Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version, playable exclusively on the NDS family of systems, are a completely new adventure that Pokémon fans old and new can embark on, and introduce more than 150 new Pokémon and a new region to explore.

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version feature new Pokémon that players can catch, train and battle as they progress through the game, and some Pokémon can only be caught in one version of the game. For example, the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram can only be caught in Pokémon Black Version, while the Legendary Pokémon Zekrom can only be caught in Pokémon White Version. Additionally, the two games feature different areas for the first time in the series, with the game world of Pokémon Black Version featuring a unique metropolitan area called Black City, and a lush, green area named White Forest only found in Pokémon White Version. Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version also mark the first time in a Pokémon video game that the seasons will change in the game world. Certain Pokémon appear more frequently during different seasons, and players can only access some areas during a specific season.

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version let players start with one of three new Starter Pokémon – the Grass-type Snivy, the Fire-type Tepig or the Water-type Oshawott. Until the main story of the game is complete, every Pokémon that players encounter will have never been seen before in previous Pokémon games. The games also feature original boy and girl trainers who set out on an adventure in the new Unova region.

The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo are giving fans the opportunity to get a jump start in Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games with a special character distribution at all U.S. and Canadian GameStop stores.  Starting today through February 6, 2011, Pokémon players can add a Legendary Trio of treasured Shiny Pokémon-Raikou™, Entei™, and Suicune™-for their English language versions of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, or SoulSilver Version games.  Transfer any one of the Legendary Trio into Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version to unlock the opportunity to encounter a brand-new elusive Pokémon!  

Receiving any of the Shiny Legendary Trio is a treat for Pokémon Trainers, and even more exciting is the chance to catch the mysterious Illusion Fox Pokémon Zoroark, a Pokémon that cannot be obtained through normal gameplay-for Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version.  Make sure you are one step ahead of Zoroark when the new video games launches.

Pokémon fans will also see Zoroark, along with the Tricky Fox Pokémon, Zorua, in a brand new Pokémon feature film, Pokémon-Zoroark: Master of Illusions, premiering on Cartoon Network in February.  The movie begins with the Legendary Trio, Raikou, Entei, and Suicune, wreaking havoc on the unsuspecting residents of Crown City.  Do the new Dark-type Pokémon Zoroark and Zorua have anything to do with this chaos?

Details for receiving the Shiny Legendary Trio: 

What: Shiny Raikou, Shiny Entei, and Shiny Suicune character distribution

Where: U.S. and Canadian GameStop stores.

When:  

• Shiny Raikou-January 3 through January 9, 2011
• Shiny Entei-January 17 through January 23, 2011 
• Shiny Suicune-January 31 through February 6, 2011

How:

• Players must have a NDS system and their own copy of the English language versions of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold or SoulSilver Version video games (each sold separately).
• Players must have acquired the Pokédex within their game.
• Players must have no more than two Wonder Cards in their possession.
• Visit any U.S. or Canadian GameStop during the designated distribution period.

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version are now available for pre-order from major retailers throughout North America for a suggested retail price of $34.99 each. A deposit may be required for pre-orders. See individual retailers for details.