In their continued promotion of Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver, Nintendo has decided to release a new commercial starring Dylan and Cole Sprouse, best known as Zack and Cody from 'The Suite Life on Deck'. Below is the official press release.

The only way to make a day at the beach better is to play some Pokémon. Longtime Nintendo fans Dylan and Cole Sprouse of Disney Channel’s The Suite Life on Deck did just that when they filmed a new commercial for the Pokémon™ HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version games for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems. The commercial will begin airing on Aug. 16 on Cartoon Network, Disney XD, Nickelodeon and Nicktoons.

“I think I like Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver because we played the original Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver, so to play these games again is really nostalgic”

In this behind-the-scenes video, fans can get a look at Dylan and Cole’s day on the beach in Santa Monica, Calif., as they play the games, battle against each other and race to see who can rack up the most steps using the Pokéwalker™ accessory, a small pedometer-like device that lets players bring their favorite Pokémon with them wherever they go. By walking, players earn Watts, which are used within the Pokéwalker to encounter and catch wild Pokémon or search for hidden items that can then be transferred into the Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version games.

Both Sprouse brothers have been big fans of the Pokémon series for years. “I think I like Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver because we played the original Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver, so to play these games again is really nostalgic,” said Cole Sprouse.

Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version offer detailed graphics, intuitive touch-screen features and hundreds of Pokémon that players can catch, battle and trade. Players can also interact with their favorite Pokémon by choosing one to follow behind them as they explore the Johto region. These combined features offer a rich game-play experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Source: http://press.nintendo.com/

A special Pokémon will be distributed to gamers with Nintendo DS systems at the Pokémon World Championships that is taking place this week in Waikoloa, Hawaii. The Crobat is level 30 and holds a Life Orb. Below is the press release.

Attention, all gamers who plan to attend the Pokémon World Championships this weekend! Don’t forget to bring your copy of the Pokémon Diamond, Pokémon Pearl, Pokémon Platinum Version, Pokémon HeartGold Version or Pokémon SoulSilver Version game to the event. You'll have the chance to receive a competition-ready Crobat for your game. This distribution will be available for only a limited time on Sunday, so be sure to bring your Nintendo DS and one of the Pokémon games listed here so you can get this awesome Crobat!

Source: http://www.pokemonworldchampionships.com

BELLEVUE, WA--(Marketwire - June 21, 2010) -  After months of intense head-to-head tournaments, some of America's best Pokémon^™ video game and Trading Card Game (TCG) players will be crowned National Champions this weekend -- June 25-27 -- at the 2010 Pokémon Video Game and Trading Card Game National Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana. Pokémon video game and TCG competitors from across the nation will converge on the Indiana Convention Center in hopes of enduring a weekend of action-packed battles. Those that prove victorious will then test their skills against the best players from across the globe at the 2010 Pokémon World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, August 14-15.

Pokémon Video Game National Championships
After using their remarkable talents and strategy for battles in Seattle, San Francisco, Phoenix, Dallas, Atlanta, and New York, 192 top Pokémon Trainers have emerged from over six thousand others to guarantee their places in the 2010 Pokémon Video Game National Championships. Divided equally into two divisions -- Junior (born in 1998 or later) and Senior (born in 1997 or earlier) -- the competitors have battled using the recently released, top-selling video game titles Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version. The U.S. National Championships will fill 32 coveted spots to compete on the ultimate stage -- the 2010 Pokémon Video Game World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Please visit www.pokemonvgc.com for more information about the 2010 Pokémon Video Game National Championships.

Last Chance Qualifier for Pokémon Video Game National Championships
The Pokémon Company International is offering fans one last chance to attend and compete at the 2010 Pokémon Video Game National Championships by holding a Last Chance Qualifier tournament on Friday, June 25, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. The event will open its doors to the public for entry with Senior Division Registration starting Friday at 8 a.m. and Junior Division Registration starting later in the day at 1 p.m. Hopefuls will need to show up for registration with their copy of Pokémon HeartGold Version or Pokémon SoulSilver Version for the Nintendo DS system. The top 16 players in each division will earn the right to play in the U.S. National Championships the following day.

Like last year's tournament, all attendees who bring their copy of Pokémon HeartGold Version or SoulSilver Version and their Nintendo DS or Nintendo DSi™ system can walk away with a character distribution. This year, the Pokémon distribution is a rarely seen Shiny Eevee, presented in a different color than what's normally found in game play. Please visit www.pokemonvgc.com for more information about the Last Chance Qualifier for the 2010 Pokémon Video Game National Championships.

Pokémon Trading Card Game National Championships
The 7th annual Pokémon Trading Card Game National Championships, the culmination of the 9-month TCG season, will host over 1,000 players in the Junior (born in 1999 or later), Senior (born in 1995, 1996, 1997, or 1998), and Masters (born in 1994 or earlier) divisions. Players from across the nation are expected to compete in this weekend's three-day event, which is open to all U.S. residents who hope to secure seats at the 2010 Pokémon World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Players do not need to qualify for the Pokémon TCG National Championships; however, there will be a limited number of slots that will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Onsite pre-registration for the Pokémon TCG National Championships will take place on Thursday, June 24, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Indiana Convention Center and Friday, June 25, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. This year's tournament follows a record-setting attendance at the 2009 Pokémon Trading Card Game National Championships, which drew nearly 1,200 TCG competitors from across the nation.

Players finishing first through fourth place in each division will receive Travel Awards and invitations to the 2010 Pokémon World Championships, where they will compete against their counterparts from more than 25 countries around the world. Fifth- through eighth-place finishers will receive invitations to Worlds. Top finishers will receive scholarships totaling $40,000, with the first-place finisher receiving $5,000. Please visit www.pokemon.com for more information about the 2010 Pokémon TCG National Championships.

Make sure to follow all the action at the Pokémon U.S. National Championships, including winners announcements, at www.pokemon.com and www.pokemonvgc.com.

Source: http://www.marketwire.com/

Nintendo has released the press information from E3 announcing two new Pokémon games, PokéPark Wii Pikachu's Adventure and the third Ranger game, Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs for the Nintendo DS. Below are the press releases for the games.

The Electronic Entertainment Expo, better known among gamers as E3, has just begun, and already there's exciting news for Pokémon fans! Two new games have been announced, one each for the Nintendo DS and Wii systems. Both Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs and PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure will be in stores later this year.

PokéPark Wii Pikachu's Adventure

Only Pikachu Can Save the PokéPark! The first Pokémon adventure game on the Wii console puts Pikachu™ at the center of a fun, expansive playground filled with adventure, Attractions and Pokémon. The Rare Pokémon Mew™ summons Pikachu to the PokéPark to find the missing Sky Prism Pieces, leaving it up to Pikachu to save the day!

FEATURES:

• Playing as Pikachu, players start their adventure at the PokéPark and play a variety of Attractions that are in each Zone with the help of many different Pokémon. As Pikachu, players compete in Skill Games and Attractions in this action-packed adventure.
• Players interact with and befriend some Pokémon by defeating them in Skill Games. Once players befriend a Pokémon, they can play as them to compete in certain Attractions. Players can compete in the challenges multiple times to try and beat their high score.
• Players use the Wii Remote™ controller turned sideways to navigate through the PokéPark, while different motion controls are used in the various Attractions and Skill Games.
• Players can take photos of their favorite Pokémon in the game and save them to an SD Card (sold separately).

PokéPark Wii Pikachu's Adventure Press kit pictures are available on the Imageboard thread.

Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs

Helping Pokémon Get Out of a Pinch - The third installment in the action-packed Pokémon Ranger™ series lets players take on the role of a Pokémon Ranger tasked with protecting Pokémon, people and nature in the Oblivia region. As a Pokémon Ranger, players investigate the nefarious actions of the Pokémon Pinchers, who have been disrupting the peace by chasing and catching Pokémon.

FEATURES:

• As a Pokémon Ranger, players set out to stop the Pokémon Pinchers with the help of their partner, Ukulele Pichu™ (an energetic Pichu that always carries a ukulele).
• Players use the Capture Styler to circle Pokémon on the touch screen. The further in the story players progress, the more powers and abilities their Capture Styler gains.
• By drawing special Ranger Signs on the touch screen, players can summon powerful Pokémon that they have befriended to help them progress in the game. Legendary Pokémon like Raikou™, Entei™ and Suicune™ can be summoned by drawing their Ranger Signs.
• Up to four players can play together on certain missions using the Nintendo DS Local Wireless Connection, and discover more about the history of the Oblivia region.

Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Press kit pictures are available on the Imageboard thread.

Source: http://press.nintendo.com/E32010/ & http://www.pokemon.com/us/news/vg_e3_2010-2010-06-14/

The name of the next English Pokémon Trading Card Game set has been revealed. Pokémon HS Undaunted is set to be released on August 18th, 2010 and it will have 90 cards. Below is the press release information.

No challenge too great, no battle too fierce: HS Undaunted.

The greatest Trainers are those who are fearless in the face of battle. And that's you! In the Pokemon TCG: HS Undaunted expansion, you’ll discover battle-ready Pokémon just waiting to be summoned by the fearless Trainer in you! The powerful Rayquaza and Deoxys become a Pokémon LEGEND to be reckoned with...six Pokémon from Raichu to Umbreon to Slowking join the ranks of Pokémon Prime...and Stadium cards like the Ruins of Alph and Trainer cards like Legend Box change every player's strategy. Are you ready to be Undaunted? Pokémon HS Undaunted features 90 new Pokémon cards and remains compatible with previous releases.

• Exciting new Pokémon LEGENDs—Kyogre with Groudon and Rayquaza with Deoxys!
• Six Pokémon Prime, including Raichu and Slowking
• Brand-new Trainer, Supporter, and Stadium cards with new gameplay strategies!
• Features two theme decks built around the Sun Pokémon Espeon and the Moonlight Pokémon Umbreon
• Each theme deck now contains a BONUS booster pack and a deck box for storing the deck!
• Holographic parallel set for players and collectors alike
• 90 cards in all!

Source: http://www.collectorscache.com

February 9, 2009 - Bellevue, WA -- February 9, 2009 - Today, Pokemon USA, Inc. announced that it has expanded its retail presence for Pokemon in Toys"R"Us stores nationwide through 2009. Dedicated areas at the entrance of the "R" Zone video game departments now showcase a variety of Pokemon merchandise, including the top-selling video games, the Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG), TV and movie DVDs, select TOMY products that are making their U.S. debut, and a full range of Pokemon toys from JAKKS Pacific, Inc. Starting in April, Toys"R"Us Times Square, the company's International Flagship store, will highlight the Pokemon brand in a dedicated boutique through the remainder of the year. Toys"R"Us stores nationwide will also host retail events throughout 2009.

The expanded Pokemon area within Toys"R"Us stores spotlights several popular Pokemon video game titles, leading up to one of the most anticipated titles of the year-Pokemon Platinum Version for the Nintendo DS system. The dedicated area also features a wide selection of TCG expansion sets for the Pokemon: Diamond & Pearl Series and the newest Pokemon TCG: Platinum expansion. Additionally, the section includes a broad assortment of DVDs, strategy guides, and other toys from JAKKS Pacific.

The dedicated area establishes Toys"R"Us as the premier destination for fans looking for a wide selection of Pokemon products. Toys"R"Us will host video game events featuring character distributions for Pokemon Diamond Version & Pokemon Pearl Version (each sold separately), with the first event taking place from February 8 - February 14. A second event will take place in the spring. Toys"R"Us will also be the first retailer in the U.S. to carry select Pokemon toys by TOMY.

"Our partnership with Toys"R"Us speaks volumes about the unwavering popularity of the Pokemon franchise," said Caryl Liebmann, director, retail development and promotions, Pokemon USA, Inc. "We're excited that Toys"R"Us is offering our fans this first-class retail destination."

Pokemon is one of the most successful children's franchises in history and the #1 collectible trading card game of all time. The record-breaking TCG boasts 374 percent sales growth in the U.S. alone since 2005 and is sold in more than 30 countries around the globe. The Pokemon video game series has sold more than 186 million units worldwide through September 2008, with many more sales expected with the release of this spring's Pokemon Platinum Version. Other successful extensions of the property include eleven seasons on U.S. television with the debut of the series' 12th season this spring. Pokemon films and DVDs continue to reach fans in amazing numbers, often ranking at the top of the box office in Japan.

The Toy Industry Association's Fall Toy Preview got underway this morning at the Dallas Market Center. Fall Toy Preview is the by-appointment-only event where toy manufacturers privately show their newest product lines to long-lead buyers.

First impressions from the Fall Toy Preview

Jakks Pacific, Malibu, Calif., is looking to continue to make its mark in the action figure market with extensions to its Pokemon line as well as new Plug It In & Play TV Games. The company's Pokemon introductions for spring '08 are centered on the Battle Links System of bases that connect to playsets. The assortment includes: Pokemon Single and Multi-Pack Battle Links & (3-inch) Figures; Pokemon Battle Bases with different attack features; the Pokemon Sinnoh Region Playset, a the large playset with lights and sounds; Pokemon Real Attacks Figures, 5-inch figures with programmed attack actions, special effects and projectiles; Pokemon Flip Open Playset, a portable, large book-style playset that opens to reveal 3-D, vertical play areas for all Pokemon figures; and Pokemon Mechs, mechanized Pokemon characters that introduce vehicle play to the toy line with a simple push and play pattern.

Source: http://www.playthings.com/