Dedicated areas at the entrance of the "R" Zone video game departments now showcase a variety of Pokémon merchandise, including the top-selling video games, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), TV and movie DVDs, select TOMY products that are making their U.S. debut, and a full range of Pokémon toys from JAKKS Pacific, Inc. Starting in April, Toys"R"Us Times Square, the company's International Flagship store, will highlight the Pokémon brand in a dedicated boutique through the remainder of the year. Toys"R"Us stores nationwide will also host retail events throughout 2009.
The expanded Pokémon area within Toys"R"Us stores spotlights several popular Pokémon video game titles, leading up to one of the most anticipated titles of the year-Pokémon Platinum Version for the NDS system. The dedicated area also features a wide selection of TCG expansion sets for the Pokémon: Diamond & Pearl Series and the newest Pokémon TCG: Platinum expansion. Additionally, the section includes a broad assortment of DVDs, strategy guides, and other toys from JAKKS Pacific.
Pokémon fans in particular will have plenty to cheer about as Pokémon Platinum is readied for its U.S. debut. Following the vast popularity of Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl, Pokémon Platinum is the newest in the core series of Pokémon games. Pokémon Platinum features a new story full of adventure, never-before-seen forms of powerful Pokémon – including the legendary Giratina's Origin Forme – and the Distortion World, a mysterious new world that suddenly appears in the Sinnoh region. In addition, with Pokémon Platinum up to 20 players can interact with other Pokémon fans from around the world in the new Wi-Fi Plaza, featuring mini-games and activities. Players can also enjoy the new features in the Global Terminal, such as posting battle videos using the new "Vs. Recorder." In addition, Pokémon Platinum features a new Battle Frontier, where the toughest Trainers can test their skills in new ways.
The dedicated area establishes Toys"R"Us as the premier destination for fans looking for a wide selection of Pokémon products. Toys"R"Us will host video game events featuring character distributions for Pokémon Diamond Version & Pokémon Pearl Version (each sold separately), with the first event taking place from February 8 - February 14. A second event will take place in the spring. Toys"R"Us will also be the first retailer in the U.S. to carry select Pokémon toys by TOMY.
"Our partnership with Toys"R"Us speaks volumes about the unwavering popularity of the Pokémon franchise," said Caryl Liebmann, director, retail development and promotions, Pokémon USA, Inc. "We're excited that Toys"R"Us is offering our fans this first-class retail destination."
Pokémon Platinum is currentrly scheduled for release in North America on March 22, 2009