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Nintendo Direct

Nintendo Direct (ニンテンドーダイレクト) is an broadcast distributed on the Internet that is directly produced by Nintendo. It was generally hosted by Nintendo President Satoru Iwata until his death but other Nintendo region presidents and staff have hosted segments for their region of the world. The broadcasts are hosted on YouTube, Nico Nico Live and Ustream. They are initially streamed live at a specifically given time and then archived for viewers to watch at a later time. Nintendo states that Nintendo Direct's are: "A new online home for exclusive Nintendo news-broadcast directly to you, the player." The broadcasts vary in the length and scope but they are usually a way of announcing new information and titles for Nintendo's entertainment systems.

Pokémon Direct

Pokémon Direct (ポケモンダイレクト) is a subset of Nintendo Direct which solely focuses on the Pokémon franchise. The President of The Pokémon Company Tsunekazu Ishihara (石原恒和) and Game Freak Director Junichi Masuda (増田順一) are often guests on the show which is also hosted by Nintendo President Satoru Iwata. Pokémon information had previously been revealed in Nintendo Direct broadcasts up until the first Pokémon Direct broadcasted on January 8th, 2013 but it is still revealed in the normal Nintendo Direct's if there is not enough information to dedicate an entire broadcast to Pokémon.

Pokémon Direct Broadcasts

Date Type Revealed
April 21st, 2012 Nintendo Direct
  • Pokémon AR Searcher (ポケモンARサーチャー) and Pokémon National Zukan Pro (ポケモン全国図鑑Pro) for the Nintendo 3DS.
June 21st, 2012 Nintendo Direct
  • Tornadus, Thundurus and Landorus new formes were called the Therian Forme while their standard forme were called the Incarnate Forme.
  • The Japanese Nintendo Direct also announced that the first World WiFi Tournament for Black 2 and White 2 would start on June 29th, 2012.
  • Nintendo Europe announced that Learn with Pokémon Typing Adventure would be released in Europe in September of 2012 and it included the white Bluetooth keyboard.
January 8th, 2013 Pokémon Direct
  • Pokémon X and Y (ポケットモンスター X・Y)
  • XY starters: Water-type Froakkie, Grass-type Chespin and the Fire-type Fennekin.
  • XY legendaries: Xerneas and Yveltal.
  • First worldwide release of a Pokémon Generational game (except Korea).
  • Nintendo 3DS features will be incorporated into X and Y
June 11th, 2013 Nintendo Direct
  • Fairy-type (フェアリータイプ)
  • XY starters: Water-type Froakkie, Grass-type Chespin and the Fire-type Fennekin.
  • Sylveon, Gardevoir, Jigglypuff and Marill are Fairy-type Pokémon.
  • Pokémon X and Y would be released worldwide on October 12th, 2013.
  • Two new Pokémon were also revealed: Vivillon (ビビヨン Vivillon in Japanese) and Noivern (オンバーン Onvern in Japanese).
  • A new feature called Pokémon-Amie (ポケパルレ Poké-parler in Japanese)
September 4, 2013 Pokémon Direct
  • Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle will be the Pokémon Professor Sycamore gives out to players.
  • Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise can Mega Evolve into Mega Venusaur, Mega Charizard and Mega Blastoise.
  • Chespin, Fennekin or Froakie will be given to player by their friend in game.
  • Trainers must also obtain a bracelet called the Mega Ring that holds a mysterious stone called a Key Stone in order to perform Mega Evolutions.
  • Pokémon Bank (ポケモンバンク) and Poké Transporter (ポケムーバー PokéMover)
  • Two Limited Edition Pokémon-themed Nintendo 3DS XL Systems Launching on September 27th, 2013 in North America and Europe
December 18, 2013 Nintendo Direct
  • Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter details
  • Celebi revealed to be available till September 30, 2014 for those that purchase Pokémon Bank
January 17, 2014 Nintendo Direct - Korea
  • Nintendo apologizes for the delay of Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter
February 14, 2014 Nintendo Direct
  • Pokémon Battle TROZEi (ポケモンバトルトローゼ) announced for Japan. Release date: March 12th, 2014. 762yen on the Nintendo eShop.
  • Pokémon Link: Battle in Europe. Release date: March 13th, 2014
  • Pokémon Battle Trozei in North America. Release date: March 20th, 2014.
April 8th, 2014 Super Smash Bros. Direct
September 24th, 2014 Nintendo Direct Australia
October 23rd, 2014 Super Smash Bros. Wii U Direct
  • Mewtwo announced to be coming for free in the Spring of 2015 to both the Wii U and 3DS versions of Super Smash Bros. if players purchase both games.
November 6th, 2014 Nintendo Direct Japan
January 15th, 2015 Nintendo Direct
  • Pokémon Shuffle Freemium game for Nintendo 3DS revealed.
  • Charizard amiibo revealed.
  • Nintendo Anime Channel unveiled and includes episodes from the Pokémon Anime series as part of the European launch of the New Nintendo 3DS on February 13th, 2015.
  • The Groudon and Kyogre New Nintendo 3DS Cover Plate announced for release in Europe on February 13th, 2015 and a Pikachu Cover Plate was announced for Japan for released on February 14th, 2015 for 1500 yen. The Pikachu Cover Plate was also announced to be released in Europe.
April 1st, 2015 Nintendo Direct
  • Mewtwo would be available via a Club Nintendo promo code for players that purchased Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS on April 15th, 2015.
  • Mewtwo would also be available via DLC on April 28th, 2015. It could be purchased for $3.99 for either the 3DS or Wii U versions or for $4.99USD for the bundle for both games.
  • Pokémon Rumble World (みんなのポケモンスクランブル) for the Nintendo 3DS would be available as a Free to Play game on April 8th, 2015. Poké Diamonds could be found in-game by playing levels, received via StreetPass or purchased in the in-game store via the Nintendo eShop.
  • Jigglypuff, Charizard and Greninja amiibo announced for released on May 29th, 2015 in North America and Europe while they would be released in Japan on May 28th, 2015.
May 31st, 2015 Nintendo Direct - Japan
  • The first trailer and gameplay footage for Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon was shown.
  • The Japanese release date was revealed as September 17th, 2015.
June 1st, 2015 Nintendo Direct Micro
  • The first English trailer and gameplay footage for Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon was shown.
  • The North American release date was revealed as Winter 2015.
  • All known 720 Pokémon are in the game and there are 20 different starter Pokémon to pick from.
November 12th, 2015 Nintendo Direct
  • Pokémon Red Version, Pokémon Blue Version and Pokémon Yellow Version: Announced that on February 27, 2016, the games that started it all, Pokémon Red Version, Pokémon Blue Version and Pokémon Yellow Version, would be relaunched on the Virtual Console for systems in the Nintendo 3DS family.
  • Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon: Announced that the latest installment of the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series that has sold more than 13 million units worldwide to date is launching for Nintendo 3DS on February 19th, 2016.
  • Pokémon Picross: Announced that the popular Picross series would meet the world of Pokémon when Pokémon Picross launched in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS in early December 2015.
  • Pokkén Tournament: Fans who purchase a first-run version of the game at retail could receive a limited-edition Shadow Mewtwo amiibo card that immediately unlocks the character in the game after tapping it to the Wii U GamePad.
February 26th, 2016 Pokémon Direct
  • Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon will arrive on the Nintendo 3DS worldwide in Late/Holiday 2016
  • The games support 9 languages now which includes: Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese. The languages can be selected right when players begin playing the game. The hope is that with more languages, players will be able to overcome language barriers by playing Pokémon.
  • It was announced in this Pokémon Direct that Pokémon Red, Blue, Green and Yellow Digital eShop versions support Pokémon Bank and that an update would be able in the future for the Nintendo 3DS app to enable the functionality. Players will be able to transfer their Pokémon to Pokémon Sun and Moon via Pokémon Bank.
September 1st, 2016 Pokémon Direct
  • The early purchase bonus for Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon was revealed as Munchlax, which must be received via players’ Internet connection by January 11, 2017. It held a special item called Snorlium Z. By evolving Munchlax into Snorlax and having it hold the Snorlium Z, Snorlax becomes able to use a special Z-Move that cannot be used by any other Pokémon—Pulverizing Pancake.
  • Alolan Rattata revealed.
June 6th, 2017 Pokémon Direct
  • During the Pokémon Direct presentation, Tsunekazu Ishihara, president and CEO of The Pokémon Company and Junichi Masuda, Director of GAME FREAK, announced upcoming Pokémon titles for Nintendo consoles.
  • Pokkén Tournament DX was revealed for the first time for the Nintendo Switch with a release date of September 22nd, 2017, including all the content from both the Wii U and arcade versions of Pokkén Tournament.
  • The first footage from Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon were also shown. Two new Pokémon forms were shown resembling that of the Legendary Pokémon Solgaleo and Lunala. Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon were powered up with new additions to the story and features from Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon. Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon were scheduled to release worldwide on November 17th, 2017.
September 13th, 2017 Nintendo Direct
  • In Pokémon Ultra Sun & Pokémon Ultra Moon, legendary Pokémon Necrozma has transformed into two new forms Dusk Mane Necrozma and Dawn Wings Necrozma.
  • Two brand new Pokémon revealed: Ultra Beasts - UB Burst and UB Assembly.
  • New Nintendo 2DS XL Poké Ball Edition revealed. Released date of November 3rd, 2017.
  • Players that buy Pokémon Gold or Pokémon Silver Virtual Console can receive 3DS themes.
  • Those that purchase Pokémon Ultra Sun or Pokémon Ultra Moon between November 17th, 2017 and January 10th, 2017, players will receive a Special Rockruff that can evolve into Dusk Form Lycanroc from November 17th, 2017 to January 10th, 2018.
  • Those that purchase Pokémon Ultra Sun or Pokémon Ultra Moon Digital Versions will receive 12 Quick Balls.
  • Those that purchase Pokémon Gold or Silver Versions for the Virtual Console can then receive Celebi as a special gift for Pokémon Sun, Pokémon Moon, Pokémon Ultra Sun or Pokémon Ultra Moon.
January 11th, 2018 Nintendo Direct Mini
  • Pokkén Tournament DX Battle Pack – Wave 1 available January 31st, 2018 and Wave 2 available March 23rd, 2018.
August 8th, 2018 Nintendo Direct
  • Pokémon News for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch: After players throw a Poké Ball in the game, many new and returning Pokémon may appear to assist in battle. Some of these Pokémon include Abra, Solgaleo, Lunala, Mimikyu and the enormous Alolan Exeggutor.
September 13th, 2018 Nintendo Direct Note: This Nintendo Direct was initially announced to be broadcast on September 6th, 2018, but was delayed due to Typhoon Jebi and a 6.6 magnitude earthquake that hit Hokkaido, Japan.

  • Nintendo announced 2 Switch bundles, one for each of: Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!
  • Secret Techniques revealed for Pikachu and Eevee in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!
  • Petting a Pokémon hair in when a Nintendo Switch is in handheld mode, players can change their partners hairstyle depending on how you use the touchscreen to pet it.
  • Powerful Partner-Exclusive Moves are use exclusive moves that no other Pokémon can use. These exclusive moves will help players face any challenge during their adventures in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! And
November 1st, 2018 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Direct + Nintendo Treehouse: Live
  • Pokémon News for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch: Incineroar: The final fighter to join the battle in time for the game’s launch is Incineroar, the advanced evolution of Litten, who made his first appearance in the Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon games. Incineroar uses pro-wrestling moves, culminating in an epic Final Smash called Max Malicious Moonsault, based on his Z- Move from the Pokémon games.
  • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Spirits: Multiple Pokémon were seen as Spirits in the Direct.
  • During the Treehouse Live segment, new information about Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! was exclusively revealed. Two new moves for Eevee available at a tutor in Celadon City's Pokémon Center: Glitzy Glow and Baddy Bad. The Fortune Teller can set the Nature of the Pokémon you will encounter. The IV Judge feature returns. A Mystery Box that can be obtained once a week.
February 13th, 2019 Nintendo Direct
  • Squirtle, Pokémon Trainer and Ivysaur amiibos were announced to be released in 2019
February 27th, 2019 Pokémon Direct
  • Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield revealed for the Nintendo Switch for release in late 2019.
  • Galar region revealed and is based on the United Kingdom.
  • Grookey, Scorbunny and Sobble revealed as the starters for Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.
June 5th, 2019 Pokémon Direct
  • Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield information
  • The Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta revealed for the first time. These are the Legendary Pokémon that will be featured on the packages of Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. They are shrouded in mystery and are even unknown to those who live in the Galar region.
  • The Dynamax Phenomenon: Dynamax is a phenomenon unique to specific locations in the Galar region, where Pokémon can take on gigantic appearances during battle, and it’s an integral part of Pokémon battles in the region.
  • Explore the Wild Area and Join a Max Raid Battle: The Wild Area is a vast expanse of land in the Galar region with untamed wilderness. It is full of nature and connects several different towns and cities. Trainers will find a greater variety of Pokémon living in the Wild Area than anywhere else in the Galar region. Max Raid Battles are a new battle format that takes place in the Wild Area, in which the player will team up with three other Trainers to take on a wild Dynamax Pokémon. Trainers will then get a chance to catch the wild Dynamax Pokémon if they manage to defeat it—but it won’t go down easily.
  • Leon, Hop, Professor Magnolia and Sonia revealed for the first time.
  • Gossifleur, Eldegossm, Wooloo, Corviknight and Drednaw revealed for the first time.
September 4th, 2019 Nintendo Direct
  • Pokémon Sword / Pokémon Shield: New details (and two new Pokémon!) were revealed for the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games, launching exclusively for Nintendo Switch on Nov. 15.
  • Polteageist is a ghost-type Pokémon, and makes a home for itself by hiding among dishes at hotels and restaurants. Its body is made of tea, and it may even let a trusting Trainer have a taste of its tea. The flying- and water-type Pokémon Cramorant will swallow absolutely anything that looks hearty enough. It has an exclusive ability called Gulp Missile. While using Surf or Dive in battle, it will counter when attacked.
  • Players will be able to travel through the new Galar region in style. In this game, players can outfit their main Trainer in tops, bottoms, outerwear, gloves, new hairstyles and even a little makeup. During their journey, players can camp any time at Pokémon Camp. While there, players can play with Pokémon and get to know them better. In the new Wild Area, players can visit other players’ camps as well. Up to four players and their Pokémon can hang out at a camp together. Pokémon Camp is also a great place to cook up some Curry on Rice. In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, there are many types of delicious Curry on Rice that can be registered to the Curry Dex.
  • Team Rocket Mii Outfits for Mii Fighters were announced for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as paid DLC.
January 9th, 2020 Pokémon Direct
  • Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX for Nintendo Switch Systems Announced
  • Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass and the Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass announced which contain The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra expansions.
  • New Pokémon Revealed: Kubfu, Urshifu (Single Strike Style), Urshifu (Rapid Strike Style), Gigantamax Urshifu (Single Strike Style), Gigantamax Urshifu (Rapid Strike Style)
  • New Gigantamax Forms Revealed: Gigantamax Rillaboom, Gigantamax Cinderace, Gigantamax Inteleon
  • Galarian Slowpoke regional form revealed.
March 26th, 2020 Nintendo Direct Mini
  • Gigantamax forms for Rillaboom, Cinderace, and Inteleon.
  • Kubfu will evolve based on the Tower the player decides to take it to in the Isle of Armor expansion, the Water or Darkness. Darkness has Kubfu evolve into Single Strike Style and Water into Rapid Strike Style.
  • New League Card Designs and Early-Purchase Bonus: Leon’s cap and tights could be obtained an early-purchase in-game bonus. Players were be able to receive these items after the release of The Isle of Armor (by the end of June 2020) until 7:59 a.m. PDT on Monday, August 31, 2020.
  • G-Max Drum Solo is Rillaboom' G-Max Move. G-Max Fireball is Cinderace's G-Max Move. G-Max Hydrosnipe is Inteleon's G-Max Move.
September 23rd, 2021 Nintendo Direct
  • Pokémon Snap announced as a game that will be part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
September 13th, 2022 Nintendo Direct
  • Pokémon Stadium & Pokémon Stadium 2 announced for Nintendo Switch Online.
February 8th, 2023 Nintendo Direct
  • Pokémon Trading Card Game GB announced for Nintendo Switch Online.
June 21st, 2023 Nintendo Direct
  • Trailer for The Treasures of Area Zero DLC featured the new Pokémon Munkidori, Okidogi, Fezandipiti, Ogerpon revealed.
  • Detective Pikachu Returns announced for release worldwide on October 6th, 2023.
  • New Characters Revealed: Cyrano, the founder and director of the Blueberry Academy, and Lacey, a student there.
September 14th, 2023 Nintendo Direct
  • A trailer for Detective Pikachu Returns showed that Luxray is a helper Pokémon which can see through walls and help solve mysteries.

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Last updated 26 Mar 2020 11:44 by Sunain.
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