Pok�mon™, one of the most successful entertainment properties in the world and the second-largest video game franchise of all-time, is celebrating a blockbuster year in 2011. Led by the release of the Pok�mon Black Version and Pok�mon White Version video games for the Nintendo DS™family of systems, The Pok�mon Company International will roll out an all-new animated television series and feature-length film. A brand-new trading card game (TCG) expansion, Pok�mon TCG: Black & White, and merchandise, including an innovative new toy line, round out an exciting year of offerings from the company. A comprehensive, multi-million dollar marketing campaign supports the brand’s initiatives, in addition to video game marketing from Nintendo of America Inc. This multi-pronged strategy will thrust Pok�mon into the spotlight across its many entertainment offerings.
Pok�mon Black Version and Pok�mon White Version launches in the U.S. on March 6th as one of the most anticipated video game releases of the year, introducing players to a brand-new world with more than 150 never-before-seen Pok�mon featured in an all new adventure. The games’ release in Japan last September shattered all existing sales records in that country, making them the fastest-selling Nintendo DS games in history with 5 million units sold (Famitsu, Jan. 2011).
“The release of Pok�mon Black Version and Pok�mon White Version gives us the opportunity to launch brand-new entertainment that our existing and new fans will love,” said J.C. Smith, director of Consumer Marketing for The Pok�mon Company International. “Every major pillar of the brand-including video games, TV animation, feature films, andthe Pok�mon Trading Card Game-will see exciting changes throughout the year.”
Pok�mon kicks off the year with a new animated series and full-length feature film set to air on Cartoon Network, Pok�mon’s national broadcast partner. The year’s animation entertainment begins with the film debut of Pok�mon-Zoroark: Master of Illusions on February 5th at 7:00 p.m., to be followed just one week later by the special premiere of two episodes of the new animated series-Pok�mon: Black and White- on February 12th beginning at 9:00 a.m., starring an entirely new cast of Pok�mon characters who join Ash and Pikachu on their continuing adventures.
In April, Pok�mon will launch the Pok�mon Trading Card Game : Black & White expansion, an all-new set of Pok�mon TCG cards featuring new Pok�mon, Trainers, and environments inspired by the video games. Pok�mon TCG collectors and players will discover new expansions of Pok�mon TCG: Black & White throughout the year. This latest installment of the TCG will add to a franchise that boasts more than 15 billion cards sold in over 60 countries.
The franchise’s year will be kick-started by an extensive, multi-million dollar marketing campaign beginning with the nationwide Pok�mon Black Version & White Version Tour, arriving at major malls beginning February 5th. The tour will hit 14 key markets over a seven-week schedule offering fans a first-look at the new video games and a slate of activities designed to heighten awareness and create a groundswell of anticipation around the franchise. The itinerary will include immersive Pok�mon Black Version and Pok�mon White Version video game demonstrations, free screenings of the new Pok�mon movie, Pok�mon-Zoroark: Master of Illusions, photo opportunities with Pok�mon characters, and various games and prize-winning opportunities for fans. A Pok�mon Center store offering a variety of merchandise will also be on-site.
The Pok�mon Company International will extend its grassroots marketing strategy with special character distributions throughout the year for the Pok�mon video games at select retailers across the country. These character distributions offer Pok�mon video game players the chance to receive, via Nintendo� Wi-Fi Connection, specific Pok�mon that will not be available through regular gameplay.
Pok�mon fans interested in playing the new video games and trading card game competitively can do so through Play! Pok�mon events. These gaming tournaments, held throughout North America, Europe and Asia, culminate in the highly anticipated Pok�mon World Championships in San Diego, California in August 2011, which hosts thousands of Pok�mon players from around the world.
At retail, all-new Pok�mon licensed merchandise is slated to roll-out throughout 2011, including a full line-up of toys from JAKKS Pacific. JAKKS plans to launch an all new Skill & Action line of toys for older kids which allows them to “Catch,” “Train,” & “Battle” their Pok�mon in unique, interactive and competitive toy-based experiences. JAKKS will also launch new collectible figures and plush featuring all-new Pok�mon characters, playsets that emulate the new region, and “Trainer” role play items inspired by the TV animation series.
To learn more about Pok�mon please visit www.pokemon.com.