Pokémon Video Game Championship Series Coming Soon!

Even after all these years, the Pokémon brand is still going very strong indeed, and if you’ve read our Pokémon Black Nintendo DS review, you’ll know that the games are also still rather excellent!

On the heels of the record-breaking and critically acclaimed release of Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games for systems in the Nintendo DS family, The Pokémon Company International today announced additional details about the highly anticipated 2011 Pokémon Video Game Championship Series featuring the blockbuster new titles. Pokémon Trainers will descend on Pokémon Video Game Championship Series’ locations across Europe from June 4th and the United States from May 14th to battle in intense head-to-head competition with one goal in mind—securing a place to at the 2011 Pokémon World Championships August 12th–14th in San Diego, California.

The 2011 Pokémon Video Game Championship Series kicks off in the U.S. on May 14th in Seattle, Washington, before making five more stops in major cities across the country. At each location, the top 16 players from each division will earn invitations to compete at the 2011 Pokémon U.S. National Championships July 8th-10th in Indianapolis, Indiana. Players at the National Championships will battle to secure a top eight finish over the weekend, and in return, receive a guaranteed competitor slot at the 2011 Pokémon World Championships.

“We’re looking forward to a fun, competitive Pokémon Video Game Championships Series this year,” said J.C. Smith, director of Consumer Marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “The excitement generated from the recent launch of the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games will make for a memorable and intriguing tournament season.”

For Europe, 2011 brings an increase in the overall number of competitor slots, along with a new age division and revised age brackets. The divisions now separate into three age categories: Junior (players born in 2000 or later), Senior (players born in 1996, 1997, 1998, or 1999), and Masters (players born in 1995 or earlier). Competitor slots have been increased this year to 256 for the Junior division, 256 for the Senior division, and 512 for the Masters division. All are based on a first come, first served basis. Players competing in Europe will need to play the European versions of Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version video games, and can only use Pokémon from the Unova Pokédex to battle (from No. 001–148, and No.151).

2011 Pokémon Video Game National Championships: European Dates and Locations:

• June 4th, Birmingham, United Kingdom—National Exhibition Centre, Hall 8
• June 11th, Rome, Italy—Fiera Roma, Hall 12, Ingresso Nord
• June 18th, Madrid, Spain—IFEMA, Hall 1, Feria de Madrid
• June 25th, Paris, France—Espace Grande Arche, Parvis de La Défense
• July 2nd, Cologne, Germany—EXPO XXI Köln GmbH, Gladbacher Wall 5

At all European National locations, Junior and Senior Division lines open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 8:30 a.m. The Masters Division line opens at 12:30 p.m. and closes at 1:00 p.m.

2011 Pokémon Video Game Championship Series: U.S. Dates and Locations:

• May 14th, Seattle, WA—Washington State Convention Center, Hall 4B
• May 21st, San Jose, CA—San Jose Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 2
• May 28th, Dallas, TX—Arlington Convention Center, Grand Hall
• June 4th, Atlanta, GA—Gwinnett Center, Hall A and B
• June 11th, Washington, D.C.—Dulles Expo Center, South Hall
• June 18th, Newark, NJ—Meadowlands Exposition Center
• 2011 Pokémon World Championships:
• August 12th–14th, San Diego, CA*—Hilton San Diego Bayfront

*Last Chance Qualifier for the 2011 Pokémon World Championships will be held August 12th at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.

Episode 1
One Direction on Tour – The Pokémon Diaries Episode 1
One Direction, the X Factor sensation who helped launch Pokémon Black and White earlier this year by giving an exclusive performance for their fans on 4 March 2011 talk about their passion for Pokémon Black and White.

Episode 2
One Direction on Tour – The Pokémon Diaries Episode 2
Follow One Direction on the X Factor tour as they talk about Pokemon Black and White and how they enjoy playing it at each opportunity.

Episode 3
One Direction on Tour – The Pokémon Diaries Episode 3
One Direction, the X Factor sensation who helped launch Pokémon Black and White earlier this year by giving an exclusive performance for their fans on 4 March 2011 talk about their passion for Pokémon Black and White.