Gaming News - March 2007

Redmond, WA (March 15, 2007) - Nintendo today announced that Pokemon Pearl and Pokemon Diamond will both ship for the DS on April 22nd.

From Nintendo:

The in-depth games feature enhanced graphics that make Pokemon jump off the screen like never before. In addition to the 380 Pokemon available in previous versions, players can collect, train and battle more than 100 new Pokemon. After completing certain objectives, they can also import Pokemon from their Game Boy(R) Advance games. Starting March 18, fans who pre-order a copy of either game will receive one of two collectible Pokemon styluses (retailer may require pre-order deposit).

But the game's wireless abilities are what will have everyone talking -- literally. Using a local wireless connection, up to eight trainers can connect and play. Both Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl are fully Wi-Fi compatible, meaning players can log onto Nintendo(R) Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo's wireless gaming service, and compete with players all around the world. The microphone built into the Nintendo DS even lets players talk with friends before, during and after battles. Only players who have entered one another's Friend Codes can communicate using this Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, feature so players can control with whom they communicate. For kids, it's like having a cell phone that can only connect with their friends. The Nintendo DS Headset, sold separately, makes these conversations a breeze.

"The amazing wireless and voice chat features of Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl offer gamers something completely new," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "We make games for everybody, and these Pokemon titles are sure to be a hit with new and returning players."

Players can trade Pokemon or battle with players anywhere in the world, even without voice communication. The Global Trade Station allows players to post Pokemon they want to trade on a board and browse through Pokemon other players have posted. The Battle Tower allows players to battle with seven Trainers who have registered their player data in the Wi-Fi Battle Dome. After the battle, players can upload their data so other Trainers can battle them virtually. The more games a player wins, the higher his or her ranking. Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl feature the ability for players to control their Pokedex using the touch screen controls of Nintendo DS. As time passes in the real world, the look of the games changes. The Pokemon characters that appear change, and the evolution of some Pokemon is affected.