby GameStops will have Celebi available for download (rumor verified!) and there will be mall-wide scavenger hunts.

Straddling the March 6 game release, the tour will run weekends from February 6 through March 20. Check the list below to see if the tour is hitting a mall near you.

POKÉMON LAUNCHING NATIONAL MALL TOUR TO SUPPORT RELEASE OF POKÉMON BLACK VERSION AND POKÉMON WHITE VERSION VIDEO GAMES

Blockbuster Year For Pokémon Franchise Kicks Off With Opportunity For Fans To PlayHighly Anticipated Video Game Titles

BELLEVUE, Wash. – January 11, 2011 – Pokémon Trainers get ready…the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems are touring America! The Pokémon Company International announced today that one of the most anticipated video game releases of the year will be supported by a multi-city national mall tour starting February 5th – a month before the March 6th U.S. launch of the games. The 14-city tour will give fans an opportunity to discover all-new Pokémon while playing the brand-new adventure that has already taken Japan by storm. The mall tour will kick off a blockbuster year for the franchise with more activities, entertainment, and product releases on tap throughout 2011.

Each two-day stop along the Pokémon Black Version and White Version Tour will offer fans a truly immersive experience based on the new world found in the video games, with Pokémon taking over malls to celebrate the marquee releases. Video game demo areas will showcase Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version, allowing fans to experience the games firsthand. Families can attend a free screening of the new Pokémon feature-length film, Pokémon-Zoroark: Master of Illusions, at theaters located at the mall tour stops. The tour also features Pokémon character meet and greets with brand-new starter Pokémon Snivy™, Tepig™ and Oshawott™, a mall-wide scavenger hunt, a special Celebi™ character distribution at GameStop stores; plus contests, prizes, and much more! A Pokémon Center store offering merchandise will also be on-site.

“The anticipation for Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version has been palpable, and we are eager to introduce these fantastic new games to America,” said J.C. Smith, The Pokémon Company International’s director of Marketing. “We cannot wait to hit the road and give Pokémon fans an up-close and personal look at an all-new world of Pokémon in a fun, totally immersive environment.”

The Pokémon Black Version and White Version Tour will run every weekend through March 20th in the following cities:

February 5th and 6th:
· Seattle, WA (Westfield Southcenter, Seattle, WA)
· Cleveland, OH (Westfield SouthPark, Strongsville, OH)

February 12th and 13th:
· San Jose, CA (Westfield Oakridge, San Jose, CA)
· Memphis, TN (Wolfchase Galleria, Memphis, TN)

February 19th and 20th:
· Los Angeles, CA (Westfield Santa Anita, Arcadia, CA)
· Indianapolis, IN (Castleton Square, Indianapolis, IN)

February 26th and 27th:
· Denver, CO (Town Center at Aurora, Aurora, CO)
· Philadelphia, PA (Franklin Mills, Philadelphia, PA)

March 5th and 6th:
· Minneapolis, MN (Mall of America®, Bloomington, MN)
· *New York, NY (Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ)
*Friday and Saturday, March 4th and 5th

March 12th and 13th:
· Dallas, TX (Grapevine Mills, Grapevine, TX)
· Atlanta, GA (Discover Mills, Lawrenceville, GA)

March 19th and 20th:
· Phoenix, AZ (Arizona Mills, Tempe, AZ)
· Jacksonville, FL (Orange Park Mall, Orange Park, FL)

The mall tour kicks off a historic year for the Pokémon franchise that will introduce an all-new trading card game expansion, feature-length film, animated series, and merchandise. The multi-pronged rollout will thrust the Pokémon brand into the spotlight across its many entertainment offerings.

For more information about Pokémon please visit www.Pokemon.com.