Nintendo announced that a new handheld system will be released on July 28th, 2017 called the New Nintendo 2DS XL. It will cost $149.99 in the United States and $199.99 in Canada. The promotional video for the system showed it playing Pokémon Sun and Moon as well as other compatible games.

Nintendo to Launch New Nintendo 2DS XL Portable System on July 28

New Dedicated Hand-Held System Will Sell at a Suggested Retail Price of //media.pocketmonsters.net/news/2890/49.99

REDMOND, Wash., April 27, 2017 – The Nintendo 3DS family of systems will soon be adding a new member. On July 28, New Nintendo 2DS XL makes its debut in the United States at a suggested retail price of $149.99. The New Nintendo 2DS XL system gives consumers a third choice of hand-held systems, one that offers pricing and features that fit between the Nintendo 2DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL systems. New Nintendo 2DS XL will launch on the same day as two big new games for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems: Hey! PIKMIN and Miitopia.

“This new addition to Nintendo’s portable hardware line demonstrates our commitment to the hand-held market,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America’s President and COO. “New Nintendo 2DS XL sports a beautiful clamshell design and offers a great balance between price and performance.”

The new system will be available in a stylish black/turquoise color, and will use the same size large screen found on New Nintendo 3DS XL systems. As the name of the new system implies, visuals will be displayed in 2D only. The system is lighter but still packs the same power as New Nintendo 3DS XL, and has built-in NFC support for amiibo cards and figures. It can play the massive library of quality Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS games in 2D. Nintendo systems are also the only dedicated video game systems where people can find their favorite characters and game franchises, such as Mario, Peach, Yoshi, Kirby, Pokémon, Fire Emblem, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., Animal Crossing and The Legend of Zelda.

Source: https://press.nintendo.com/en-CA/Nintendo-to-Launch-New-Nintendo-2DS-XL-Portable-System-on-July-28

YouTube: Introducing New Nintendo 2DS XL

A study conducted by media researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Madison concluded that players of Pokémon GO players are happier and friendlier than non-Pokémon GO players. This is the second major study to conclude that Pokémon GO has healthy benefits for players despite the negative attention that the media has given the game for causing injuries and robberies.

James Alex Bonus, a UW–Madison graduate student studying educational media and one of the people that conducted the study, said in an interview that he joined the throng playing the game when it was new, but was surprised by the mix of reactions in the media covering the game.

“There was plenty of negative press about distracted people trespassing and running into trees or walking into the street, But you also saw people really enjoying it, having a good time together outside.”

Look on the Bright Side (of Media Effects): Pokémon Go as a Catalyst for Positive Life Experiences

James Alex Bonus, Alanna Peebles, Marie-Louise Mares & Irene G. Sarmiento
Pages 1-25 | Published online: 07 Apr 2017

An online survey of 399 U.S. adults aged 18–75 indicated that playing the AR game Pokémon Go was associated with various positive responses (increased positive affect, nostalgic reverie, friendship formation, friendship intensification, and walking), most of which predicted enhanced well-being. Additionally, two indirect effects of gameplay were moderated by social anxiety. For highly anxious participants, gameplay showed weaker associations with positive affect (a predictor of enhanced well-being), but also weaker associations with nostalgic regret (a predictor of reduced well-being).

Sources: http://news.wisc.edu/study-finds-pokemon-go-players-are-happier-friendlier/ and http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15213269.2017.1305280?journalCode=hmep20

Pokémon GO Wins Best Mobile and Handheld Game at BAFTA's

Pokémon GO was nominated for 3 British Academy Games Awards in 2017 in the Family, Game Innovation and Mobile categories. It won Best Mobile and Handheld Game at the British Academy of Film, Television and Arts Game Awards on April 6th, 2017. Niantic posted a thank you blog post where they also listed some of the other recognition's they've received for the game.

Thank you...

It’s been another incredible week for Pokémon GO. Yesterday, Pokémon GO won the Best Mobile and Handheld Game at the British Academy of Film, Television and Arts Game Awards. We are surprised and grateful to be awarded this honor.

We owe the continued momentum and recognition to the dedicated players exploring the world and creating adventures together in Pokémon GO. Each and every award Pokémon GO has won is a testament to the game’s awesome and supportive community. We haven’t had a chance to thank everyone for each of these, so please accept a collective thank you now on behalf of all of us at Niantic and our partners at The Pokémon Company for all of these amazing honors including, but not limited to:

• Adweek’s Hot List - Hottest Digital Obsession & Hottest Mobile Game
• Academy of Arts and Science’s D.I.C.E. Awards - Mobile Game of the Year
• BBC Radio 1's Teen Awards - Best Game
• GameSpot - Best Mobile Games of the Year
• Golden Joystick Awards - Innovation of the Year & Handheld/Mobile Game of the Year
• GSMA Glomo Awards 2017 - Best Overall Mobile App
• IGN - Mobile Game of the Year
• SXSW Gaming Awards - Mobile Game of the Year
• TechCrunch's Crunchies - Best App of the Year
• The Game Awards - Best Mobile/Handheld Game & Best Family Game
• The Game Developers Choice Awards - Best Mobile/Handheld Game

We continue to be inspired by the passion of the 65+ million people from around the world playing Pokémon GO each month. We’re still at the beginning of the journey and there’s a lot more to come. With spring arriving in the northern hemisphere, players can look forward to all new cooperative social gameplay experiences in Pokémon GO that will give Trainers new and exciting reasons to get back into the sunshine.

Sources: https://nianticlabs.com/blog/thankyou040717/, http://www.bafta.org/media-centre/press-releases/games-awards-winners-list-2017

YouTube Clip - Pokemon Go wins Mobile | BAFTA Games Awards 2017

To coincide with the official reveal of Marshadow as part of the 20th Anniversary Pokémon Movie trailer release in Japan, the official English Pokémon website has also announced the first details and artwork for this Pokémon. Marshadow is the 802nd Pokémon and is a Fighting/Ghost-type. More details about this Pokémon will be officially announced at a later date.

A First Look at Marshadow

The details of the latest Mythical Pokémon are shrouded in mystery!

A new Mythical Pokémon has been discovered in the world of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon! Marshadow cannot be encountered in normal gameplay. Details will be introduced in the future on how Trainers can get this Pokémon for their game.

YouTube Clip - A New Mythical Pokémon Discovered in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon!

Source: http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/a-first-look-at-marshadow/

The official Pokémon movie website has updated. Translations follow:

Story

To all Pokémon fans:
This is the story of the duo's "meeting" and "promise".
This is the creation of the 20th anniversary movie!

Pocket Monsters, or "Pokémon" for short:
Mysterious lifeforms that hide many secrets.

There are still many things we don't know about their ecology.

Even today,
Pokémon Trainers continue their adventures
with the aim of encountering Pokémon never before seen...

Satoshi, a boy living in Masara Town, greeted the morning of his 10th birthday, the day he could become qualified to become a Pokémon Trainer. Satoshi's heart was filled with a desire for Pokémon he has never seen before and a world he has never seen before, but while he was meant to be given a Pokémon that would become his partner at the Okido Laboratories, he ended up severely oversleeping, and all that was left for him was a single Pikachu, a Pokémon that did not get attached to humans.
"Do you hate me? I like you!" Even though the two were at odds with one another, their friendship deepened little by little, and as they looked up at the legendary Pokémon Houou that flew through the sky on the day they set off, Satoshi and Pikachu swore an oath as they held one of its Rainbow Feathers:
"Let's go meet it together one day!"

And thus, Pikachu and Satoshi, who set off on his journey to become the world's greatest Pokémon Master, end up meeting the Trainers Makoto and Soji on their way before getting told a legend concerning Houou.
"Those who, guided by the Rainbow Feather, meet with Houou, shall become the Heroes of the Rainbow."
Satoshi and the others end up getting guided by Marshadow, a mysterious Pokémon that had been lurking in Satoshi's shadow without anyone realizing, and make their way to Mount Tensei, where Houou lives, but a strong opponent appears before them. Will the duo manage to reach Houou?! In order for them to fulfill the promise they swore on the day the departed, the two of them now begin an adventure that will last until they become "true partners"!

Character Profiles

Characters profiles and voice actor comments
	SATOSHI (Partner Pokémon: Pikachu) A boy aiming to become the world's greatest Pokémon Master. He's somewhat of a scatterbrain, but has an honest heart. Voice: Rica Matsumoto Here it is! The 20th anniversary of the Pokémon movies!! As I have kept playing the role of Satoshi, I have kept wishing that Pokémon can become the tie that binds families together all across Japan, and this year, I believe that dream will finally come true. I am extremely grateful towards Pokémon for keeping me going for 20 years. Thank you!
	SOJI (Partner Pokémon: Lucario) A young male Trainer aiming to become a Pokémon Professor. His catchphrase is "Be advised that...". Voice: Kanata Hongo I've loved the Pokémon movies since I was a kid, so I was super happy to receive an offer to be in one of them! Not only that, but it is an honor to be in this commemorative 20th movie that not just children, but also those from my generation that are just as crazy about Pokémon as I am, will be able to enjoy. I will do my absolute utmost to make you like Soji once you're done watching the movie!
	MAKOTO (Partner Pokémon: Pochama) An energetic and masculine girl Trainer. She appears to enjoy adventures, but the truth is... Voice: Shiori Sato I remember seeing the first movie in the theater. Being able to appear as a guest voice actress in one of these Pokémon movies is like a dream for me! Not only that, but this year's movie is a tale that starts with Satoshi and Pikachu's meeting, which I saw on TV when I was little... I will do my best to play the role of Makoto, whose mental age might be even higher than my adult self.
	BONJI A researcher that has chased after Houou for a long time. The author of "My Life is Houou". Voice: Arata Furuta When I was offered the role, I wondered if I was going to play a Pokémon, but nope, it was actually the role of a human. I hope I will manage to guide Satoshi and the others to Houou while being careful to not get in the way of their adventure. I will do my best to excite both children and the adults that used to be crazy about Pokémon.
	JOY A nurse that treats Pokémon at the Pokémon Center. Voice: Shoko Nakagawa The Pokémon movies have given me lots of memories, and this is the 20th one at that, so I'm extremely happy to be in it. I want to use kindness and love to heal everyone, just like Joy, the nurse everyone admires. I will do my best to make lots of people go see this year's Pokémon movie, which is packed to the brim with both nostalgia and freshness!
	CROSS (Partner Pokémon: Gaogaen) A boy that believes strength is everything and that aims to become the ultimate Trainer.
	MARSHADOW A mythical Pokémon that appeared from Satoshi's shadow, as in response to the Rainbow Feather. Voice: Koichi Yamadera Even though I have acted in the Pokémon movies since the very first one, I approach each and every one of them with a fresh attitude. I may have moved on from "Oha Suta", which started at the same time Pokémon did, before I had been with it for 20 years, but I'm very happy to be involved with the 20th Pokémon movie. I believe this will be a memorable movie packed with all kinds of people's emotions, so I want you to have high expectations.
	HOUOU It is said that it will appear before Trainers with just hearts with its seven-colored wings shining. Species: Rainbow-colored Pokémon Height: 3.8m Weight: 199.0 kg

Teaser and trailer

Teaser 3:

Trailer 2:

Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/story/, http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/chara/ and http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/trailer

Nintendo Japan has revealed 2 new Pokémon Nintendo 3DS themes: Sinister Organization - Skull Gang (敵組織～スカル団) and Alternate-colored Kapu-Kokeko (色違いのカプ・コケコ). Each theme costs 200yen. All themes are available for purchase as of March 22nd, 2017 on the Japanese Nintendo 3DS eShop store.

Sinister Organization - Skull Gang (敵組織～スカル団)

Features: Guzma artwork is shown on the top screen while Skull Gang grunt sprites and the Skull Gang logo are shown on the bottom screen.
Music: Sun and Moon OST - Battle! (Team Skull Boss) [feat. KYOtaro] (戦闘! スカル団ボス)

Alternate-colored Kapu-Kokeko (色違いのカプ・コケコ)

Features: The artwork of a Alternate-colored Kapu-Kokeko is on the top screen while Lugarugan Midday and Midnight Forms are shown on the bottom screen.
Music: Sun and Moon OST - Battle! (Tapu) (戦闘! カプ)


Source: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/hardware/3ds/theme/index.html

The April 2017 Issue of Corocoro Ichiban! was released on February 21st, 2017 while the April 2017 Issue of Corocoro Comics was released in Japan on March 15th, 2017. These issues have a lot of extras that will interest Pocket Monsters fans including: a serial code to get a Lizardon in the Japanese versions of Pocket Monsters Sun or Moon, a Pocket Monsters Sun Moon Poster and a special Pokémon Ga-Olé Ticket for Alola Nassy and a special Pokémon Ga-Olé Ticket for Lugarugan Midday and Midnight Forms. The Corocoro Ichiban issue costs 890 yen and the JAN is: 4910138590471 while the Corocoro Comics issue costs 550 yen including tax and the JAN is: 4910038090477.

Corocoro Lizardon Event Pokémon Distribution

As part of the 40th anniversary celebration of Corocoro Comics, Lizardon, the Number 1 most popular Pokémon for Corocoro as determined through the campaign conducted in early 2017, has a serial code in the April 2017 issue of Corocoro Comics that allows players of Pocket Monsters Sun or Moon to receive it in-game. Lizardon is a Pokémon that cannot be normally captured in Sun or Moon.

Corocoro Lizardon Event Pokémon Distribution Details

Pokémon	Info
	Level: 40
	OT: Corocoro (コロコロ)
	Attack 1: Dragon Claw
	Attack 2: Fly
	Attack 3: Dragon Rage
	Attack 4: Flare Blitz

Source: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2017/02/170216_gm01.html

Pokémon Ga-Olé Ticket - Thrilling Alola Form Course

Included in the April 2017 issue of Corocoro Ichiban! is a Pokémon Ga-Olé Ticket that unlocks the special course Thrilling Alola Form Course (アローラのすがたぞくぞくコース). Players can scan the Ga-Olé Tickets QR Code at the arcade game and unlock this course which gives players the chance to catch some of the Alola Form Pokémon including Alola Form Nassy which is usually not obtainable through normal gameplay.

Pokémon Ga-Olé Ticket - Thrilling Alola Form Course - Corocoro Promotional YouTube Video

Pokémon Ga-Olé Ticket - Lugarugan with Z-Move! Course

Included in the April 2017 issue of Corocoro Comics is a Pokémon Ga-Olé Ticket that unlocks the special course Lugarugan with Z-Move! Course (ルガルガンでZワザ！コース). Players can scan the Ga-Olé Tickets QR Code at the arcade game and unlock this course which gives players the chance to catch Lugarugan Midday and Midnight Forms.

Pokémon Ga-Olé Ticket - Lugarugan with Z-Move! Course - Corocoro Promotional YouTube Video

Source: https://pokemongaole.com/goods/index.html#p13

The fifth online competition for Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon has been announced. Pokémon Japan Championships 2017 Qualifying (ポケモンジャパンチャンピオンシップス2017予選) will take place from April 28th, 2017 until May 8th, 2017 at 8:59 JST. Full details are listed below and on our 7th Generation Online Competitions page which will be updated as new tournaments are announced.

Pokémon Japan Championships 2017 Qualifying (ポケモンジャパンチャンピオンシップス2017予選)

Information
Region: Japan Registration Period: Junior Category / Senior Category - Thursday, March 30th, 2017 at 14:00 until Friday, April 28th at 8:59 JST Master Category: Thursday, March 30th, 2017 at 14:00 until Saturday, April 15th at 8:59 JST Tournament Period: Junior Category / Senior Category: April 28th, 2017 at 9:00 until May 1st, 2017 at 8:59 JST Master Category Schedule A: April 15th, 2017 at 9:00 until April 17th, 2017 at 8:59 JST Master Category Schedule B: April 21st, 2017 at 9:00 until April 23rd, 2017 at 8:59 JST Master Category Schedule C: April 26th, 2017 at 9:00 until April 28th, 2017 at 8:59 JST Master Category Schedule D: April 30th, 2017 at 9:00 until May 2nd, 2017 at 8:59 JST Master Category Schedule E: May 6th, 2017 at 9:00 until May 8th, 2017 at 8:59 JST Ranking Results Announcement: Late May 2017 Player divisions: Junior Division: Born 2006 or later Senior: Born on or after January 1st, 2002 til December 31st, 2005. Masters Division: Born 2001 or earlier Compatible Games: Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Battle Type: Double Battle Banned Pokémon: Players could only use Pokémon No. 01 to 301 from the Alola region Pokédex. Zygarde, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, and Magearna could not be used. Pokémon must also be the Alola Form.
Description
Pokémon Japan Championships 2017 Qualifying is a tournament that decides the best Pokémon trainers in Japan. The results of this competition will determine who gets to compete as a representative of Japan against the world's best Pokémon trainers at the Pokémon World Championships being held in Anaheim, California, USA in August 2017. The top 50 players in each category will be invited to participate in the PJCS2017 live event. It is not necessary to participate in all five Master Category schedules to earn the right to participate in the live competition in the Master Category. If a player participates in at least three schedules and plays at least 3 games or more in each schedule, the ranking results will be calculated and published.
Competition Rules
• Register four to six of your Pokémon to your Battle Team. • All Pokémon in this competition will automatically become Lv. 50 for the duration of each match. • Four of the Pokémon you register to your Battle Team will be chosen to battle in each match. • Mega Stones are not permitted. • A 10-minute time limit for each player will automatically be enforced in-game, beginning at the start of each battle. When a player’s time limit expires, that player will lose the game. • At the beginning of each battle, players have 90 seconds to select three Pokémon with which to battle. • At the beginning of each turn, players have 45 seconds to select a move or change the Pokémon in battle. If a player has not made their selections at the end of this period, the game will automatically make selections for the player. • Players may battle up to 15 games per day of the competition. Any unplayed games will carry over to the following day. A new day begins at 9am JST. • Up to 20 matches in total can be played in each schedule.
YouTube Promotional Video

Source: https://3ds.pokemon-gl.com/information/48da1b87-fcaf-4641-9eeb-73a3943bf890

The official Pokémon movie website has updated. Translations follow:

Story

Do you know
how these two met?

Satoshi and Pikachu are currently the best of partners.
But the truth is, their initial meeting went as badly as it could possibly have!

A Pikachu that won't listen to Satoshi,
and an unskilled Satoshi that wants to befriend Pikachu:
Can these two become true partners?

On the day they set off from Masara Town,
the two swore an oath as they looked up at Houou flying across the sky:
"Let's go meet it together one day!"

And now this duo's adventure begins, guided by the shining rainbow-colored wings!

"Why won't you enter the monster ball...?"

Teaser and trailer

The site also updated with a new teaser and a new trailer for the movie:

Teaser 2:

Trailer 1:

Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/story/ and http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/trailer

A new trailer for the 20th Pocket Monsters movie I Choose You! (キミにきめた！) debuted on Oha Suta on March 2nd, 2017. The trailer was locked in a treasure chest and was teased about until it was finally opened and shown to viewers. The trailer featured Satoshi, Pikachu and Ho-oh and the new logo for the movie which was also was revealed on the show and in a tweet the day before to promote the trailer's debut. Screenshots from the trailer are available on the Imageboard thread and the trailer can be viewed on the movie website news article.


Source: https://twitter.com/ohaohagirl/status/836707534211706880

Olympic Gold Medalist Usain Bolt is featured in the latest batch of commercials for Pokémon Sun and Moon in Japan. He is portrayed as a Team Skull member and during one of the commercials he instructs Pikachu to use Thunderbolt, an obvious pun on his name. The commercials began airing on Japanese TV the last week of February 2017 and they were posted on YouTube on February 27th, 2017.

YouTube - You are challenged by Team Skull Usain Bolt！

Original YouTube Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7ETpcylnR4