New Pokémon Video Games Aim to Win Players' Hearts and Souls

2010-03-15

From the earliest days of Nintendo's portable Game Boy system, Pokémon games have made their mark. Now Nintendo has released completely updated versions of two classic Pokémon games, available now for the Nintendo DS family of systems. The new Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version games take place in the beloved Johto region first introduced in the Pokémon Gold Version and Pokémon Silver Version games 10 years ago. The new games have evolved to include updated graphics and sound as well as intuitive new controls that use the Nintendo DS touch screen.

The new games come with a Pokéwalker accessory, a small device that lets players bring their favorite Pokémon with them wherever they go. Players can transfer a Pokémon to the Pokéwalker and then simply walk around in real life. By walking, players earn Watts that can be used to encounter and catch wild Pokémon or search for hidden items. The Pokémon in the Pokéwalker will gain Experience Points as the player walks, and can even go up one level when they are transferred back into the game. Players also can wirelessly connect two Pokéwalkers to receive a gift.

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions feature detailed graphics that show off the hundreds of Pokémon that players can catch and train, as well as all the different environments in the game. For the first time, players can interact with all their favorite Pokémon outside of battle by selecting the leader from their party to follow behind them on their travels. An internal clock keeps track of the time of day and the day of the week, and some special events will only happen on certain days or at certain times of day.

As always, trading and battling with friends is a big part of the Pokémon experience. Players with a wireless broadband Internet connection can interact with their friends who have Pokémon HeartGold, SoulSilver, Diamond, Pearl or Pokémon Platinum Version games to trade or battle Pokémon via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service. Players also can battle and trade with others via a local wireless connection.

"Every year Nintendo introduces a new wave of players to Pokémon, and their enthusiasm is always amazing," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions, combined with the new Pokéwalker accessory, give longtime fans a new way to experience Pokémon, and they open the door for the next generation of players who want to see what the Pokémon phenomenon is all about."

For more information about Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version, visit www.pokemongoldsilver.com.