Pokémon Black & White Launching With Style in New York

Nintendo knows where it’s at. They’re going to be holding a launch party bonanza for Pokémon Black & White on March 5 at the Rockefeller Center in New York, New York. This “Passport to the Unova Region” event is going to be the first place you can legitimately get your hands on a copy of Pokémon Black & White – a day ahead of launch -and will feature download hotspots for the Liberty Pass, which players will need to access the Legendary Pokémon Victini. As if that weren’t enough, Nintendo’s also got a number of Pokémon-themed stuff planned, including a performance by The Presidents of the United States of America, who will be debuting a song written just for the occasion called “Can’t Stop Catchin’ ‘Em All.”

Honestly I haven’t seen so much hype over new Nintendo games since the 90s and early 00s. With all the anniversaries this year, I wonder if they’ll be giving any of their older franchises the same treatment? We know Miyamoto’s got something cooking for Zelda, and of course there’s also the birthday of Metroid to look forward to. In any case, if you live in New York, head to the Rockefeller Center on Friday and go party it up for us!

The full press release is below.

MEDIA ALERT: THE ULTIMATE POKÉMON EXPERIENCE HITS ROCKEFELLER CENTER® ON MARCH 5

Nintendo Offers “Passport to the Unova Region” at Launch Event for Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version Video Games with a Musical Performance by The Presidents of the United States of America

WHAT:

New York’s famed Rockefeller Center® will be the epicenter of an over-the-top Pokémon™ celebration as Nintendo prepares to launch the new Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems across North America. On March 5, at the Nintendo® World store, fans will gather for a spectacular launch event and the chance to be among the first in the nation to buy the games in advance of their official March 6 release. Grammy-nominated alternative rock band The Presidents of the United States of America will perform a new song titled “Can’t Stop Catchin’ ‘Em All” written in celebration of the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version games.

The event will offer attendees an interactive experience that will take consumers through stations featuring game-play kiosks, depictions of the games’ new starter and Legendary Pokémon, a download area for the Liberty Pass, which enables players to get the new Mythical Pokémon Victini in the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version games, a photo booth and a special collection of never-before-seen Pokémon artwork. Attendees will receive a “passport” upon entry and earn a stamp for each station they experience. Once they have visited all stations, fans will receive a special Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version T-shirt, while supplies last.

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version open a thrilling new chapter in the beloved video game series, introducing more than 150 new Pokémon, new battle systems and a new region to explore. More information about Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version can be found at http://www.pokemonblackwhite.com.

WHO:

Kids, teens, adults, parents, Pokémon fans and consumers of all kinds

WHEN:

Saturday, March 5, 2011

3-6 p.m.

WHERE:

Nintendo World

10 Rockefeller Plaza

New York, NY 10020

VISUALS:

• The Presidents of the United States of America performing live in front of cheering fans
• Fans of all ages lined up to be among the first to purchase the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version games
• Kids and adults playing the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version games together
• Large Pokémon characters in Rockefeller Center
• Fans dressed in colorful Pokémon-inspired costumes and taking photos in front of a themed backdrop
• Fans viewing never-before-seen Pokémon artwork in a museum-style display

PRESS CONTACT:

Andrew Kelly, GolinHarris

415-318-4373 (office)

415-640-2573 (mobile)

ankelly@golinharris.com

Source: Nintendo Press