Takara TOMY has revealed an updated Rotom Zukan DX (ロトム図鑑DX) toy will be released in Japan on November 18th, 2017 in conjunction with the release of Pocket Monster Ultra Sun / Ultra Moon. More pictures of this product have been added to an Imageboard thread.

Product Description:

Pokémon Search (ポケモンサーチ): Players can look for Pokémon hidden in the field by physically moving the Rotom Zukan DX! When you discover a Pokémon, Rotom vibrates!


Pokémon Zukan (ポケモン図鑑): When you discover a Pokémon, the Pokémon's information is registered and stored in the Zukan. Rotom will talk and explain information about the Pokémon. Rotom's has over 2000 speech patterns!


Pokémon School (ポケモンスクール): There are 6 types of activities to play including: "Quiz", "Calculate", "Rhythm game"!


Rotom Signal (ロトムシグナル): It is a dedicated sound signal in Pocket Monster Ultra Sun / Ultra Moon that only Rotom Zukan can react to. If Rotom hears this sound, as part of the 3DS Link (３ＤＳ連動) feature, you can register Pokémon in the Rotom Zukan and Rotom will give information about the Pokémon. The Rotom Zukan screen is 2.4 inches and it is a touch panel.

Product Details:

Price: ¥ 9,709
Item Number: 4904810888918
Manufacturer: Takara Tomy
Brand: Pocket Monsters
Target age: 4 years old ~
Package size: W240 × H200 × D50 mm
Battery: AAA alkaline battery × 4 (Sold Separately)
Release date: November 18th, 2016

Sources: http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/pokemon/rotom_zukan_dx/ and http://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810888918/

The Pokémon Company International announced that Wicked Cool Toys will be a Master Toy Licensee but TOMY will continue to produce select items. Pokémon toys from Wicked Cool Toys are now in development with the first products expected to arrive at retail locations in fall 2018.

Press Release - The Pokémon Company International Names Wicked Cool Toys as Master Toy Licensee

The Pokémon Company International Will Also Become a Strategic Investor in the Innovative and Growing Toy Company

Building on its mission to bring the best Pokémon experiences to fans around the world, The Pokémon Company International announced the appointment of Wicked Cool Toys as master toy licensee for the globally popular Pokémon brand, starting in July 2018. Wicked Cool Toys will have the rights to manufacture and market action figures, play sets, plush, roleplay items, and other toys based on the hit Pokémon animated series in worldwide markets, excluding regions in Asia where the brand is managed by The Pokémon Company International’s parent organization, The Pokémon Company.

“Wicked Cool Toys is a growing company, and we’re thrilled to build a strategic partnership with them through both collaboration and financial investment.”

“Pokémon is one of the most beloved entertainment properties in the world, and Wicked Cool Toys is thrilled to become part of that legacy,” said Michael Rinzler, co-president of Wicked Cool Toys.

“We can’t wait to deliver innovative and fun toys that embody the joy of Pokémon to kids and the brand’s millions of passionate fans around the world,” said Jeremy Padawer, co-president of Wicked Cool Toys.

The Pokémon Company International also announced it has become a strategic investor in Wicked Cool Toys and will have a seat on the toy company’s board of directors. This new partnership will allow for enhanced collaboration in the development of Pokémon toys with the growing toy company. The investment in Wicked Cool Toys is in line with the strategic partnership approach The Pokémon Company International engaged in with Niantic Inc., the developers and publishers of Pokémon GO.

“Toys are a major part of Pokémon’s mission to bring the fun and joy of the brand to kids and fans around the world, and we’re excited to welcome Wicked Cool Toys to the Pokémon family as its master toy licensee,” said Colin Palmer, vice president of Marketing & Licensing at The Pokémon Company International. “Wicked Cool Toys is a growing company, and we’re thrilled to build a strategic partnership with them through both collaboration and financial investment.”

TOMY will continue to be a key licensing partner for the Pokémon brand and will produce select items as well as products inspired by Pokémon video games, such as the popular Pokémon Z-Ring, which interacts with the mega hits Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, currently available for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

The development of Pokémon toys from Wicked Cool Toys will begin immediately, with the first products expected to arrive at retail locations in fall 2018.

TOMY's Moncolle Monster Collection (モンコレモンスターコレクション) figure series has been loved for over 20 years since its release in 1997! Pikachu has been released many times over the years with different variations.


To celebrate the the Moncolle 20th Anniversary as well as the 20th anniversary of the movie anime series, the Theatrical Edition Pocket Monsters I Choose You! Satoshi's Pikachu Set (劇場版ポケットモンスター キミにきめた！サトシのピカチュウセット) will go on sale in Japan in July 2017 for 3,490 yen excluding tax. The set features 7 Pikachu's wearing Satoshi's different hats over the years.


Also being released from July 2017 through September 2017 are 6 Moncolle figure sets featuring the starter Pokémon from each region excluding the Alola Region. Each set will sell for 1,350 yen plus tax.


Source: http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/pokemon/moncolle_20th/

THE POKÉMON COMPANY INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES RECORD-BREAKING UK SALES FOR POKÉMON TRADING CARDS AND TOYS

London, UK— January 24, 2017 —The Pokémon Company International announced today that Pokémon has achieved record-breaking sales figures at retail in the UK throughout 2016, for its Trading Card Game (TCG) and toys from master toy partner TOMY, as reported by the NPD Group.

According to figures recorded by the NPD Group Toys retail tracking service, the Pokémon property recorded a 285% increase in sales throughout 2016 against market growth of 6% in the whole UK toy market. In the last three months, October to December, Pokémon increased sales by 512% versus the 7.7% market growth.

Also, in the Christmas week, Pokémon TCG smashed through the one million pounds sterling barrier, achieving retail sales of £1.29m in a seven-day period, a 733.7% increase on the previous year.

Mathieu Galante, Senior Market Development Manager for The Pokémon Company International, said: “Thanks to the activities celebrating Pokémon’s 20th year, plus the huge impact of our video game releases, interest in the brand has escalated, ensuring figures for TCG and toy sales have been incredible. We fully expect that demand for the product will remain high throughout 2017 as new expansions are introduced to tie in with our new Nintendo 3DS games Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon.”

Steve Buckmaster Managing Director of Esdevium Games - UK distributor of the Pokémon TCG - said: “We are delighted to announce these sensational figures just ahead of Toy Fair and look forward to talking to our retail partners at the show about ways that we can keep the phenomenal demand going. We are very excited about our first Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon expansion, which will be released in February.”

Camilla MacQueen, UK Brand Manager at TOMY Europe said: “We’re excited to be part of Pokémon’s fantastic achievement. We’re expecting 2017 to be another huge year for Pokémon and we’re looking forward to unveiling two new product lines at Toy Fair London that will appeal to collectors of all ages.”

The global phenomenon of Pokémon was first launched in Japan in 1996 as a role-playing game for Nintendo’s Game Boy system and reached the United States and Europe in 1998–99. The first generation of Pokémon games introduced the original 151 Pokémon. Today the Pokémon universe includes more than 800 Pokémon that players can catch, trade, and battle against their opponents in the quest to become the best Pokémon Trainer.

Pokémon has since grown into one of the most popular entertainment properties in the world. It is one of the most successful video game franchises of all time, with more than 279 million video games sold worldwide. In addition, 21.5 billion TCG cards have been shipped to 74 countries in 11 languages, and over 450,000 players take part in Pokémon events every year. There are also more than 900 episodes of the animated TV series, now starting its 20th season.

Various retailers have begun pre-orders for the Pokémon Z-Ring and Z-Crystal 3-Pack. The items are compatible with the upcoming games Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon and are being sold by TOMY. Pre-orders for the Z-Ring on Ebgames Canada are $39.99CND for the Z-Ring and $7.99CND for each 3-pack of Z-Crystals.

Pokémon Z-Ring

Experience the world of Pokémon in a new way with the unique POKÉMON Z-RING and Z-CRYSTALS! Compatible with the latest video game titles in the POKÉMON series for Nintendo 3DS Family Systems: Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, the Z-RING can interact and synchronize to enhance the game play experience with new Z-MOVES! In Nintendo 3DS/2DS Mode, Z-CRYSTALS are used in the Z-RING to react simultaneously to the devastating Z-MOVES in the video game with sounds, lights and vibrations! Each Z-CRYSTAL represents a different element type. When an Electric-type Z-CRYSTAL is inserted into the Z-RING, this exciting interactive feature enables players to feel the Electric-type Z-MOVE at the same time as it appears in the video game! Insert different type Z-CRYSTALS into the Z-RING to experience the colors, vibration and sound effects for each.

The POKÉMON Z-RING can be used without the video game in Role-Play mode! Bring the battle play to life by pressing the button on the Z-RING to experience the different colors, lights and vibration with each Z-CRYSTAL! The Z-RING can hold up to six additional Z-CRYSTALS with the active Z-CRYSTAL in place.

The POKÉMON Z-RING SET includes the Z-RING, 3 Z-CRYSTALS and a 2” Pikachu figure. Additional Z-CRYSTALS sold separately.

• Feel the thrill of battle as the POKÉMON Z-RING lights up, makes sounds, and vibrates!
• The type based attack icons on each Z-CRYSTAL become visible as they light up when inserted into Z-RING.
• When synchronized in Nintendo 3DS/2DS Mode and with the Z-CRYSTAL element type matching the Z-MOVE type performed in the video game, the type based attack icon will appear automatically and players will be able to hear the dedicated type attack sound.
• Z-RING features two ways to play: synchronized with the video game for 4D experience or in role play.
• Video game synchronization allows the player to feel the full power of the Z-MOVE!
• Get different Z-CRYSTALS to unlock different colors, sounds and vibrations.
• Two AAA batteries are required and included with the set.

Pokémon Z-Crystal 3-Pack

You can utilize other type Z-MOVE lights, sounds and vibrations on the POKÉMON Z-RING with the POKÉMON Z-CRYSTAL 3-Pack! Pair the Z-RING and the Z-CRYSTALS to the latest video game titles in the POKÉMON series for Nintendo 3DS Family Systems: Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon to experience the devastating new Z-MOVES. For an Electric-type Z-MOVE in the video game, place the Electrium Z into the Z-RING to see the Electric-type icon vibrantly appear as the Z-CRYSTAL lights up! Each Z-CRYSTAL has a different element attack and features its own color, sound and vibration. Get all of the Z-CRYSTALS to experience each type with the game or in role play!

***POKÉMON Z-RING and additional Z-CRYSTALS sold separately.***

• Each POKÉMON Z-CRYSTAL 3-PACK comes with 3 different Z-CRYSTALS.
• Z-CRYSTALS are linked to specific Z-MOVES in the POKÉMON series for Nintendo 3DS Family Systems: Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon.
• Each Z-CRYSTAL activates different lights, sounds and vibrations on the POKÉMON Z-RING.
• The type based attack icon associated with each Z-CRYSTAL is revealed when inserted into the Z-RING.

When synchronized in Nintendo 3DS/2DS Mode and with the Z-CRYSTAL element type matching the Z-MOVE type performed in the video game, the type based attack icon will appear automatically and players will be able to hear the dedicated type attack sound.

Source: https://www.ebgames.ca/Toys-Collectibles/Games/725021/pokemon-z-ring

ToyFair 2016 NY16 is being held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City from February 13th, 2016 until February 16th, 2016. TOMY has a booth at 2271 where they are showcasing this years line of Pokémon toys and The Pokémon Company International, Inc. also has a booth at 646 showcasing the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Toy Fair 2015 opened its doors to thousands of registered global play professionals to explore a record-breaking 422,000+ net square feet of exhibit space filled with hundreds of thousands of toys, games and youth entertainment products.

Source: http://www.toyfairny.com/

TOMY Commemorates 20 Years of Pokémon; Debuts Exclusive Product at the 2016 International Toy Fair

Retailer-Exclusive Mythical Pokémon Figures and Plush to be Released Each Month in Honor of Milestone Anniversary

OAK BROOK, Ill., Feb. 11, 2016 - TOMY International, the master toy licensee and distributor for Pokémon in categories including figures, figure accessories, plush, playsets and role-play, debuts its all-new line for one of the world's leading entertainment franchises. With 2016 marking 20 years of Pokémon, TOMY introduces commemorative products and celebrates this milestone with retailer-exclusive promotions throughout the year. On February 27, 2016 Pokémon celebrates 20 years since the first video games, Pokémon Red and Green, launched in Japan for the Game Boy system.

To celebrate, TOMY will release one retailer-exclusive Mythical Pokémon each month, from February to December 2016. In the Pokémon universe, Mythical Pokémon are considered extremely rare. Select Mythical Pokémon will be released as 8" plush in a special crushed velvet material, and as 2" pearlescent-finished figures with their own unique pearlescent-finished Poké Balls. In addition to the monthly Mythical Pokémon, various limited-edition Pikachu products will also be featured as retailer-exclusives throughout the year. TOMY's attention-to-detail and unique stylizing captures Pokémon in a line that offers something for every Pokémon fan.

"The Pokémon property is seeing incredible momentum at retail and the 20th anniversary will only add more excitement to the brand for 2016," said Shehnaz Safiuddin, Senior Vice President of Toy & Hobby at TOMY. "This year the Mythical Pokémon and retailer-exclusives will bring even more attention to the property and we're thrilled that we get to bring the incredible Pokémon to life in a variety of figures, plush and more."

"TOMY is giving fans a new way to celebrate 20 years of Pokémon," said J.C. Smith, Senior Director of Consumer Marketing at The Pokémon Company International. "Their Mythical Pokémon and Pikachu products are a great addition to this year's festivities."

Over the past 20 years, fans have discovered over 700 Pokémon characters while buying more than 275 million video games and 21.5 billion trading card games. To commemorate 20 years of Pokémon, classic video games Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue and Pokémon Yellow will come to the Nintendo 3DS on February 27, 2016. Additionally, Pokkén Tournament for the Wii U will launch on March 18, 2016. Pokémon GO, a ground-breaking mobile game that will encourage fans to search far and wide in the real world to discover Pokémon, launches later this year.

Date	Product	Retailer
February 2016	2" Pikachu figure with Clip 'n' Carry Poké Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Pikachu Plush, in a special crushed velvet material 10" Pikachu Plush, in a special jacquard weave with a step-and-repeat Poké Ball and Pikachu pattern	Toys "R" Us
February 2016	2" Mew figure with Great Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Mew Plush, in a special crushed velvet material 8" Pikachu Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	GameStop
February 2016	(2) Pikachu Figure 4 Pack, with special pearlescent finish 10" Pikachu Plush, in a special jacquard weave with a special step-and-repeat Poké Puff and Pikachu pattern	Walmart
March 2016	2" Celebi figure with Great Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Celebi Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	Toys "R" Us
April 2016	2" Jirachi figure with Premier Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Jirachi Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	Toys "R" Us
May 2016	2" Darkrai figure with Premier Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Darkrai Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	GameStop
June 2016	2" Manaphy figure with Poké Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Manaphy Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	Toys "R" Us
July 2016	2" Shaymin figure with Ultra Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Shaymin Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	Toys "R" Us
August 2016	2" Arceus figure with Master Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Arceus Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	GameStop
September 2016	2" Victini figure with Master Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Victini Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	Toys "R" Us
October 2016	2" Keldeo figure with Luxury Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Keldeo Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	Toys "R" Us
November 2016	8" Genesect Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	GameStop
December 2016	2" Meloetta figure with Quick Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Meloetta Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	Toys "R" Us

The 17th Pokémon Tretta set has been revealed and will be released in Japan on July 16th, 2015. Pokémon Tretta Ultimate Set 3: Judgment! The Advent of Arceus (ポケモントレッタ アルティメット3弾 さばきのつぶて！アルセウス光臨) features a ULTIMATE class Arceus as well as a record 8 MASTER class tretta's. The game update also adds compatibility for the Hoopa tretta which will be released in theaters on July 18th, 2015 for those that watch the 18th Pocket Monsters movie. Details of this set has been added to our Content Database and will be updated as new information on the set is revealed.


Source: http://www.pokemontretta.com/tretta/t17/index.html

Pocket Monsters Mega Bangle Plus

TOMY has announced that two new products will be released on June 20th, 2015 that are compatible with Pokémon Tretta. The Pocket Monsters Mega Bangle Plus Black Metallic (ポケットモンスター ポケモンメガバングルPlus ブラックメタリック) and the Pocket Monsters Mega Bangle Plus Platinum Silver (ポケットモンスター ポケモンメガバングルPlus プラチナシルバー) products will retail for 3,780yen each and they allow players in certain battles scenes to scan their bracelet on the Pokémon Tretta control panel to allow their Pokémon to Mega Evolve just like the Pokémon Mega Ring can. Each Mega Bangle Plus set also comes with 8 Mega Stones. More pictures of these products are available on the Imageboard thread.

The Pokémon Company International announced that it has partnered with KidZania to add a Pokémon Animation Studio to the London location. The Pokémon experience allows visitors to create their own Pokémon animation using stop-motion animation software from a select a number of TOMY Pokémon figures and toys.

TOMY is also be providing the latest Pokémon toys from its 2015 range for Kidzania’s Redemption Store which allows visitors to purchase items with currency earned through participating in activities such as the Pokémon Animation Studio.

“We are delighted to partner with KidZania London to create this unique Pokémon Animation Studio,” says Anthony Cornish, consumer marketing director, The Pokémon Company International. “The studio will allow children the opportunity to have fun whist learning about animation and how to create their very own movies using stop motion animation. We intend to make the partnership a success by supporting our activity with a B2B and B2C PR and social media strategy.”

Source: http://www.licensemag.com/license-global/pokemon-opens-studio-kidzania

Takara Tomy has revealed that a new mode called PokéFishing (ポケフィッシング) has been added to their Pokémon Card Game Gacha (ポケモンカードゲームガチャ) gashapon game in Japan. For the release of the XY set Phantom Gate (ファントムゲート) which as at the end of September 2014, players of the Gacha game can spend 100yen to play the new minigame to get 3 TCG cards.


Source: http://www.takaratomy-arts.co.jp/specials/pcggacha/

The next expansion set to the arcade game Pokémon Tretta has been announced. The Pokémon Tretta Set 1: Witness the Mega Evolutions (ザ・ポケモントレッタ 01弾 メガシンカをたいけんせよ) will feature the debut of Mega Evolved Pokémon and the use of the Pokémon Mega Ring. A red sparkly Master Tretta also makes it debut as does the Mega Evolve symbol on certain Tretta's.


During battle, when the player receives damage, the "partner gauge" will fill up. When it reaches "MAX", the player will be able to Mega Evolve. Players can then use their Pokémon Mega Ring to evolve the Pokémon. Players do not need to have the Mega Ring bracelet to Mega Evolve in the game as they can borrow a Key Stone from the Pokémon Tretta League by selecting the Mega Evolve symbol on the selection wheel.

Source: http://www.pokemontretta.com/tretta/t10/index.html