A new game for the Nintendo 3DS was announced today called Pokémon Art Academy (ポケモンアートアカデミー). The game allows people to learn how to draw Pokémon by using the 3DS stylus. It will go on sale in Japan on June 19th, 2014 for 3619yen in retail stores and on the Nintendo eShop.

Trailer

Source: http://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/bpcj/index.html

The Pokémon World Championships 2014 official Japanese website launched on April 15th, 2014. The site contains information about the upcoming tournaments in Japan and where players can participate in order to qualify for the Pokémon World Championships 2014 in Washington, D.C.


A video featuring Pokémon Get TV (ポケモンゲット☆TV) hosts Director Robin and Director Yukito was also posted. They recap most of the information on the website including: the Japan Cup 2014 (ジャパンカップ2014) and the Pokémon Card Game Lizardon Mega Battle.

Pokémon World Championships 2014 Video

Source: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/wcs2014/

The official movie site has updated with information on the guest voice actors for this year's movies. A translation of the article follows:


It' time to announce the guest voice actors for this year's movies! The guest voice actors in the feature film "Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction" will be Yoshiko Mita (三田佳子), Koichi Yamadera (山寺宏一), Shoko Nakagawa (中川翔子), Rika Adachi (足立梨花) and the Nakagawake comedian duo (Tsuyoshi and Reiji).

In addition, it has been decided that the narration in the co-feature short will be provided by AKB48 member Mayu Watanabe (渡辺麻友).

Now for some comments from the actors:

The actors in the feature film, "Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction"

Yoshiko Mita (voice of Xerneas) - 三田佳子（ゼルネアス役）:

When I was first approached about voice acting, I was very surprised! (laughs) I think it might have been the sum of my long time working in these circles, living this career and my outlook on life that got me to taking this role. I am happy being able to make myself known through Pikachu and the others. In this world, I'd like to make use of the same mentality that make my grandchild(ren) like me. 初めて声優のお話を聞いた時は「あら、驚いた！」という感じでした（笑）長くこの世界でやってきて、生きてきたキャリアや人生観などトータルなもので、この役に声をかけて頂いたのかなと思いました。私の存在をピカチュウたちを通して、知ってもらえるというのは、嬉しいです。孫に好かれる精神が、この世界でも活かせればと思います。

Koichi Yamadera (voice of Ninja Riot) - 山寺宏一（ニンジャ・ライオット役）

Perfect attendance and still going! I'm really happy! But this is the first installation of "Pokémon the Movie XY", so I'll go back and remember what it's like to be a beginner, and do my best! (Although I'm always nervous anyways, since my roles are very different every time.) This time, I'm playing a thief who uses a Gekkouga. Come to think of it, when I was a child I loved this series called "Phantom Agents" (Jp. Ninja Butai Gekkou) and I'd often play ninja games... I'll try to recall those times and give it my all while acting! 皆勤賞継続中です！本当に嬉しい！でも「ポケモン・ザ・ムービーＸＹ」として初の劇場版なので、初心に帰って頑張ります！（そもそも毎回役が違うので、いつもドキドキなんですが）今回はゲッコウガを使う忍者盗賊の役。そういえば子供の頃「忍者部隊月光」という番組が大好きで、よく忍者ごっこをしていたっけ‥。その頃を思い出して精一杯演じます！！

Shoko Nakagawa (voice of Miriss Steel) - 中川翔子（ミリス・スティール役）

This is my eighth time being a guest voice actor, and for the first time in a while, I've got a human role! Since it's a role I've never played before but have been wanting to do for a while, I'm excited. This character changes expressions often, I hope you'll see a new side of me. I'll put all I've learned in these eight years into this, so I'd be happy if you came to the theaters to watch. ８年目のゲスト声優の役が、久々の人間役！今まで演じたことのない、やってみたかった役に挑戦できるので、とても楽しみです。色んな顔を見せるキャラクターなので、新たな中川翔子を見ていただけると思います。今までの８年間のすべてを込めて、がんばりたいと思いますので、是非、劇場で観て頂けると嬉しいです。

Rika Adachi (voice of Marilyn Flame) - 足立梨花（マリリン・フレイム役）

This is the happiest thing that has happened to me lately, and I got so psyched that I kept shouting, "For real? For real?" over and over (laughs). I've been playing the games since I was little and have watched the anime the whole time, so I was overjoyed about this job. I also want to do my best so children watching this movie will grow to like Pokémon even more. ここ最近で一番うれしい事だったので、テンション上がりっぱなしで、「マジですか？」「マジですか？」と連呼してしまいました（笑）小さい頃からゲームもやっていたし、アニメもずっと見ていたので、すごく嬉しいお仕事でした。この映画を観て、子供たちにさらにポケモンを好きになってもうらえるように、私もがんばりたいと思います。

The Nakagawake duo (Tsuyoshi Nakagawa: Voice of Melecie & Reiji Nakagawa: Voice of Algus Steel) - 中川家（中川剛：メレシー役、中川礼二：アルガス・スティール役）

Comment written by Reiji: "What? Why?" was our initial response when we heard about this (laugh). We're comedians, but this is our first time voice acting, so we're amateurs, but we hope not to fall behind the others and to be able to express ourselves. We don't know if the children recognize our faces, but we hope they're looking forward to [the movie] in any case. 「え、なぜだ？」それが、一番最初にこの話を聞いた時に返した言葉です。（笑）お笑いをやっていますけど、声優は初めてで、素人なので、みなさんに負けないように、自分を出せればいいのかなと思います。子供たちは、僕の顔が分かるかどうか分かりませんが、楽しみにしていただければと思います。

The actors in the short, "Pikachu, What Kind of Keys are These?"

Mayu Watanabe (Narrator) - 渡辺麻友 （ナレーション）

I'm so happy (to be in charge of the narration of the short)! I went to watch the movie "Mewtwo Strikes Back" with my family and played the games with my older sister. The Pokémon in the short are truly lovely, so it's a soothing work. I was motivated to do my best so people could enjoy it. As it premieres in the summer holidays, I hope I can help making children from all over the country come to the theaters to watch it, and make it the most wonderful work of this summer! （短編のナレーションを担当することになり）すごく嬉しいです！映画は「ミュウツーの逆襲」を家族と一緒に観に行き、ゲームも姉と一緒にやっていました。短編はポケモンたちが本当に可愛らしくて癒やされる作品。楽しんでもらえるように頑張らなくてはと感じました。夏休み公開の作品ということで、全国の子どもたちにぜひ劇場で観て頂き、この夏一番の素敵な作品になるよう、お手伝いが出来ればと思います！

Trailer

Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/news/?p=1208

The Super Smash Bros. Direct which was broadcast on April 8th, 2014 revealed that Mega Charizard and Greninja will be main playable characters in the upcoming game Super Smash Bros. The Nintendo 3DS version runs at 60fps while some of the Pokémon and Assist Trophies will only run at 30fps.

It was also revealed the non-playable Pokémon will be able to come out of the Master Ball item. The following Pokémon may randomly come out of the Master Ball: Arceus, Meowth, Electrode, Eevee, Staryu, Metagross, Fennekin, Meloetta, Gogoat, Entei, Deoxys, Palkia, Kyurem, Victini, Keldeo, Xerneas, Goldeen, Snorlax, Mew, Bellossom, Entei, Darkrai, Chespin, Spewpa, Dedenne.

Pictures from the Nintendo Direct video and the press kit are available on the Imageboard.

Super Smash Bros. Direct Video

Source: http://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct

The Pokémon Company International is looking for citizens of the United States to become commentators for the upcoming 2014 Pokémon US National Championships and the Pokémon World Championships. The full details and instructions on how to apply are listed below.

Pokémon Commentator Auditions - PR E-mail

The Pokémon Company International is looking for talented and knowledgeable Pokémon fans to lead live commentary at the 2014 Pokémon US National Championships and the Pokémon World Championships. Chosen commentators will be making an appearance on-screen at the events, which will be streamed live to thousands of Pokémon fans around the world, and will have their travel and hotel costs covered by The Pokémon Company International.

Auditions are open to US residents who are at least 18 years old and who can attend both the US National Championships, July 4-6 in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the World Championships, August 15-17 in Washington, D.C.

To be considered, entrants must submit an audition video where they commentate solo or with a partner on a Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, or Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) match. The recorded video must then be posted to YouTube with the title "Play! Pokémon Commentary Audition: [YOUR NAME]". Once the video is posted, entrants need to email [email protected] with the following information:

Email subject: Commentary Audition for [YOUR NAME]
Name:
TCG or Video Game:
Audition YouTube Link:
Pokémon event experience:
Additional comments:

All submissions must be posted online with information sent no later than April 21, 2014. As this is an audition and not a contest, The Pokémon Company International does not guarantee that any one person will be chosen from submitted entries.

Sources: http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/audition-to-be-a-pokemon-event-commentator/ and PR E-mail.

The official Japanese Pokémon YouTube account has posted a trailer for the upcoming episode Pocket Monsters XY Special: The Strongest Mega Evolution ~Act I~ (ポケットモンスター XY 特別編 最強メガシンカ　～Act I～) that airs on April 3th, 2014. For more details about this special, read our previous article.

The Strongest Mega Evolution ~Act I~ Trailer

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnzdXEkKEtI

Some days back, the official Pokémon movie website has updated with information on the upcoming Darkrai distribution, as well as the third part of the coverage of Yuyama's location scouting report. Translations follow:

Director Yuyama's Location Scouting Report

This time, Director Yuyama chose Canada as the country he would go scouting in. He went there in search of the landscapes where Yveltal would sleep, where Xerneas would hide, and Diancie would journey.



The second day is when our scouting started for real. We has our breakfast and checked out of our hotel at 7am, and eventually set off at 8. This morning, the entire city was shrouded in thick mist, and we couldn't see anything of the surrounding scenery. Morning mist like this appears to be common in November and December.

The bus carrying our group set off into the mist, following a long, straight road into the mountains. As the mist eventually cleared, a forest filled with trees beautifully colored red, orange and yellow came into view. We were right in the middle of the season for colored leaves.

As we gazed at the red maple leaves, which are also depicted on the Canadian flag, the bus rolled into our first destination for the day; Rideau Canal.

For earlier parts, please go here:
Part 1
Part 2

The Darkrai event

"Darkrai" can be received on the Nintendo 3DS games Pocket Monsters X and Pocket Monsters Y
*The code can be used on both the package version and the download version.
*You will receive a Darkrai in the game you use the code with.
*The code can not be used with non-Japanese games, nor can it be used with any other games in the "Pocket Monsters" series.

Enter the "giveaway code" printed on the special pre-order movie ticket on a Nintendo 3DS system connected to the internet and obtain Darkrai!!
*Using the giveaway code requires a Nintendo 3DS system conneted to the internet. For details, please refer to the official Pocket Monsters website: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/support-sp/uketori.html
*This giveaway code can only be used once. Each giveaway code can be redeemed for a single Darkrai. Multiple Giveaway code Darkrai can be obtained on a single game.
*"Giveaway code" is the special name used on the special pre-order movie tickets. It is the same as what is referred to as "serial code" in the game itself.
*The Darkrai being given out is game data. It is not a figure, a plushie, or other physical goods.
*A giveaway code that has been used once can not be used again.

Why the Darkrai Given Out is so Amazing!

Darkrai
Level: 50
Ability: Bad Dreams
Moves: Dark Void, Dark Pulse, Phantom Force, Dream Eater
Held Item: Enigma Berry
Ball: Precious Ball
Ribbon: Wish Ribbon

The Darkrai being given out this year is a Dark-type mythical Pokémon that comes with a move it has never been able to learn and its very unique Ability. Check out the below info:

Its varied attacks will render its opponents as mere playthings!


Dark Void
A move only Darkrai can learn, a mighty move that puts multiple opponents to sleep at the same time!!
Dark Pulse
A Dark type move that can make the opponent flinch. Since it is of the same type as Darkrai, its power increases by 50%.
Phantom Force
A Ghost type move that Darkrai can't normally learn! A move where the user disappears on the first turn and attacks on the second, and which hits even if the opponent uses a move like "King's Shield" or "Protect"
Dream Eater
A Psychic type move that only takes effect if the opponent is asleep. In addition to healing HP equal to half the inflicted damage, it is super effective against Fighting type Pokémon, which Darkrai is weak against.

Decrease opponents' HP with the Ability "Bad Dreams"!


"Bad Dreams", an Ability exclusive to Darkrai, is a powerful Ability that decreases the HP of all sleeping Pokémon by a little bit every single turn! By using "Dark Void" to put all Pokémon to sleep, it's possible to deal damage to all Pokémon at once!

Recover HP with the normally unobtainable "Enigma Berry"!


Its held item is the "Enigma Berry" (ナゾのみ), which can't be normally obtained in the game. This is the first time a Pokémon holding this berry is distributed to "Pocket Monsters X/Y"! The "Enigma Berry" is a berry that recovers HP when you receive damage from a super effective move. Since Darkrai now also takes super effective damage from moves of the new Fairy type introduced in "Pocket Monsters X/Y", holding this berry is a good counter tactic.
*Be aware that the "Enigma Berry" will disappear if used during your adventure. However, it can safely be used without it disappearing when used in link battles, the Battle House, etc.

Trailer

Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/locahan_report/ and http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/tickets/

Initially revealed earlier in the year and in the March 2014 issue of Corocoro, further details and high resolution pictures of the Pokémon Mega Ring (ポケモンメガリング) have been released by Takara TOMY. The Mega Ring is a bracelet device that allows a Pokémon Trainer to instructed their Pokémon to Mega Evolve. The Pokémon Mega Ring toy reproduces every detail of the bracelet from the games and the anime. People can wear it around just like a real Pokémon Trainer. The Key Stone (キーストーン) is fitted in the center of the bracelet with the Mega Symbol pattern.

The Pokémon Mega Ring will go on sale in Japan on April 17th, 2014 for 1,080yen. A Pocket Monsters Pokémon Mega Ring Special Set (ポケットモンスター ポケモンメガリング スペシャルセット) featuring a Bashamo figure and a Burshamonite (バシャーモナイト) will go on sale the same day for 3,280yen.

Works with Pokémon Toys

Beginning with the release of the 3 Monster Collection Mega Evolution Packs (モンスターコレクション　メガシンカパック) featuring Mega Lucario, Mega Mewtwo and Mega Burshamo in March of 2014, the Pokémon Mega Ring's Key Stone will emit 7 different colors when it comes in contact with Mega Stones included in those packs.

Works with Pokémon Tretta

The The Pokémon Tretta Set 1: Witness the Mega Evolutions , which is featured the Pocket Monsters X and Y series, will have an upgrade to allow players to use the Pokémon Mega Ring. In certain battles scenes, players can scan their bracelet on the Pokémon Tretta control panel to allow their Pokémon to Mega Evolve.


The Pokémon Mega Ring comes with a Burshamo Tretta. The Tretta has the Mega Evolution symbol on the front side.

Pokémon Mega Ring Trailer

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o9hrM4w6-8

During Pokémon Get TV 22, the full trailer for the 17th Pocket Monsters Movie was broadcast on television for the first time. It had previously only been viewable at the beginning of select movies in theaters. It was later posted on the official Japanese Pokémon YouTube account.

The Cocoon of Destruction and Diancie Trailer

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN_YzuTez8w

Club Nintendo has announced that people who register a portable Nintendo 2DS, 3DS, or 3DS XL system and a qualifying game between March 1st, 2014 to March 31st, 2014 can get a FREE Pokémon X or Pokémon Y download code. The offer is only valid in Canada and the United States.

The six qualifying titles are:

• Mario Kart™ 7
• Super Mario 3D Land™
• Animal Crossing™: New Leaf
• LEGO® City Undercover: The Chase Begins
• Yoshi's New Island™
• Donkey Kong Country™ Returns 3D

Club Nintendo Free Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Offer FAQ

This promotion begins on 3/1/14. Products registered prior to this date do not qualify for this promotion. Buy and register a Nintendo 2DS™, Nintendo 3DS™, or Nintendo 3DS XL system and any one of six qualifying games (below) between 3/1/14 (12:01 a.m. PT) and 3/31/14 (11:59 p.m. PT) and you'll receive a free download code for the digital version of Pokémon™ X or Pokémon Y.

How to Participate:

1. Register the PIN number for a Nintendo 2DS, Nintendo 3DS, or Nintendo 3DS XL system between 3/1/14 (12:01 a.m. PT) and 3/31/14 (11:59 p.m. PT). The PIN number is found inside the hardware packaging.
2. Link your system's Nintendo eShop account to your Club Nintendo account.
3. Register a digital or physical version of a qualifying game (Mario Kart 7, Super Mario 3D Land, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, LEGO City Undercover: The Chase Begins, Yoshi's New Island, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D) in a Club Nintendo account between 3/1/14 (12:01 a.m. PT) and 3/31/14 (11:59 p.m. PT).
   
   Digital: To register a digital version, make sure to link your system to your Club Nintendo account before purchasing in Nintendo eShop.
   Physical: Physical versions can be registered using the PIN number included inside the software packaging.
   
   
4. After both the system and game have been registered, click "Select Your Free Game" in your Club Nintendo To-Do list.
5. Choose your free game (Pokémon X or Pokémon Y).
6. Verify the email address you'd like the download code to be sent to, then confirm your order.
7. The download code will appear on the screen. It will also be sent to the email address associated to your account, and will appear in your Reward Order History.
8. The download code can be redeemed in the Nintendo eShop of any Nintendo 3DS family system and expires on 05/31/14.

Nintendo 3DS - Free Pokémon X / Pokémon Y Digital Download Offer (US/CAN) Trailer

Source: http://club2.nintendo.com/3ds-pokemon-promo/