Previously unavailable legendary Pokemon will be available for the first time in the West.
Officially announced on the Pokemon website, starting in February legendaries will be distributed in North America via the Nintendo Network and video game retailer Gamestop. The European page of the website confirms they will also be partaking in events, no specifics have been given regarding distribution. Although no reason has been given as to why the sudden release, many have speculated it is due to celebrate Pokemon’s 20th anniversary.
The North American distribution schedule is as follows:
- February: Mew (Gamestop)
- March: Celebi (Nintendo Network)
- April: Jirachi (Nintendo Network)
- May: Darkrai (Gamestop)
- June: Manaphy (Nintendo Network)
- July: Shaymin (Nintendo Network)
- August: Arceus (Gamestop)
- September: Victini (Nintendo Network)
- October: Keldeo (Nintendo Network)
- November: Genesect (Gamestop)
- December: Meloetta (Nintendo Network)
This news comes as a pleasant surprise to western fans due to many of these legendaries not being available since their original limited release. Mew and Jirachi, in particular, have not been distributed to the West in more than 10 years.
The news comes in tandem with the announcement of the Pokemon Red and Blue themed New 3DS bundle, available in the U.S. on February 27th. Fret, not Europe, special themed 2DS bundles will be available February 27th, modeled after Pokemon Yellow, Blue and Red.
