Nintendo Zone Adds Pokémon Episodes and Game Demos

New Content Will Be Available at More Than 29,000 Locations

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Nintendo 3DS™ owners are getting access to a wealth of fun entertainment and information that they can access on the go. Starting Feb. 6, Nintendo Zone™ will offer a variety of new content, including playable demos of select Nintendo 3DS video games and a dedicated Pokémon™ section that will feature full-length episodes of the Pokémon TV series. All of this exciting new content is only available when owners are wirelessly connected to a Nintendo Zone location.

“Nintendo 3DS continues to deliver fun and engaging new experiences, especially for users who connect their systems to the Internet,” said Zach Fountain, Nintendo of America’s director of Strategic Partnerships. “Nintendo 3DS is our most connected system ever, and Nintendo Zone offers a wealth of exclusive content to users who take their systems with them when they are away from home.”

Nintendo Zone also includes trivia games featuring the latest Nintendo 3DS software, exclusive coupons available only at Best Buy for discounts on Nintendo 3DS games and a showcase of Nintendo 3DS games that includes videos, screen shots and one-click links to game websites. The Pokémon section will also include information and videos about the newest Pokémon video games, Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon news.

Nintendo Zone content can be accessed at more than 29,000 locations at restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, airports and malls in the United States and Canada. Nintendo 3DS owners can find a Nintendo Zone location by visiting http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/nintendozone.

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.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™ home console, Nintendo 3DS™ and Nintendo DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 3.9 billion video games and more than 620 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nntendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.

Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at http://press.nintendo.com, a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please contact Deanna Talamantez at 213-438-8742 or dtalamantez@golinharris.com. Users can receive instant Nintendo information by subscribing to the site’s RSS feed.

About Pokémon
The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. For more information, visit www.pokemon.com.

Pokémon Rumble Blast Brings Pokémon Action to Nintendo 3Ds for the First Time

New 3D Pokémon Game Offers Blazing Battles, Fun Wireless Features and More Than 600 Toy Pokémon

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– This holiday season, kids needn’t settle for ordinary toys. Instead, they can encounter hundreds of extraordinary Toy Pokémon in the newest entry in the fan-favorite Pokémon™ video game series. The Pokémon™ Rumble Blast game launches Oct. 24 as the first Pokémon game created for the Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system, letting new and existing fans experience the world-renowned franchise in a whole new dimension. With the unique features of Nintendo 3DS, players can not only battle and collect more than 600 Toy Pokémon in 3D without the need for special glasses, but also play together with a friend in a new cooperative multiplayer mode and discover interactive StreetPass™ content. Pokémon Rumble Blast will be offered at a suggested retail price of $34.99.

Pokémon Rumble Blast takes place in a world called Toyland, where players must take on the role of Toy Pokémon as they navigate a series of imaginative levels. The game features more than 600 Toy Pokémon to collect. New Team Battle and Charge Battle modes provide fast-paced challenges that will thrill players of any experience level, while giant Boss Toy Pokémon will test the skills of even the most seasoned fans.

“There’s never been a better time to discover the boundless fun of Pokémon,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “As the first Pokémon game for Nintendo 3DS, Pokémon Rumble Blast invites newcomers and veterans to experience action-packed battles with Toy Pokémon in 3D, whether they’re playing solo or with a friend.”

Players have two ways to connect with each other in Pokémon Rumble Blast. Using a local wireless connection, they can play cooperatively in game areas that both players have already completed, which also makes it easier to collect rare Toy Pokémon. By using the Nintendo 3DS system’s built-in StreetPass feature, they can also challenge Toy Pokémon from the collections of other nearby players and view customized Mii™ characters within the game.

Toy Pokémon that can be collected in Pokémon Rumble Blast include Pokémon from the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version games. Since launching in Japan in 1996, nearly 225 million Pokémon video games have sold worldwide.

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://pokemon.com/rumbleblast.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™ home console, Nintendo 3DS™ and Nintendo DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 3.7 billion video games and more than 600 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.

About Pokémon: The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. For more information, visit http://www.pokemon.com.

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.

About Nintendo:

The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™ home console, Nintendo 3DS™ and Nintendo DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 3.7 billion video games and more than 600 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.

About Pokémon:

The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. For more information, visit http://www.pokemon.com.

Nintendo News

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.

New Pokémon Video Games Shatter U.S. Sales Records

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

NOTE: Multimedia available here

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– 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.

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

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™ home console and Nintendo DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 3.5 billion video games and more than 577 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.

About Pokémon

The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. For more information, visit http://www.pokemon.com.

Limited Time Offer – Victini

Order Pokemon – Black Version or Pokemon – White Version and receive your game by April 10th to receive a special Liberty Pass via Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection (broadband Internet access required), which will enable you to catch the never-before-seen Mythical Pokémon Victini the Victory Pokémon–the first Pokémon that’s Psychic- and Fire-type and cannot be obtained through normal game play.

Game must be received in time to connect to Nintendo® Wi-Fi on or before April 10, 2011.

Pre-order Pokémon – Black Version or Pokémon – White Version and received a $10 promotional credit toward the purchase of items shipped and sold by Amazon.com (certain exclusions apply, including Kindle books, MP3s, and video rentals and downloads). The promotional credit will be added directly to your Amazon.com account within two days after your order ships. Offer valid when shipped and sold by Amazon.com. Each version of this title (white and black) has a limit of 1 per household. If you purchase both versions, you will qualify for two (2) Amazon promotional credits. This offer will be extended to all existing pre-orders.

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

–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Nintendo:

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

Nintendo News

Limited-Edition Etched Nintendo DSi Bundles Commemorate Launch of Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version 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.

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.