October 10 to 16 Nintendo News Roundup

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was recently featured at EB Expo 2016, which was held last week in Sydney.

Nintendo of Australia has now released a video showcasing fan reactions, which you can watch below.

Pokémon Sun & Moon

On Friday the 14th, The Pokémon Company issued another batch of information and trailer with new details about Pokémon Sun & Moon.

The new trailers and information you can find below, cover several new pokémon, and two newly introduced trainers. Check it out!

NEW POKÉMON AND CHARACTERS ANNOUNCED FOR POKÉMON SUN AND POKÉMON MOON!

Eight new Pokémon and two new characters revealed for upcoming Pokémon games.

London—14 October 2016— The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo showcased new information for the latest games in the Pokémon franchise, Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, coming to Europe on 23 November and available exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.The following new Pokémon have been unveiled:Silvally
Type: Normal
The Synthetic Pokémon Silvally is the evolution of Type: Null. This Pokémon changes its type when exclusive items are inserted into the drive on its head, and its somatic cells mutate and glow with different colors of light depending on its type. Silvally has the new Ability RKS System, which causes this Pokémon to change type when holding specific type-related items. It also has the exclusive move Multi-Attack, an attack which changes depending on which type-related item it is holding.Hakamo-o
Type: Dragon-Fighting
Hakamo-o is the Evolution of Jangmo-o. Hakamo-o dance before battle to show their strength, clanging their scales together. A solitary Pokémon that enjoys training alone, its scales are often torn off, but they grow back nearly immediately. Hakamo-o view the number of lost scales as proof of how ferociously they have fought in battle.Kommo-o
Type: Dragon-Fighting
Kommo-o is the Evolution of Hakamo-o. There is a legend that says Kommo-o are covered in glittering scales in order to drive away a great darkness covering the world. This Pokémon can learn the new move Clanging Scales. When using this attack, Kommo-o scrapes the scales covering its body against one another, attacking with a loud clamor. After using this move, Kommo-o’s Defense is lowered.

Steenee
Type: Grass
The Fruit Pokémon Steenee is the Evolution of Bounsweet. The calyx on this Pokémon’s head is very hard, and Steenee attacks by smacking its opponent with it, combined with kicks from its tough legs. This Pokémon’s fragrance is even more delectable than that of Bounsweet.

Tsareena
Type: Grass
Only the strongest of Steenee are able to evolve into Tsareena. A very noble Pokémon, Tsareena use their strength to protect and rule over Bounsweet as their queen. This Pokémon attacks with very powerful, majestic kicks and uses its powerful fragrance to mesmerize its opponents. Some Tsareena have the exclusive new ability Queenly Majesty, which prevents opponents from using priority moves.

Ribombee
Type: Bug-Fairy
Ribombee is the Evolution of Cutiefly. This Pokémon collects flower nectar and pollen to make into balls, known as Pollen Puffs, which it can then launch at its opponent in battle. Some of the Pollen Puffs that Ribombee make also have relaxing effects or can relieve tiredness. These Pollen Puffs are distributed all over the Alola region.

Alolan Grimer
Type: Poison-Dark
As the population of the Alola region increased, dealing with garbage became a serious problem. As a solution, Grimer were imported from other regions and fed primarily on garbage, so their body composition changed—as did their form. What appear to be teeth in this Pokémon’s mouth are in fact residual toxins from the garbage it eats, which have hardened and crystallized. There are more than a hundred Alolan Grimer in Alola’s garbage-processing plants.

Alolan Muk
Type: Poison-Dark
Alolan Muk evolves from Alolan Grimer. The Muk in the Alola region produce and store their toxins within their bodies so, unlike Muk in other regions, you won’t detect any unpleasant aromas when you draw near one. Alolan Muk has the same poisonous crystals as Alolan Grimer, but they are all over the surface of its body. Alolan Muk uses them to attack, just like other Pokémon use their fangs or claws.

Two new characters who will appear in the Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon games were also announced. Introducing Olivia and Ilima:

Olivia
Olivia is the kahuna of Akala Island, the second island you visit across your island challenge. She is extraordinarily skilled and has served as a kahuna since a young age. Although highly skilled, she insists that she is just a normal girl.

Ilima
A graduate of the Trainers’ school and an expert in Normal-type Pokémon, Captain Ilima is considered a hero by the students of his former school.

A new trailer that showcases the new Pokémon and characters can be found here: https://youtu.be/x6nEp3WoWr0.

For more information, please visit Pokemon.co.uk/SunMoon .

The Pokémon Company also held a preview event for the games during the week, where reporters were given two hours with a copy of Pokémon Sun, to experience the beginning of the games by themselves.

I translated a compilation of details from 9 sources made by Centro Pokémon on that day, which you can find below. You should also check the screenshot gallery and GameXplain videos that follow for some extra details.

pokemon-sun-moon-translated-detailsNote: It seems like only 7 Trials in total might be correct after all, but it’s still adviseable to wait for now and see how things develop.

Moreover, NicoNico will be streaming a broadcast of Pokémon Sun & Moon on October 23, starting at 10 pm JST (9 am EST).

The broadcast will feature a look at gameplay and a Battle Royale between the hosts. We don’t know if there will be any new information or footage shown though.

pokemonniconicoOn the Sun & Moon anime front, we got some new previews of the animated series and some extra details too, which you can find below.

The anime will start on November 17th in Japan with a longer special episode.

Ash will be enrolled at a school in Alola which is headed by Samson Oak. Lillie and the Trial Captains Kiawe, Sophocles, Lana and Mallow are described as the main characters besides Ash, and Togedemaru as Pikachu’s rival. You can find a small bio for each character below.

Ash – Ash has travelled to the Alola Region with Pikachu.
Rotom Pokédex – Rotom Pokédex will speak to Ash and aid him in his journey.
Lillie – She likes Pokémon, but for some reason cannot touch them.
Kiawe – He likes Fire-type Pokémon. He helps out on his family’s farm while attending the school.
Mallow – She likes Grass-type Pokémon. She has an active personality, but can be goofy. She helps out the family business of the Aina Cafeteria.
Lana – She likes Water-type Pokémon. She’s docile but active. She’s the eldest of three daughters of a fisherman.
Sophacles – He likes Electric-type Pokémon. He is a programming geek and loves to analyse things.
Professor Kukui – The Pokémon Professor of the region who studies Pokémon moves and teaches at the school. Ash is staying at his home.
Samson Oak – Professor Samuel Oak’s cousin. He’s the headmaster of the school and studies Alola Pokémon evolution.
Team Rocket – They have travelled to the Alola Region to capture Pikachu.

Regarding merchandise, Banpresto will be releasing three new Pokémon Sun & Moon themed plushies in earlier 2017. These are for the Alolan forms of Raichu, Vulpix, and Meowth, which will all be out sometime in February. Each one measures 12cm in height.

alolan-plushiesFinally, Junichi Masuda was recently interviewed by EDGE magazine because of Pokémon’s 20th Anniversary, and talked about a bunch of topics during their conversation. Below you can find a few relevant quotes from the magazine.

On Pokémon’s long-lasting success and continued relevance:

“There are so many variables in the games market that it’s not easy to define why Pokémon has had sustained success. There’s no doubt that the core elements of collecting, battling and trading have a lasting appeal when it comes to kids. But the thing that all our games really have in common is that we start by designing them with the younger audience in mind, and then add elements for our other core players. This means that even people who have never played the game before can easily buy it and get stuck in.”

On how the competitive nature of Pokémon has helped the franchise gain appeal outside of its traditional demographic:

“There are lots of activities that can be enjoyed by adults alongside kids. Think about football, for example. Younger kids may not understand the more complex rules of the game, but both they and adults alike can enjoy playing and seeing the incredible skills of real players. We’re always researching these kinds of elements that can be appreciated and enjoyed regardless of age, and looking to add them to our games.”

On the challenge of mixing old and new aspects of the games:

“When you have a game formula that resonates so well with the fans, you need to cater for what they’re expecting, as well as innovate in ways that will excite both them and new players coming to the world of Pokemon for the first time.”

“Pokémon has been consistent in delivering a positive player experience over the past 20 years and, as such, we’re seeing a real nostalgia coming through from those who played the earlier versions of the games. I think the fact that we’ve never overhauled the series and created a divide between the old and the new is also one of the reasons Pokémon has enjoyed such longevity.”

On how portable systems better support the key element of having players meeting up, trading, and battling over Pokemon:

“When coming up with the idea of Pokémon, what we really wanted to create was something where people could get together and have fun trading, battling, showing off their Pokémon collection, and just talking about their own adventures with the game. Handheld consoles and devices offer us the best way to achieve this vision.”

On the importance of forming memories with other players:

“We want Pokémon to be a means of communication. What I really want to do is to connect people, then help them form great memories by experiencing these distributions and such in certain places. I think of it like having a meal. By itself, a meal is usually pretty forgettable – it can be hard to even remember what you had for lunch yesterday! But if you go for a meal with a close friend at a restaurant you love, you’ll remember that meal for a long time. I want to give people memorable Pokémon experiences with one another.”

Masuda also described the introduction of online trading in the Pokémon games as “a very natural development”, because “trading is really at the heart of Pokémon” and”“many aspects of the game were created to facilitate or encourage trading – the large number of Pokémon, the ability to nickname them, the Pokédex and, of course, the creation of two different versions”.

Masuda is also composing music for Pokémon Sun & Moon as expected, and EDGE states that the OST will feature 175 tracks. Masuda’s approach to making songs has changed slightly, as hardware has improved and the team is now capable of producing “almost any sounds and tones we like”, he says. That means Game Freak needs “to produce sound with the same level of quality you’d expect when producing a CD”.

Thanking the fans for the continued support:

“What I’m most grateful for is that so many fans have supported Pokémon all this time. Without them, Pokémon wouldn’t be where it is today, and Pokémon Go certainly wouldn’t have seen the phenomenal success that it has so far. I really love getting to meet and talk with Pokémon fans, and they’ve given me so many great memories throughout the years. As a recent example, not long ago I gave a speech at the Japan Expo in Paris, and I was blown away that over 3,000 people came to hear it. Pokémon Go seems to have really resonated with people and has huge numbers of players all over the world. It’s far beyond anything I had ever imagined.”

Pokémon X & Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire

A new trailer has been released to celebrate Volcanion’s arrival in Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, and Pokémon X & Y, as the latest Pokémon distribution. You can watch it below.

Pokkén Tournament

Bandai Namco and The Pokémon Company have announced that Scizor has joined the arcade version of Pokkén Tournament as a new playable fighter.

You can watch a new trailer and some gameplay footage below.

Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO E3 2016 FeaturePokémon GO has now received a new update, bringing the game up to version 1.11.2 on iOS and version 0.41.2 on Android.

The update introduces a few new things, like the catch bonus, updated gym training, and egg/incubator screens.

You can find the official notice and full patch notes from Niantic below.

Pokémon GO is in the process of being updated to version 0.41.2 for Android and 1.11.2 for iOS devices. Below are some release notes and comments from our development team.

Catch Bonus: Trainers can earn a catch bonus for a Pokémon type as they catch more of a specific type.

Updated Gym Training: Trainers can now bring six Pokémon to battle at friendly Gyms. The CP of the Pokémon you are battling may be temporarily adjusted lower for your training session.

Egg & Incubator Screens: These will periodically update the distance walked without the Trainer needing to close and reopen the screen.

Fixed several audio issues.

Decreased the evolution animation time.

Minor fixes

Meanwhile, Niantic is also wrapping up another patch that should be going live very soon and will implement some small fixes, besides bringing the game up to version 1.11.4 / 0.41.4.

Pokémon Generations

The latest episode of Pokémon Generations has now been released on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. You can watch it below.

Kirby: Planet Robobot

Nintendo and HAL Laboratory have been sharing concept art for Kirby: Planet Robobot over the past few months. Recently, new images focusing on the bosses were posted on the Japanese website. Take a look at them in the gallery below.

Splatoon

ci_wiiu_splatoon_interviewpart2_02_image912wLast week, Nintendo of Europe published an interview with Splatoon producer Hisashi Nogami and general producer Katsuya Eguchi, and the second part of the discussion is now up on the site.

The initial round of questions mainly covered Splatfest topics, while this portion has a bigger focus on the game itself. Nogami and Eguchi were asked about Splatoon’s origins (the game wasn’t initially set as a shooter, and not tied to a Nintendo franchise), the inspiration for its style, what aspect of the game’s success they’re surprised by, and the Squid Sisters’ popularity.

You can read this second part of the interview on Nintendo of Europe’s website, over here.

Paper Mario: Color Splash

Nintendo recently uploaded a new Paper Mario: Color Splash trailer compiling the game’s accolades. You can watch it below.

Super Mario Run

Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, recently stopped by Nintendo’s headquarters to give Super Mario Run a look. Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, two of Nintendo’s biggest developers with a big history behind the series, were present.

Cook shared the photo on Twitter after the event:

Cook also shared that 20 million iOS users have registered through iTunes to receive a notification when Super Mario Run is made available, which is quite the high number already, but kind of expected based on the popularity both companies enjoy.

Miitomo

Miitomo has been updated once again with new Miitomo Drop and Shop content.

You can find a list of the new addition below.

miitomo-oct-9-656x300Trick or treat! Happy Halloween #2

– Jack-o’-lantern mask
– Jack-o’-lantern costume
– Bat tights
– Witch’s familiar

miitomo-oct-11-656x303Trick or treat! Happy Halloween #3

– Skull mask
– Skeleton suit
– Fluffy monster hood
– Fluffy monster costume

miitomo-oct-13-656x710The ghouls draw near… Halloween Horror #1

– Zombie hood
– Zombie shirt (set)
– Zombie pants (set)
– Zombie slippers (set)

Miitomo Shop Items

– Stamped porkpie hat
– Gradient mohair sweater
– Chester coat + knit sweater
– Velvet pencil skirt
– Ribbed-hem pants
– Felt slip-ons
– Geometric scarf
– Seraph wings

Secrets of Nintendo’s Storage Room and Donkey Kong

Nintendo recently gave fans a photo tour of of its storage area via its Japanese website. It’s in this storage that some of the old consoles and peripherals are held.

One of the big items highlighted in Nintendo’s post is a photo of a working Famicom Disk System Disk Writer, which was used many years ago to print games onto blank cartridges. Other than that, Nintendo opens a Famicom and the Famicom Disk System expansion, showing it all in mint condition.

You can take a look at the photos in the gallery below.

Nintendo also published a new interview with Shigeru Miyamoto about Donkey Kong on its Japanese website. It was recently held in celebration of the Nintendo Classic Mini: Famicom which is due out next month.

This interview was very interesting, but unfortunately it’s Japanese-only so far. However, our friends at Wired have provided us with a pretty good look at what was talked about.

In the interview, Miyamoto revealed how Nintendo’s company bathtub helped soothe his thoughts, how it felt working with Nintendo of America, how he pushed for Donkey Kong’s name, and how he tried to convey to the team that Mario was in his 20s, among many other interesting things.

That said, I highly recommend you check out Wired’s translation and compilation of details from the interview over here.

Nintendo Minute

The latest episode of Nintendo Minute is now available, and features Kit and Krysta getting ready for Halloween by showing some Nintendo costumes from Disguise. You can watch the new episode below.