Game Freak Reveals Pokemon Black and White 2

The surprise announcement reveals sequels rather than the expected Pokemon Grey.

In a surprise announcement, Game Freak, The Pokemon Company, and Nintendo have announced that the latest in the Pokemon series will be a direct sequel to the latest generation of Pokemon games, Black and White. Forgoing the typical "third" game that offers all of the Pokemon found individually in each of the titles, the franchise is breaking new ground with the first direct sequel in the mainline series ever. Both Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 will be coming to the Nintendo DS in Japan this June, with an American release confirmed, but an exact date to be announced.

Junichi Masuda broke the news during the Japanese TV Show, Pokemon Smash, but offered little in the way of details on the upcoming sequels. Based on the artwork released, Reshiram and Zekrom, the cover Pokemon from Black and White, appear to be fused with Kyurem. It's not clear what this means for the gameplay at this time, but it's possible that the series will be providing some sort of twist on the traditional formula.

UPDATE - A Nintendo of America press release confirms a fall release for the titles in North America.

#Pokemon #Black and white #Sequels #Game freak #Nintendo

Our Take

Jason Ross Senior Editor

02/26/2012 at 01:46 AM

I've been looking around since we got wind of this story, since so little information seems to be available right now. Shocking points? The release confirmation for North America that's simultaneous with the Japanese game announcement. Also, the site Nick linked up there with the word "confirmed"? It says "Coming Soon." I'd guess that means at least by year's end, if not even sooner. Nifty stuff.

Now then, that logo floating up there shows a sapphiric-color blue and a ruby-colored red as part of the new game logos. The next Pokemon movie poster also reflects those colors. Here's the question: Are these colors related to Hoenn and Ruby and Sapphire? Alternatively, they could just reflect the color of Reshiram and Zekrom's own elements, with red fire and a blue-colored lightning. Most speculation is guessing Hoenn will be featured in the game, to give it a grander scale, especially since Hoenn is the only region not currently explorable on a Nintendo DS. With so many rumors out there, you can see why I ddn't want to report this story; I couldn't separate fact from fiction!

Jon Lewis Staff Writer

02/26/2012 at 06:22 PM

good theory, very exciting concept.

Jesse Miller Staff Writer

02/26/2012 at 10:17 AM

Just why isn't this going to be on the Nintendo 3DS? Seems rather backwards.

Nick DiMola Director

02/26/2012 at 06:58 PM

I'm guessing Nintendo doesn't want to port the engine. This will sell regardless, so yeah.

02/27/2012 at 01:37 AM

I'd be more inclined to think it's just because Pokemon is a big hit across demographics, and the DS has more people who own it. That's my guess. I don't think Nintendo views Pokemon as a system seller, or maybe they don't see a game that isn't part of a new "generation" as one. Maybe?

02/27/2012 at 09:30 AM

I can certainly see that since more people own the DS that it's an attractive platform, but I would think that Pokemon is a system seller. Perhaps I'm just wrong in my assessment of the series.

02/27/2012 at 09:39 AM

I agree on the system seller bit - it certainly is. I think it just comes down to easy money and leaving it on the DS fits the bill. Plus, I'm sure they're already cooking up a 3DS Pokemon - so that'll move systems when it releases.

02/26/2012 at 06:24 PM

I think we all can agree that this not being on 3DS is a pretty dumb move, especially since Black and White were screaming for 3D support...

That said, Black and White also had imo the best story of all the Pokemon games so if any game gets a direct sequel, this one is it. Lookin forward to it!

PixlBit