Junichi Masuda was on hand at the Tokyo Game Show 2012 on September 20th, 2012 to receive the Japan Game Award 2012 (日本ゲーム大賞2012) in the 'Global Award - Japanese Product' class (グローバル賞 日本作品部門) for GameFreak's work on Pokémon Black and White. The award recognizes games that are made in Japan that have received worldwide recognition and popularity. Pokémon Heart Gold / Soul Silver won the award last year. Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 won the 'Global Award - Foreign Product' class. Playstation Vita game Gravity Rush won the Grand Award for best game overall, while the Playstation Network game Journey won the Game Designers Award. The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award was given to the Nintendo 3DS Development Team. The complete results can be viewed here. Below is a picture of Junichi Masuda receiving the award.


Sources: http://awards.cesa.or.jp/en/prize/prize_01.html, http://www.inside-games.jp/article/2012/09/21/59930.html and http://www.famitsu.com/news/201209/20021470.html

The Pokémon Global Link website has announced that the site will be unavailable from September 25th, 2012 until October 3rd, 2012. The update should be similar to the one Japan received when Black 2 and White 2 were released there in the summer. Below are the full details.

Black 2 White 2 Update News

The Pokémon Global Link is getting a tune-up in readiness for the Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 games.

Starting September 25, the Pokémon Global Link site will enter an extended maintenance period. During this time, none of the services of the Pokémon Global Link will be available, including the Pokémon Dream World, Global Battle Union Wi-Fi Competitions, and Game Sync linking. Remember to wake up any sleeping Pokémon before the maintenance period begins!

The Pokémon Global Link will be available again starting October 3, in time for the Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 games, which launch on October 7!

Source: http://en.pokemon-gl.com/#/information/441

The Scandinavian distributor of Nintendo games, Bergsala AB with subsidiaries Bergsala AS and Bergsala A/S, has announced the details of the Scandinavian distributions of the Colt Pokémon Keldeo.

The distributions will run from October 1st to October 11th in both Sweden, Norway and Denmark, and will be available in participating Gamestop and Toys R Us stores in Sweden, participating Gamestop and Toys R Us stores in Denmark, and participating Gamestop, Toys R Us and Spaceworld stores in Norway. Certain stores will require a preorder of Pokémon Black Version 2 or Pokémon White Version 2 to be made before the event can be accessed.

Keldeo is also available in Finland from the 1st of October until the 11th of October for those who have pre-ordered either Pokémon White 2 or Black 2 from Gamestop stores.

Sources:
http://www.nintendo.no/arkivet/2012/120931-1
http://www.nintendo.se/arkivet/2012/120830_keldeo
http://www.nintendo.dk/archive/2012/event_keldeo

Korean Keldeo Distribution Revealed

The official Korean Pokémon website has revealed that Keldeo will be distributed in December when the 15th movie is released in theaters there. Exact information will be revealed in the next few months as it gets closer to the movie premiere there.


Source: http://pokemonkorea.co.kr/html/news/news_view.asp?N_idx=653

The mythical Pokémon Keldeo is to be given away in advance to the three winners of a special Pokémon-related contest that is taking place in Greece as of today. It has been announced that in-store events for the distribution of Keldeo will follow, although the dates have not been revealed yet.

Press Release (Translated)

Are you a Pokémon fan?

After the designation of the winner and Mario's most loyal friend via the "Are you a Super Mario fan?" contest of www.nintendo.gr and on the occasion of the release of Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2, www.nintendo.gr is organizing a unique contest for the community of Pokémon friends in Greece, rewarding them with a special and rare gift.

Are you a Pokémon fan? Have you experienced countless adventures, hours of battling, joy and fun trying to collect as many and strong Pokémon as possible? Have you traveled to magical places, fought endless battles and traded with your friends trying to get the largest Pokémon collection?

The three most ardent Pokémon friends will win the mythical Pokémon Keldeo first.

How can you prove that you're a fan of the Pokémon series and that you deserve the aforementioned gift?

It's simple.

Step number one: Take a picture of yourself, together with all the Pokémon video games that you have in your possession.

Step number two: List the Pokémon games that appear in your picture.

Step number three: Send the picture together with your list to [email protected] in an e-mail with "Pokémon fan" as the title.

The three Nintendo friends that send the largest list of games until the 30th of September will see their pictures on the www.nintendo.gr main page and will win the mythical Pokémon Keldeo.

The list may only include games that Pokémon star in or mention "Pokémon" in their title, as well as items that are Pokémon-related (e.g. plush toys, shirts, keychains, etc.) The games and items that are listed must be included in the picture as well in order for them to count.

Only permanent residents of Greece may take part in this competition and a user account on www.nintendo.gr is required.

For any questions or comments, you can post on the related forum thread on www.nintendo.gr by clicking here.

The three winning Pokémon fans will be able to obtain the new mythical Pokémon Keldeo on Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version.

This colourful, incredibly powerful Fighting- and Water-type Pokémon cannot be caught during normal gameplay except via its distribution as the prize of this competition or its distribution during the exclusive events that will follow for a limited time only. Players who receive the Original [sic] Form Keldeo in their game can then transfer it to the Pokémon Black Version 2 or Pokémon White Version 2 games, that will be released on the 12th of October. In the new games, players will be able to play out a scenario that not only transforms Keldeo into a new form but also teaches it its signature move!

After the announcement of the results, the three winners, in order to obtain the Original [sic] Form Keldeo, must:

• Send us a European copy of the Pokémon Black or Pokémon White games
• Have obtained the Pokédex in their game
• Have no more than 11 Wonder Cards in their possession

Sources: http://www.nintendo.gr/fan-pokemon.html and http://www.nintendo.gr/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&p=99094#p99094 (in Greek)

A new Global Battle Union tournament is about to begin for players of Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version. The 2012 Autumn Friendly features Double Battles online via Wi-Fi.

Competition Details:

Competition Dates: 00:00 UTC, Friday, September 14, through 23:59 UTC, Monday, September 17, 2012
Registration Period: 00:00 UTC, Thursday, September 6, through 23:59 UTC, Thursday September 13, 2012
Participant Limit: 50,000 (limit subject to change; first come, first served).
Competition Rules: Battle Format: Double Battle, Rankings will be decided based on player Ratings at the end of the competition. Players may use Pokémon found in the Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version National Pokédex, from No. 001–646. The following Pokémon cannot be used in this competition: Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Chatot, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo.

Sources: http://pglhelp.pokemon.com/en/gbu/autumn_friendly_2012/ and http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pgl_2012_autumn_friendly_announce-2012-08-29/

The official Pokémon site has revealed the mythical Pokémon Keldeo and has updated with information on its distribution. This Keldeo is identical to the one given out to Japanese players of Pokémon Black and White and Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 and will be distributed in-store in America and Europe to players of Pokémon Black and White. More specifically:

• In the United States, Keldeo will be distributed in GameStop stores from August 27th to October 6th.


• In the United Kingdom, Keldeo will be distributed in Game and Gamestation stores from September 1st to October 11th.


• In France, Germany and Spain Keldeo will be distributed in participating stores from September 1st to October 11th.


• In Italy, Keldeo will be distributed in GameStop stores from September 1st to October 11th.

When Keldeo is transferred to Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 and players visit a field close to Floccesy Town with this Pokémon in their party, Keldeo will be able to learn its signature move, Secret Sword. This will enable it to change from its Ordinary to its Resolute Form, thus gaining a new appearance. If the move is deleted or Keldeo is transferred back to Pokémon Black and White, it will revert to its Ordinary Form.

Press Release

DISCOVER THE NEW MYTHICAL POKÉMON KELDEO - Limited-Time Distribution of the Colt Pokémon Keldeo at GameStop Stores Nationwide

BELLEVUE, WA-August 20th, 2012-Beginning August 27th at GameStop stores nationwide, Pokémon fans can receive the newly discovered Mythical Pokemon Keldeo in their copies of Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version. This colorful, incredibly powerful Fighting- and Water-type Pokémon cannot be caught during normal gameplay, and this GameStop distribution is only for a limited time. Once players receive the Original Form Keldeo in their game, it can be transferred into the new Pokémon Black Version 2 or Pokémon White Version 2 games, arriving in stores on October 7th. In the new games, players will be able to play out a cool scenario that not only transforms Keldeo into a new form but also teaches it its signature move!

Because the Colt Pokémon cannot be found during normal gameplay, this distribution is the only way Pokémon players can receive it at this time. During the distribution period, August 27th through October 6th, Pokémon fans can bring their Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo DS system and a copy of Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version to GameStop and receive a Keldeo that knows Aqua Jet, Leer, Double Kick, and BubbleBeam. As a Fighting- and Water-type Pokémon, Keldeo excels at moves that are super effective against seven different Pokémon types: Normal, Fire, Ice, Ground, Rock, Dark, and Steel.

Powerful in its own right, when transferred into Pokémon Black Version 2 or Pokémon White Version 2, Keldeo will learn its signature move, Secret Sword, and transform into Resolute Form, a new look that features a more prominent horn on its head. Secret Sword is a Fighting-type move, well suited to Keldeo's high Special Attack stat. And, because Keldeo can learn this move from the very first stages of Pokémon Black Version 2 or Pokémon White Version 2, it will be a powerful ally as you continue your adventure.

Sources:
http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/vg_keldeo_reveal-2012-08-20/
http://www.pokemonblackwhite.com/pokemon-black-and-white-1/en-us/pokemon/get-keldeo/
http://www.pokemonblackwhite.com/pokemon-black-and-white-2/#en-us/story/keldeo
http://www.pokemonblackwhite.com/pokemon-black-and-white-2/#en-us/story/keldeo/details-keldeo-extended
http://www.pokemonblackwhite.com/pokemon-black-and-white-2/#en-us/pokemon/keldeo

The official site for the 2012 Pokémon World Championships has revealed the password that gives international players of Pokémon Black and Pokémon White access to a new C-Gear skin inspired by the event. The password is WCSCGEAR2012 and the C-Gear skin resembles the one that is being distributed to Japanese players of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. Our C-Gear page has also been updated with the latest information.

Press Release

Thursday August 9, 2012

A C-Gear Skin to Celebrate the World Championships!

Show your support for the competitors at Worlds with a custom C-Gear skin for your game!

Commemorate the 2012 Pokémon World Championships with a special C-Gear skin for your Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version game! Enter the following password at the Pokémon Global Link site to unlock the 2012 Pokémon World Championships C-Gear skin, featuring designs from this year's competition!

The password is: WCSCGEAR2012

Remember, you must have a copy of Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version and must register its Game Sync ID at the Pokémon Global Link website to participate. Also, to use the 2012 Pokémon World Championships C-Gear skin, you’ll first need to receive the C-Gear in your game.

The 2012 Pokémon World Championships C-Gear skin will be available only until September 6th. Add it to your game today!

Source: http://www.pokemonworldchampionships.com/2012/updates/article/gettingready/a-c-gear-skin-to-celebrate-the-world-championships

The official Pokémon YouTube page has posted a new trailer for Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2. Below is the clip. It reveals a lot of new information on the story, the characters and the new features of the games, mainly Join Avenue, the Pokémon World Tournament and the Memory Link. The Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 site has also updated to include the newly-revealed information.

Crustle C-Gear skin

The Crustle C-Gear skin that was previously distributed in Japan is to be given out to international players from August 2nd, 2012 until September 6th, 2012 when they enter the special password in the Promotions page of the Pokémon Global Link site. Our C-Gear page has been updated with the new information. The passwords for the different languages are as follows:

• English: CRUSTLECGEAR2012
• French: CRABARAQUECGEAR2012
• German: CASTELLITHCGEAR2012
• Spanish: CRUSTLECGEAR2012
• Italian: CRUSTLECGEAR2012

Sources:
http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pgl_crustle_cgear-2012-08-01/
http://www.pokemon.com/uk/pokemon-news/pgl_crustle_cgear-2012-08-01/
http://www.pokemon.com/fr/pokemon-news/pgl_crustle_cgear-2012-08-01/
http://www.pokemon.com/de/pokemon-news/pgl_crustle_cgear-2012-08-01/
http://www.pokemon.com/es/pokemon-news/pgl_crustle_cgear-2012-08-01/
http://www.pokemon.com/it/pokemon-news/pgl_crustle_cgear-2012-08-01/

The official Pokémon YouTube page has reposted the Pokémon Black and White 2 - July Trailer. Below is the clip. It reveals that Achroma's English name is Colress.

Korean Summer Carnival Pikachu

The official Korean Pokémon website has revealed that a Summer Carnival Pikachu will be distributed in Seoul, South Korea from July 14th, 2012 until August 29th, 2012 for players of the Korean versions of Pokémon Black and White via infrared at the aT Center. The Pikachu will be level 100, has the OT 'Summer Carnival (썸머카니발)' and will know the moves: Thunder, Volt Tackle, Grass Knot and Quick Attack.


Source: http://pokemonkorea.co.kr/html/event/event_Off_view.asp?pFlag=Y&idx=219&mPage=Y

15th Movie Revealed for Korea

The official 15th Pocket Monsters website has now launched for Korea and the tentative title has been revealed as Kyurem VS the Sacred Swordsman (큐레무 VS 성검사). The movie will be released in South Korea sometime in 2012 but the exact date has not been announced. A poster and teaser trailer can be viewed on the official site.


Source: http://movie.pokemonkorea.co.kr/M15/index.asp

Cobalon, Terrakion and Virizion C-Gear Skins

To promote the announcement of the 15th movie in Korea the Cobalon, Terrakion and Virizion C-Gear skins were posted. They will be available from July 5th, 2012 until August 31st, 2012 for all players of the Korean versions of Pokémon Black and White that have linked their carts to the Pokémon Global Link. Our Black and White C-Gear page has been updated with the info.


Source: http://ko.pokemon-gl.com/#/information/387

Super Pokémon Scramble (슈퍼 포켓몬 대격돌)

Super Pokémon Scramble (슈퍼 포켓몬 대격돌) will be released in Korea on July 12th, 2012 for 44,000won. The Nintendo 3DS game finally arrives in South Korea a year after it debuted in Japan. Our passwords page has been updated and will be continuously updated as new passwords are revealed for the Korean version of the game.


Source: http://www.nintendo.co.kr/3DS/software/SuperPokemon/index.php

A Meloetta C-Gear entitled Night Sky Singing (よぞらのうたごえ) will be released on the Japanese Pokémon Global Link on July 14th, 2012 to coincide with the release of the 15th Movie short. A Meloetta C-Gear skin will be available for Pocket Monsters Black and White and it will also be available for Pocket Monsters Black 2 and White 2.

Source: http://ja.pokemon-gl.com/#/information/375

Dream World Gothimiru

A special Gothimiru (ゴチミル) will be available to be unlocked for those that enter a unique code that can be found in the Pocket Monsters Black 2 White 2 Official National Zukan Completion Guide (ポケットモンスターブラック２・ホワイト２　公式ぜんこく図鑑完成ガイド). The guide book goes on sale on August 9th, 2012 for 1050yen. The Gothimiru (ゴチミル) will be available on the Japanese Dream World and it has the hidden ability Shadow Tag (かげふみ).

Source: http://www.e-hon.ne.jp/bec/SA/Detail?refBook=978-4-8401-4635-7

Reshiram and Zekrom Dolls

The Pokémon Daisuki Club will be giving away passwords for Pokémon dolls featuring mythical and legendary Pokémon in their email magazine once a month. The first such password will be included in the July 20th "issue" and Japanese players will need to sign up before July 17th in order to receive it, if they are not already subscribed. The Pokémon dolls for July will be Reshiram and Zekrom. Our Dream World Furnishings page will be updated as the new dolls and passwords are revealed.