The official Nintendo Press site has posted another press release for Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version this week, this time for Triple Battles. Below is the full press release.

Press Release

The upcoming Pokémon™ Black Version and Pokémon White Version games for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems feature more than 150 never-before-seen-Pokémon™. No matter which version players choose, they're sure to have fun with an array of expanded features for taking their Pokémon into battle, either in the game's main adventure, or head-to-head against friends.

Triple Battles debut in Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version, giving players more ways than ever to battle their customized team of Pokémon. Conducted in three-on-three format, Triple Battles introduce even more strategy to the game's already deep battle system. Depending on a Pokémon's placement in the battle lineup, it will only be able to attack certain Pokémon from an opponent's trio, providing an exciting new way to battle. For example, a Pokémon in the center of a player's lineup can attack any of its three opponents. However, a Pokémon positioned on the left or right of the formation can only attack the Pokémon in the middle of the opposing lineup, or directly in front of it.

The new C-Gear device in Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version gives players an easier way to battle with others, and multiple ways of interacting with friends. Using IR Communication that's built into the game card, players can quickly connect with friends to battle and trade Pokémon faster than ever before. Even exchanging Friend Codes is easier, with only a tap of the stylus needed to add them to your list. C-Gear also grants players a variety of game play and communication tools that utilize a local wireless connection and the Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection service (broadband Internet access required). Players have the option to always utilize the C-Gear while playing, allowing for instant access to other players around them — even displaying what nearby players are doing in the game.

Another new feature in Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version is the Wi-Fi Random Matchup, which allows players to battle others from around the world over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service without needing to exchange Friend Codes, opening up even more opportunities for players to test their teams in battle.

Source: http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=27497

The latest episode of Pocket Monsters Best Wishes 18 - Yaguruma Forest! Kurumiru and Arti!! (タマゴからかえったあばれん坊！) aired on Thursday in Japan.

En-route to Hiun City, Satoshi and friends decide travel through the Yaguruma Forest. Suddenly a wild Kurumiru attacks Pikachu!

Characters and Pictures from this episode have been added to the episode guide. You can also comment and discuss this episode on the forum. Also be sure to rate this and other episodes in the episode guide.

Satoshi's Zuruggu (サトシのズルッグ) Event

The 17th episode of Pocket Monsters Best Wishes featured the hatching of Satoshi's egg and Zuruggu joining Satoshi's team. To celebrate this event, players of the Japanese versions of Pokémon Black and White have the opportunity to download Satoshi's Zuruggu (サトシのズルッグ) off of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Satoshi's Zuruggu has been added to our event database.

The official sites news release stated that this event would start on January 28th, 2011 and go until February 10th, 2011 [2011年1月28日（金）～2月10日（木）] but the event was activated right after Pocket Monsters Best Wishes 18 aired.

C-Gear Wallpapers (Cギアスキン) - Hikari's Pochama & Takeshi's Gureggru

To celebrate the February 2nd, 2011 Pocket Monsters Diamond and Pearl Anime Special, a C-Gear skin of Hikari's Pochama and Takeshi's Gureggru were posted to help promote the special. Players of the Japanese version of Pokémon Black and White can login to the Pokémon Global Link website and go to the customization page which will now allow them to select these two new C-Gear skins. We have also added a C-Gear (Cギア) page to keep track of all the released C-Gear Wallpapers.

In the MCV UK magazine Issue #621 for January 21st, 2011, an advertisement for Pokémon Black and White has revealed that Victini will keep its Japanese name for the English version. A Wi-Fi event will also be taking place to allow players to download the Liberty Pass and unlock Victini in the games. This is the same event that was in Japan last September. While the MCV UK magazine ad is specifically for the United Kingdom, its most likely that the Wi-Fi event will be available for all of Europe.

Advertisement Transcription

Get the mythical Pokémon Victini! Only for the 4th March to 22nd April. Meet the mythical Pokémon, Victini, with the Liberty Pass. Available for a limited time only! Pre-order to make sure you've got Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version! The Liberty Pass will be distributed via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and at selected retailers. Start your pre-orders now.

Pokémon	Info
Victini	Level: 15
	Held Item: None
	Move 1: Confusion
	Move 2: Devastate
	Move 3: Quick Attack
	Move 4: Endure

Source: http://www.mcvuk.com/digital-edition/download/225

The Pokémon Company International has published a press release indicating their plans for the upcoming year. Merchandise related to the new Pokémon: Black and White franchise will be released throughout the year. The Pokémon: Black and White anime will also premiere on February 12th, 2011 at 9am as two episodes will be shown. Below is the full press release.

Press Release

Pokémon Plans Blockbuster Year With Extensive Offerings Tied to Release of Pokemon Black Version and Pokemon White Version Video Games. National Mall Tour, New Animated Series, Feature-Length Film, Trading Card Game Expansion, and Toy Line, Competitive Gaming Tournaments and an All-Encompassing Marketing Program Highlight Landmark Year for Entertainment Franchise.

Pokémon™, one of the most successful entertainment properties in the world and the second-largest video game franchise of all-time, is celebrating a blockbuster year in 2011. Led by the release of the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems, The Pokémon Company International will roll out an all-new animated television series and feature-length film. A brand-new trading card game (TCG) expansion, Pokémon TCG: Black & White, and merchandise, including an innovative new toy line, round out an exciting year of offerings from the company. A comprehensive, multi-million dollar marketing campaign supports the brand's initiatives, in addition to video game marketing from Nintendo of America Inc. This multi-pronged strategy will thrust Pokémon into the spotlight across its many entertainment offerings.

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version launches in the U.S. on March 6th as one of the most anticipated video game releases of the year, introducing players to a brand-new world with more than 150 never-before-seen Pokémon featured in an all new adventure. The games' release in Japan last September shattered all existing sales records in that country, making them the fastest-selling Nintendo DS games in history with 5 million units sold (Famitsu, Jan. 2011).

"The release of Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version gives us the opportunity to launch brand-new entertainment that our existing and new fans will love," said J.C. Smith, director of Consumer Marketing for The Pokémon Company International. "Every major pillar of the brand -- including video games, TV animation, feature films, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game -- will see exciting changes throughout the year."

Pokémon kicks off the year with a new animated series and full-length feature film set to air on Cartoon Network, Pokémon's national broadcast partner. The year's animation entertainment begins with the film debut of Pokémon -- Zoroark: Master of Illusions on February 5th at 7:00 p.m., to be followed just one week later by the special premiere of two episodes of the new animated series -- Pokémon: Black and White -- on February 12th beginning at 9:00 a.m., starring an entirely new cast of Pokémon characters who join Ash and Pikachu on their continuing adventures.

In April, Pokémon will launch the Pokémon Trading Card Game: Black & White expansion, an all-new set of Pokémon TCG cards featuring new Pokémon, Trainers, and environments inspired by the video games. Pokémon TCG collectors and players will discover new expansions of Pokémon TCG: Black & White throughout the year. This latest installment of the TCG will add to a franchise that boasts more than 15 billion cards sold in over 60 countries.

The franchise's year will be kick-started by an extensive, multi-million dollar marketing campaign beginning with the nationwide Pokémon Black Version & White Version Tour, arriving at major malls beginning February 5th. The tour will hit 14 key markets over a seven-week schedule offering fans a first-look at the new video games and a slate of activities designed to heighten awareness and create a groundswell of anticipation around the franchise. The itinerary will include immersive Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video game demonstrations, free screenings of the new Pokémon movie, Pokémon -- Zoroark: Master of Illusions, photo opportunities with Pokémon characters, and various games and prize-winning opportunities for fans. A Pokémon Center store offering a variety of merchandise will also be on-site.

The Pokémon Company International will extend its grassroots marketing strategy with special character distributions throughout the year for the Pokémon video games at select retailers across the country. These character distributions offer Pokémon video game players the chance to receive, via Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection, specific Pokémon that will not be available through regular gameplay.

Pokémon fans interested in playing the new video games and trading card game competitively can do so through Play! Pokémon events. These gaming tournaments, held throughout North America, Europe and Asia, culminate in the highly anticipated Pokémon World Championships in San Diego, California in August 2011, which hosts thousands of Pokémon players from around the world.

At retail, all-new Pokémon licensed merchandise is slated to roll-out throughout 2011, including a full line-up of toys from JAKKS Pacific. JAKKS plans to launch an all new Skill & Action line of toys for older kids which allows them to "Catch," "Train," & "Battle" their Pokémon in unique, interactive and competitive toy-based experiences. JAKKS will also launch new collectible figures and plush featuring all-new Pokémon characters, playsets that emulate the new region, and "Trainer" role play items inspired by the TV animation series.

Reshiram and Zekrom have taken over Official Nintendo Magazine. With Pokémon Black & White on the way to the UK on 4 March, the Official Nintendo Magazine UK went to Game Freak headquarters in Japan to find out more about the biggest Nintendo games of the year.


How did they make Reshiram and Zekrom, how do they create so many likeable Pokémon and how do they make battle music that doesn't become annoying? All is revealed in the new Official Nintendo Magazine UK. Plus you can find out everything you need to know about Black & White.

How we created 150 new Pokémon - Ken Sugimori

Game Freak has revealed how a trip to the zoo inspired the creation of the 150 new Pokémon in Pokémon Black & White.

In an exclusive interview which appears in the new issue of Official Nintendo Magazine, Pokémon designer Ken Sugimori said: "In the Pokémon World there are Pokémon that look like dogs, that look like horses, deer - as you can see we always look at wild animals to get the inspiration.

"But those Pokémon, the dogs, deer or horses already exist in previous games so we took a fresh start, we went back to basics. We took the designers to the zoo to study different animals."

Of course, not all of the new Pokémon are based on animals. There's a goth girl named Gothitelle, a coffin with arms named Cofagrigus and a gear that goes by the name of Clink.

Sugimori didn't reveal how he found inspiration for these Pokémon but he did shed more light on how he and his 30-strong team of designers make Pokémon likeable.

"The secret is that they're easy to understand and they show diversity," he said. "Its feature or ability or shape is key.

"There's a mixture of cool and cute Pokémon. That makes it easy for the audience to pick their favourite. That's the reason it's popular and the reason it's like all over the world."

Full Interview Available in the February 2011 issue of Official Nintendo Magazine UK.

Source: http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=23031

The official Nintendo Canada website has posted the two tour dates for the Pokémon Sampling Tour which is similar to the Pokémon Black Version & White Version Mall Tour that was announced for the United States last week.

Press Release

Pokémon Sampling Tour...includes Pokémon Black & White Versions!

Be the first to play in Canada! The Nintendo team will be on-tour to share the latest in the Pokémon series. Join us for a chance to play the game, and enjoy other free family activities including colouring stations and face painting.

There will be a limited supply of Pokemon inspired giveaways onsite, so make sure to get there early for your chance to take some home!

Check back often for all the latest Nintendo events. New events are being added all the time.

1. British Columbia - Feb.12th - 10:00am to 9:00pm - Feb.13th 11am to 7:00pm - Grand Court at Metrotown Metropolis
2. Ontario - Feb.19 & 21 10:00am to 5:00pm - Kids-Fest, International Center, Mississauga: NOTE: Free admission

Source: http://nintendo.ca/cgi-bin/usersite/display_info.cgi?id=8217153〈=en&pageNum=7%3Cbr%3E

The official Japanese Pokémon website has announced a new Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection download event for Pokémon Black and White. The 17th episode of Pocket Monsters Best Wishes will feature the hatching of Satoshi's egg hatching, making Zuruggu Satoshi's latest Pokémon. To celebrate this event, players of the Japanese versions of Pokémon Black and White have the opportunity to download Satoshi's Zuruggu (サトシのズルッグ) from January 28th, 2011 until February 10th, 2011. Below is the full information.

Pokémon	Info
Zuruggu (ズルッグ)	Level: 1
	OT: Satoshi (サトシ)
	ID: 01281
	Poké ball: Cherish Ball
	Held Item: Muscle Band

C-Gear Wallpapers

To celebrate the upcoming 1 hour Pocket Monsters Diamond and Pearl Special, it was also announced that from January 27th, 2011 until March 30th, 2011, players of the Japanese versions of Pokémon Black and White have the opportunity to download special C-Gear wallpapers featuring Hikari's Pochama and Takeshi's Gureggru.


Sources: http://www.4gamer.net/games/104/G010490/20110114001/ and http://www.pokemon-sp.jp/news-sp/2011/01/0114_01.html

The official Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version has revealed tons of new information about the upcoming games. Cheren and Bianca names have been revealed, as well as a bunch of new Pokémon. Below is all the newly revealed information.

Pokémon Names

N#	English	Japanese	Romanized	German	French	Spanish	Italian	Thumbnail
504	Patrat	ミネズミ	Minezumi	Nagelotz	Ratentif	Patrat	Patrat
518	Musharna	ムシャーナ	Musharna	Somnivora	Mushana	Musharna	Musharna
527	Woobat	コロモリ	Koromori	Fleknoil	Chovsourir	Woobat	Woobat
529	Drilbur	モグリュー	Mogurew	Rotomurf	Rototaupe	Drilbur	Drilbur
563	Cofagrigus	デスカーン	Deathkarn	Echnatoll	Tutankafer	Cofagrigus	Cofagrigus
576	Gothitelle	ゴチルゼル	Gothiruselle	Morbitesse	Sidérella	Gothitelle	Gothitelle
579	Reuniclus	ランクルス	Ranculus	Zytomega	Symbios	Reuniclus	Reuniclus
610	Axew	キバゴ	Kibago	Milza	Coupenotte	Axew	Axew
628	Braviary	ウォーグル	Wargle	Washakwil	Gueriaigle	Braviary	Braviary

A Trainer's Tale

Your adventure as a Trainer will take you all across the Unova region, where you'll encounter many Pokémon, as well as many competitive Trainers. Before heading out to discover all that being a Trainer has to offer, you'll first meet a few nice folks in your own hometown. The small town you live in doesn't have much to offer for an eager Trainer. Your adventure begins when Professor Juniper delivers a gift to you and your two best friends, Cheren and Bianca! There's also a note attached to the gift, signed by Professor Juniper. Professor Juniper has one more gift for you when you visit her Pokémon Lab: a Pokédex! Your mom offers encouragement and advice as you start your journey! Now it's time for you and your friends to start your long and exciting adventure together!

Friends

Cheren: Cheren is one of your childhood friends who will start a journey with you. His goal is to become the Pokémon Champion!
Bianca: Bianca is a childhood friend who, despite her father's initial reluctance, goes on an adventure with you. You'll meet up with her frequently.
Fennel: Professor Juniper's friend will hand you the C-Gear, a device with a variety of communication features. Fennel needs your help to complete her research.
N:You'll run into N quite a lot around the Unova region, and he'll often challenge you to battle when you meet. You'll have to discover who this mysterious character truly is and uncover his ultimate goal.

Changes in Unova

Some of the locations in the Unova region are different depending on whether you're playing Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version. Even some of the towns have a different visual appeal depending on which version you play. Although they occupy the same location on the map, in Pokémon Black Version you'll find Black City, while in Pokémon White Version you'll head into White Forest.

Black City has many tall buildings for you to roam around and through. There are also plenty of people to talk to, as you'd expect in a big city. This city looks magnificent with its concrete and steel in one version. But in the other version, the same city is filled with ivy, flowers, and cobblestones. In the verdant White Forest, you'll experience the serenity of nature. But there are still important people for you to meet deep within the forest.

New Ways to Battle

There are all kinds of new ways to direct your Pokémon in battle, including Random Matchups and Triple Battles.

Triple Battles: Get ready to engage in wild three-on-three matches as Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version introduce Triple Battles! Each party has three Pokémon in battle at a time! Your Pokémon can attack only the foe in front of it or one adjacent to that Pokémon with normal-range attacks. The Pokémon in the center can attack all three of the opponent's Pokémon. But that Pokémon can also be attacked by all three opposing Pokémon! Use the Shift command on your Pokémon to swap it to the center position. The Pokémon you moved will be hit by the attack that was intended for the Pokémon that was previously there. Only the Pokémon in the center can use attacks that hit all three Pokémon at once. There's a new Ability that prevents damage from your other Pokémon's attacks, Telepathy. There's also a new move that prevents the effects of ranging attacks that would normally affect all of your Pokémon!

Source: http://www.pokemonblackwhite.com/

The official Pokémon Black and White website has posted the release dates for the latest 5th generation games in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Pokémon Black and White Versions will be released on March 4th, 2011 throughout Europe and then on March 10th, 2011 in Australia and New Zealand. The European release date is 2 days earlier than the North American release date which is scheduled for March 6th, 2011.

Also announced was a new Nintendo DSi bundle featuring Pokémon Black and White. These are similar to the sets that were released in Japan last year as they feature Reshiram and Zekrom respectively. It is currently unknown how much they will retail for.

Raikou, Entei, and Suicune Wi-Fi Event for Europe

The Legendary Pokémon Raikou, Entei, and Suicune will also be avaiable via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for European players of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, or SoulSilver Version games starting on February 7th, 2011.

Not only is each of these Pokémon Shiny - meaning it is a different color than usual - but each also knows movies it cannot normally learn! Raikou can take advantage of weather conditions with the Weather Ball move, Entei can engulf its foe in fire with Flare Blitz, Suicune can get a lucky on-hit Knock Out with Sheer Cold, and all three can learn ExtremeSpeed, to name just a few! This powerful arsenal will make these Pokémon ready for even your toughest battles!

Raikou, Entei, Suicune come in Cherish Balls, a feature of Pokémon that you obtain through special distributions. They will also appear with a Classic Ribbon, another mark of their unique stats in your Pokémon collection!

There's even more to these special shiny Pokémon: when you transfer them to your copy of Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version, you'll get a chance to catch the elusive Pokémon Zoroark - a Pokémon you can't get through normal gameplay!


Starting on February 7th, 2011.
Source: http://www.pokemonblackwhite.com/

Don't Miss the Pokémon Black Version & White Version Mall Tour! The Pokémon Black Version & White Version Mall Tour is headed your way! Visit one of the many locations across the United States in February and March to experience a Pokémon extravaganza! Some of the fun activities at the event include:

• Hands-on demos of the new Pokémon Black Versionand Pokémon White Version games
• Special screenings of the new Pokémon movie Pokémon—Zoroark: Master of Illusions. This is your only chance to watch the movie in theaters, and best of all, it's free!
• A fun hunt around the mall to collect stamps to discover new Pokémon and win cool prizes
• A chance to meet some of the new Pokémon characters as well as plenty of other photo opportunities...so, remember to bring your camera!

The Pokémon Black Version & White Version Mall Tour will visit two cities each week. Check out when the Pokémon Black Version & White Version Mall Tour will be coming to your area:

Date	Location	Location
February 5th and 6th	Westfield Southcenter Seattle, WA	Westfield SouthPark Strongsville, OH
February 12th and 13th	Westfield Oakridge San Jose, CA	Wolfchase Galleria Memphis, TN
Febraury 19th and 20th	Westfield Santa Anita Arcadia, CA	Castleton Square Indianapolis, IN
February 26th and 27th	Town Center at Aurora Aurora, CO	Franklin Mills Philadelphia, PA
March 5th and 6th	Mall of America® Bloomington, MN	Westfield Garden State Plaza * Paramus, NJ
March 12th and 13th	Grapevine Mills Grapevine, TX	Discover Mills Lawrenceville, GA
March 19th and 20th	Arizona Mills Tempe, Az	Orange Park Mall Orange Park, FL

*Dates for this mall are Friday-Saturday, 3/4-3/5
Source: http://www.pokemon.com/us/news/bw_mall_tour-2011-01-10/