Pokémon Black and White launched in Europe on March 4th, 2011, 2 days before the games were released in North America. The games have now sold over a million copies in Europe and Pokémon White is now the second fastest selling DS game of all time in the UK.

Pokémon Black and White also sold a million copies on launch day in North America, while its already sold over 5 million copies in Japan.

Source: http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/

Pokémon Black and White set a new record to become the fastest-selling Pokémon games. Over 1 million copies of the game were sold on March 6th, 2011. Below is the full press release.

Press Release

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version Combine to Sell More Than 1 Million in a Single Day

REDMOND, Wash., March 8, 2011 – Two new Pokémon™ video games went on sale on March 6 and promptly shattered all previous U.S. Pokémon sales records. The Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version games for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems became the fastest-selling Pokémon video games of all time, selling more than 1.08 million units after just one day of availability. That surpasses the previous one-day sales record of more than 780,000 set by the Pokémon Diamond Version and Pokémon Pearl Version games in April 2007.

"Longtime Pokémon fans are attracted to the new Pokémon, new battle systems and a new region to explore, while newcomers enjoy the ability to jump in and have fun right away," said Charlie Scibetta, Nintendo of America's senior director of Corporate Communications. "These sales numbers illustrate the continued strength of the Nintendo DS family of systems. Already established as the nation's best-selling video game platform of all time, the installed base of more than 47 million makes it the ideal hand-held for developers to reach a huge gaming-focused target audience."

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version feature more than 150 new Pokémon for players to catch, train and battle. The never-before-seen Unova region gives players a whole new world to explore. For the first time in the series, in-game environments change with the four seasons. The games also introduce Triple Battles and Rotation Battles, which give players even more choices when battling.

Source: http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=28157

On March 5th, 2011, Nintendo launched the new Pokémon Black and White games in New York City with a special launch party that was open to the public. TSS_Killer visited the event and recorded many of the events that took place. The event featured a special musical performance by 'The President of the United States' band who sang their new Pokémon song called "Can't Stop (Catchin' 'Em All)". The studio single can be downloaded for free from IGN by clicking here. Below are the videos from the event.

The Ultimate Pokémon Experience Hits Rockefeller Center® on March 5

Nintendo Offers “Passport to the Unova Region” at Launch Event for Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version Video Games.

WHAT: New York’s famed Rockefeller Center® will be the epicenter of an over-the-top Pokémon™ celebration as Nintendo prepares to launch the new Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems across North America. On March 5, at the Nintendo® World store, fans will gather for a spectacular launch event and the chance to be among the first in the nation to buy the games in advance of their official March 6 release.

The event will offer attendees an interactive experience that will take consumers through stations featuring game-play kiosks, depictions of the games’ new starter and Legendary Pokémon, a download area for the Liberty Pass which enables players to get the new Mythical Pokémon Victini in the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version games, a photo booth and a special collection of never-before-seen Pokémon artwork. Attendees will receive a “passport” upon entry and earn a stamp for each station they experience. Once they have visited all stations, fans will receive a special Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version T-shirt, while supplies last.

Full details of the events are available in the press release article.

Videos from the Event

Event Summary of video from Nintendo.


Introduction to the Events - Passport to the Unova Region


Movie 13 Trailer - Zoroark: Master of Illusions and Trivia Segment


Pokémon Trainer John explains the Pokemon Black and White games in detail. A Pikachu Freeze Dance contest follows, where seven lucky people are chosen to win prizes.


The President of the United States' band sing their new Pokémon song called "Can't Stop (Catchin' 'Em All)"

The official Pokémon Black and White website has announced some new information about the upcoming Pokémon Dream World and Pokémon Global Battle Union. Both will launch on the Pokémon Global Link website on March 30th, 2011. Players who have purchased Pokémon Black and White will not be able to use the Game Sync feature of the C-Gear until that day. Random Matchup challenge in Rating Mode also requires access to the Pokémon Global Link. If a player tries to use either option in the games before Pokémon Global Link is available, a 13212 error code stating: "The server is undergoing maintenance" will be displayed. Below is some of the new information regarding the upcoming Pokémon Dream World and Pokémon Global Battle Union from the official site.

At Play in the Pokémon Dream World!

Let Fennel Be Your Guide. Fennel is the creator of the Game Sync, the feature that lets your Pokémon visit the Pokémon Dream World. She'll guide you through your first steps in the Pokémon Dream World. To get the most out of the Pokémon Dream World, you'll need to register your copy of Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version. But if you want to check out the Pokémon Dream World without registering, Fennel will let you borrow her Pokémon Munna.

When you first access the Pokémon Dream World, Fennel will appear to guide you through the steps to get started. You can try out the Pokémon Dream World even if you don't have a copy of one of the games. Explore the Pokémon Dream World with Fennel's Munna. You can then register your copy of Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version and send your own Pokémon to the Pokémon Dream World.

Befriend Pokémon on the Island of Dreams!

From your home in the Pokémon Dream World, you can cross a bridge to reach the Island of Dreams. There are a number of interesting areas there that are inhabited by Pokémon from other regions. Take the rainbow-colored bridge from your home to the mysterious Island of Dreams. You can find items and encounter Pokémon here that you wouldn't encounter in the Unova region. Play games with the Pokémon you find on the Island of Dreams! Do well enough in the games, and the Pokémon you played with will become your friend. Visit the Tree of Dreams to have the Pokémon return to your game with you. On the Island of Dreams, you can explore the forest, the sea, and the sky. There are several different games for you to play with the Pokémon you'll meet. Try to befriend as many Pokémon as you can by doing well in their games!

Spruce Up Your Home!

You can spend the Berries you grow to improve the look of your home in the Pokémon Dream World. Trade Berries to buy new Décor items using the Dream Catalogue. Your room is pretty barren when you first arrive in the Pokémon Dream World. The more you play in the Pokémon Dream World, the more kinds of Décor items will become available to you.

Trade Items with Players!

Explore the Island of Dreams in the Pokémon Dream World to find items. Then, you can put these items and Berries you've grown on the Share Shelf in your home. When other players visit, they can exchange their items for ones on your Share Shelf. You can trade for different kinds of Berries and increase the variety of Berries you can grow! Look all around the Island of Dreams for items you can pick up. Place items you want to trade on your Share Shelf, or visit other people's homes and trade items from their shelves. Be sure to trade Berries you've grown with other players to increase the kinds of Berries you can grow!

Keep the Items You've Found

All of the items and Berries you'll find in the Pokémon Dream World can be brought into your Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version game. Just put them in the Treasure Chest in your home, then transfer them to your game all at once. All of the Berries and items you've found will be stored in the Treasure Chest in your home. Use Game Sync to awaken your Pokémon and bring the items into your game. Speak to the boy at the entrance of the Entree Forest to receive all the items you sent.

Pokémon Global Battle Union

Battle Trainers around the world with the Pokémon Global Battle Union, a feature of the Pokémon Global Link. Using the Global Battle Union, you'll be able to compete with other Trainers anywhere, any time. Plus, you'll be able to sign up for official Pokémon Battle Competitions!


Sources: PokemonBlackWhite.com & Pokémon Global Link Website

The official Nintendo Korea website has announced the release dates for the Korean release of Pokémon Black and White Versions. Each game will cost 39000won. Two Nintnedo DSi bundles will also be available for 227,000won each, both featuring one of the games.

Pokémon Black and White Versions feature new 5th Generation Pokémon that players can catch, train and battle as they progress through the game.

Source: http://www.nintendo.co.kr/DS/soft/list_2011.php

Nintendo and GAME have announced two Pokémon Black and White Launch events. One will take place in New York City and the other one will take place in London, England. Below are the press releases with the details.

The Ultimate Pokémon Experience Hits Rockefeller Center® on March 5

Nintendo Offers “Passport to the Unova Region” at Launch Event for Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version Video Games.

WHAT: New York’s famed Rockefeller Center® will be the epicenter of an over-the-top Pokémon™ celebration as Nintendo prepares to launch the new Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems across North America. On March 5, at the Nintendo® World store, fans will gather for a spectacular launch event and the chance to be among the first in the nation to buy the games in advance of their official March 6 release.

The event will offer attendees an interactive experience that will take consumers through stations featuring game-play kiosks, depictions of the games’ new starter and Legendary Pokémon, a download area for the Liberty Pass which enables players to get the new Mythical Pokémon Victini in the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version games, a photo booth and a special collection of never-before-seen Pokémon artwork. Attendees will receive a “passport” upon entry and earn a stamp for each station they experience. Once they have visited all stations, fans will receive a special Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version T-shirt, while supplies last.

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version open a thrilling new chapter in the beloved video game series, introducing more than 150 new Pokémon, new battle systems, and a new region to explore. More information about Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version can be found at PokemonBlackWhite.com.

WHO: Kids, teens, adults, parents, Pokémon fans and consumers of all kinds

WHEN: Saturday, March 5, 2011 3-6 p.m.
WHERE: Nintendo World, 10 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020

VISUALS:

• Fans of all ages lined up to be among the first to purchase the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version games
• Kids and adults playing the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version games together
• Large Pokémon characters in Rockefeller Center
• Fans dressed in colorful Pokémon-inspired costumes and taking photos in front of a themed backdrop
• Fans viewing never-before-seen Pokémon artwork in a museum-style display

Pokémon Black and White London, Oxford Street GAME store Event

Pokémon Black and White launches on 4th March and to celebrate we have a very special event planned. If you can get down to our London, Oxford Street GAME store on 4th March between 9 and 10am, you will get the rare chance to meet Pokémon Game Designers, Mr Masuda and Mr Sugimori! They'll be available for a meet and greet, and will be happy to sign your game for you.

Source: GAME UK

The official Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version has revealed tons of new information about the upcoming games. Below is all the newly revealed information. With only a week to go till the games launch, a lot of the new information from the games has been revealed. Below is some more new information regarding the games.

The First Gym Leader!

After you leave Accumula Town, the next place to visit is Striaton City. There you'll find Fennel's research facility, as well as the first Pokémon Gym. The Pokémon Gym in Striaton City is a huge building next to the Pokémon Center. Check out the curtain, then step on the symbol that would be most effective against the Pokémon type represented. Make it all the way to the back of the Gym to find the first Gym Leader (and maybe a few friends). Take all the time you need to prepare against the first Gym Leader—the battle will be tough! Beat the Gym Leader to claim the first of eight Gym Badges. You'll need all eight to compete in the Pokémon League! As an additional prize for winning, you'll receive a TM. In Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version, you can use TMs as many times as you'd like!

The Wonder Launcher

Before now, you couldn't use items during Link Battles. In Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version, the Wonder Launcher will let you do just that! The Wonder Launcher allows you to accumulate a certain number of points each turn, then exchange them for the ability to use items. Players can choose to use the Wonder Launcher at the battle rules setup screen. A new option called Launcher appears on the Touch Screen during battle. Collect points in battle, then spend them on the ability to use items, including HP-recovery items!

Poké Transfer

After you've completed the main story, you can use Poké Transfer to bring Pokémon from other regions into your Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version game. Connect with same-language versions of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, or SoulSilver Version to transfer Pokémon into Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version. Then you'll play a mini game to catch Pokémon you transferred. You'll need two Nintendo DS™ systems to use Poké Transfer. After you complete the story, you can visit the Poké Transfer Lab. In the mini game, the Pokémon jumps from shrub to shrub. Throw Poké Balls at the Pokémon to catch it! The Pokémon you catch with Poké Transfer will join your party.

Ride the Battle Subway

Looking for a new challenge that will test your Pokémon battling skills? Take a ride on the Battle Subway, a new facility dedicated to giving Trainers tough battles! You can board the Single Train, Double Train, or Multi Train, and in each car you'll face a new opponent. If you win seven battles in a row, you'll earn Battle Points that you can exchange for a variety of prizes! And if you keep winning long enough, an extraordinarily tough Trainer called the Subway Boss will appear...


Visit the Gear Station, where you can choose which train you wish to board. There's no turning back once you board the train! Prepare for consecutive battles against powerful Trainers! While in the Battle Subway, all Pokémon have their level set to Level 50 temporarily. If you win, you'll move on to the next car, where another Trainer awaits. If you win seven battles in a row, the train will reach the station, and you'll receive Battle Points. Spend the Battle Points you've earned on items that can help you in battle!

If you manage to win 20 battles in a row against the tough Trainers in the Battle Subway, you'll be rewarded with an even greater challenge: You'll face one or both of the Subway Bosses on your 21st battle! If you're taking the Single Train, you'll face Ingo, a strong Trainer dressed in brown and black. If you are riding the Double Train, you'll encounter Emmet, who is wearing a brown and white coat. And if you are on the Multi Train, be prepared to face both Ingo and Emmet at the same time!

Use Pass Power in the Entralink!

Visit the Entralink to communicate with other players. It's a large area with a variety of places to check out, including the Entree in the center. When you connect with other players via Entralink, you can use Pass Powers to bestow useful effects on the other players. In fact, when you use a Pass Power, it will affect all nearby players. But you need Pass Orbs to use Pass Powers, and to get those, you must complete a mission in another player's world! After traveling to the Entralink, cross the bridge to visit other players' worlds. Examine the Entree in another player's world to accept a mission. You can choose from a wide variety of missions! Most of the missions require you to meet and help the player whose world you're currently visiting. Once you complete a mission, you'll receive Pass Orbs, and your Entree will gain a level. As your Entree gains levels, it will grow! When you complete a mission, you'll get Pass Orbs that you can spend on Pass Powers. Some Pass Powers have incredible effects, but they only last for a short while. Look for Pass Powers that double the Exp. Points earned in battle, or make all items cost half as much as usual!


Source: http://www.pokemonblackwhite.com

The Pokémon Black & White Version bundles of the Nintendo DSi have finally been announced for North America. Below is the press release.

Press Release

LIMITED-EDITION ETCHED NINTENDO DSI BUNDLES COMMEMORATE LAUNCH OF NEW POKÉMON GAMES

Starting March 6, Nintendo will offer consumers an especially exciting way to experience the new Pokémon™ Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games. Two limited-edition etched black and white Nintendo DSi™ bundles will be available at retailers while supplies last.

The black system bundles will be packaged with the Pokémon Black Version game, while the white system bundles will be packaged with a copy of the Pokémon White Version game. Both the black systems and white systems will feature the new Legendary Pokémon Reshiram™ and Zekrom™ etched onto the casing. Reshiram and Zekrom are among the more than 150 never-before-seen Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version. The bundles will also include a custom Pokémon Nintendo DSi carrying case. Each bundle will be offered at a suggested retail price of $179.99.

Players can enjoy the majority of the games' features on any type of Nintendo DS™ system, but when played on the Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL™ systems, players can use the games’ new Xtransceiver device to engage in video chat with others after exchanging Friend Codes. Up to four players can use the Xtransceiver via a local wireless connection, and two players can experience the feature online via the Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection service (broadband Internet access required). When played on an original Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite system, the feature enables voice chat. All players can exchange written messages using the touch screen.

The individual Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version games will launch on March 6, and are now available for pre-order from major retailers throughout North America for a suggested retail price of $34.99 each. A deposit may be required for pre-orders. See individual retailers for details.

Source: http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=27983

The Pokémon Searcher BW Training Center event will be taking place at Nagashima Spa Land Amusement Park located in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture. The event will be split up into a 'Black' phase and a 'White' phase which will be hosted at different times. During Spring Break from March 19th, 2011 until April 3rd, 2011 the White version will be held and during Golden Week from April 29th, 2011 until May 8th, 2011 the Black version will be held.


Click on images for higher resolution
Similar in style to the original Pokémon Searcher BW events that were held before the launch of Pokémon Black and White in Japan, the Pokémon Searcher BW Training Center events will allow participants to carry a dedicated terminal "analyzer" to 5 different training tests. Participants can also collect Pokémon stamps and receive a recognition certificate for completing the required tasks.

For players of the Nintendo DS games Pokémon Black and White, a Kibago will also be distributed at the Pokémon Searcher BW Training Center event. Full details of the event download were not released.

Source: http://www.4gamer.net/games/104/G010490/20110218019/

The official Japanese website has announced that new C-Gear and Zukan Skins for the Japanese versions of Pocket Monsters Black and White will be distributed on the Pokémon Global Link website. The fully evolved forms of the Kanto starters: Fushigibana, Lizardon and Kamex are the featured C-Gear downloads while the Zukan skin features the actual Kanto starters. The Zukan skin comes in two colors: Red and Pink. The skins will be available from February 25th, 2011 at 17：00 JST until April 25th, 2011 at 23：59 JST. The skins will be available to all players that have an account.


Our C-Gear page has been updated with the latest skins.


Source: http://www.pokemon-sp.jp/news-sp/2011/02/0218_01.html