Pokemon Day is here! 20 years ago today, Nintendo and Game Freak released two games that would go on to become a worldwide phenomenon. To celebrate two decades of the redefining handheld games, Nintendo has set up a variety of events for Pokefans across the country to enjoy.

First, various GameStop stores are hosting a Pokken Tournament… tournament! As we reported earlier this week, select locations will be hosting a tournament and demo event for the upcoming fighter from the team behind Tekken. Considering that I’m writing this as I wait to play, expect a full preview later today!

While you’re there, or even if you can’t it, make sure to pick up your special 20th anniversary poster at all GameStop’s nationwide with any purchase. Featuring 20 years of Mythical Pokemon on one side, with the Pokemon 20 logo on the other, it’s a great giveaway for any Poke-Fan. Toys R’ Us on the other hand, will be distributing special foil cards to celebrate the Generations card game expansion, along with an exclusive binder available for purchase.

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Though if you happen to be in New York, the Nintendo World Store will be hosting its own event, filled with activities and photo ops for those braving the cold and long lines. Los Angeles on the other hand, will welcome back the Pokemon Boutique at Japan LA, for those of us who need some themed clothing or $1000 ruby encrusted Pokeball necklaces!

If sunlight isn’t your thing, you can enjoy the festivities from the comfort of your own home via Twitch! Promising a massive event featuring Pokemon themed activities, discussions, and an animation marathon, the event will run from 10 AM PT, with the marathon ending at 6 PM on Sunday. If that gets old, you can pass the time with your Pokemon selfies in the Pokemon Photo Booth app, making sure your fandom never stops. Or… just keep it simple and download Red, Blue and Yellow, which are available now!

As you can tell, there’s no shortage of ways to welcome 20 years of Pokemon. How will you be celebrating? Let us know in the comments!

Right before Comic-Con, Activision announced that the annual Skylanders Dark Edition will have versions that include Dark Donkey Kong and Dark Bowser for Nintendo platforms. If this isn’t a big enough nightmare for Amiibo and Skylanders collectors alike, it seems as if Dark Bowser will be a Toys R Us exclusive if the company’s Twitter is anything to go by.

Exclusive to the Wii version, (as in, not the Wii U,) it’s been hinted at that this last gen version will be a separate game from the traditional adventure/platformer format featured in most entries in the series. For those keeping score, if you want every figure, you’ll need to buy SIX starter packs, which would include the standard Wii U version, the 3DS or Wii version, the Wii Dark Edition, the Wii U Dark Edition, the standard game on non-Nintendo consoles, and their Dark Edition. I mean, Amiibo inclusion is awesome and all, but with Activision’s understandable refusal to sell DK and Bowser on their own due to potential consumer confusion, (since they’ll only work on Nintendo copies,) and this announcement of so many versions, is it worth it in the end?

Oh well, there’s always eBay. Pre-orders for the Wii Dark Edition open this week. What say you, reader!? What are your thoughts on the influx of Skylanders: Superchargers content?

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Amiibo hunters! It’s time to prep the tents and hover your mouse over the refresh button, because new figures are incoming!

Releasing on May 29th, the long since announced Wave 4 figures finally have a solid release date, with a few new surprises thrown in. In addition to the previously revealed Robin, Lucina, Charizard, Wario, Pac-Man and Ness, the latest wave will also round out the Pokemon roster, throwing in Greninja and Jigglypuff for good measure.

The bad news? Those last three are store exclusive, with Ness going to GameStop, Jigglypuff heading to Target, and Greninja getting the $1 privilege tax at Toys R Us. Their pre order schedule is as follows:

GameStop: Ness and the rest of wave 4 to go on pre-order at 2PM CST, (that’s Noon Pacific and 3PM Eastern.)

Toys R Us: Greninja and possibly the rest of wave 4 go up on 4/3/2015 with no time announced, so be at those stores or get your coffee ready for an all-night refresh binge.

Target and every other games retailer: Nothing announced yet, although the exclusive Jigglypuff went on sale for a whole four minutes before selling out.

And by the way, if you were expecting a break, Nintendo isn’t going to be so kind. In July, the Kid Icarus Uprising collection will be complete, adding Dark Pit and Palutena to the mix. Lastly, in September, the Mario and Zelda crew will all be accounted for, when Ganondorf, Dr. Mario and Bowser Jr. all get the Amiibo treatment alongside Zero Suit Samus and Olimar. This leaves out R.O.B., Duck Hunt, Mr. Game And Watch, and Falco Amiibo, but something tells me they might either be added to July’s bare wave, or in the case of Falco, might be added to September to match up with a potential Star Fox Wii U launch.

How many of you are already in line? Are you only getting a few, or all of them? We’re in too deep now, man!

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My trip to San Diego later this month just got more expensive. Toys R Us has just announced their Comic Con exclusives, and unfortunately… I want almost all of them!

There is a multitude of exclusives and first-look opportunities (products available at SDCC before hitting store shelves) up for grabs, including items from awesome franchises like Adventure Time, The Walking Dead, Batman, Transformers, and plenty of others! Check out the items below, and be sure to let us know which ones you’ll be picking up!

Exclusives

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Toys“R”Us Exclusive San Diego Comic-Con Adventure Time™ Puppies from Jazwares®, Inc.
Jake and Rainicorn’s puppies have arrived and they’re heading to their very first convention! Say hello to Charlie, T.V., Viola, Kim Kil Whan and Jake Jr.! Fans will find these adorable puppies within the Adventure Time Lady Rainicorn with Pups plush item. Comic-Con goers can collect them all in this one, multi-piece, plush exclusive for $30.

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Toys“R”Us Exclusive San Diego Comic-Con WINX Club® Limited Edition Deluxe Daphne Doll from Jakks Pacific® Inc.Meet Daphne, Bloom’s sister, the eldest daughter of King Oritel and Queen Marion. Daphne shines golden, bound in Lake Roccaluce since being transformed into a spirit by a dark spell against her. This 11.5-inch doll is a limited edition, and can make its way home with Comic-Con goers for $30.

First-Look

Photographer Dennis Stylist Alfonse

Adam West Batmobile from Mattel®
It’s the iconic Batmobile in the style of the classic Batman television series! With room for two 6-inch action figures (sold separately), this classic television vehicle allows fans to send any dynamic duo into crime-fighting action! Comic-Con goers can take this fan favorite vehicle will home for $60.

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MY LITTLE PONY NIGHTMARE MOON from Hasbro®
Available for the first time in a large scale, the MY LITTLE PONY NIGHTMARE MOON figure is the majestic ruler of the dark in EQUESTRIA. Vowing to have the night last forever, this sister pony of PRINCESS CELESTIA is a dark unicorn Pegasus princess that stands 8.5 inches tall. Push her moon-shaped cutie mark, and the NIGHTMARE MOON figure will play sounds and phrases as her midnight blue, sparkle wings illuminate and move. Her purple mane can be styled with the included comb and barrettes. This pretty pony can gallop home with fans for $25.

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MY LITTLE PONY RAINBOW DASH SHADOW BOLT from Hasbro®
Ready for the fun-filled NIGHTMARE NIGHT festival, RAINBOW DASH pony dressed as a SHADOW BOLT villain is all set to pull off her next prank! Fans can now own aMY LITTLE PONY SHADOWBOLT figure of their own with this three inch, purple and black figure inspired by the popular series, My Little Pony Friendship is Magic. This collectible SHADOWBOLT figure features RAINBOW DASH pony’s signature rainbow mane and tail, glow-in-the-dark accents and a SHADOWBOLT cutie mark, and can be purchased for $15.

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The Walking Dead Comic The Governor’s Daughter Penny from McFarlane Toys™
Nothing is stronger than a father daughter bond, as we see with The Governor and his daughter Penny. Infected early on with the zombie virus, Penny has been cared for and fed by her unconditionally loving father. Penny features 12 points of articulation and includes a bucket of fresh body parts (severed leg, severed foot, severed hand, intestines, heart and Rick’s severed hand) that the Governor feeds to her. Figure also includes a fish tank with trophy heads collected by her father, one of which can be used as an alternate head for Michonne’s Pet Zombie Mike, allowing users to build Michonne’s second pet and Mike’s best friend, Terry. Fans can grab this first look item for $20.

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TRANSFORMERS Masterpiece Acidstorm from Hasbro®
Little is known about the mysterious air warrior Acid Storm. He serves quietly and anonymously under his commander Starscream and Lord Megatron. He speaks rarely, but when he does, it is in passionate defense of the Deception cause. His oratory skill is so great that those few who have heard him speak believe he has a great future among the Deceptions. Acid Storm has no ambition other than to soar high in the sky, seeding clouds with deadly corrosive rain that gives him his name. This sneak peek item can fly home with Conventioneers for $75.

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TRANSFORMERS Masterpiece Soundwave from Hasbro®
Behind his impassive expression, Soundwave is as cold and ruthless as they come. He cares nothing for right or wrong, for the advancement of a cause, or the welfare of his fellow Deceptions. He cares about information, and he acquires it any way he can. He spies on everyone, from the lowliest Autobot scout to Megatron himself. He hoards information the way a miser hoards gold, sharing it sparingly, if at all. No one knows what the true purpose behind his obsessive data collection is, but all fear him for the secrets he keeps. This first look item can be picked up by Comic-Con goers for $120.

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World War Z Gerry Lane from Jazwares®, Inc.
World War Z revolves around United Nations employee Gerry Lane, who traverses the world in a race against time to stop a pandemic that is toppling armies and governments and threatening to decimate humanity itself. Fans can recreate the intense action of World War Z with the new 6-inch Gerry Lane figure from Jazwares for $15. The figure is articulated and includes accessories.

That’s it! I’ve definitely got my eye on that exclusive Adventure Time set. What about you? Remember to visit us at booth 3919!

SDCC 2012 is right around the corner! And what do we all love the most about Comic-Con? Well, THE EXCLUSIVES of course! We aren’t happy just lighting our hard earned money on fire! No! We need PROOF that we’re willing to spend it on things we should have given up decades ago!

And today Toys”R”Us has announced their SDCC line-up of exclusive toys, including ones from the Ninja Turtles, Adventure Time, My Little Pony, X-Factor and Predator franchises! Check ’em out!

Offered in partnership with Entertainment Earth® at Booth #2343, customers will find official San Diego Comic-Con merchandise based on Adventure Time™, Mad Magazine®, MY LITTLE PONY, Predator, Regular Show™ and Winx Club®.

So which ones are you gonna b-line for when the doors open up?

Comic-Con International Show Exclusives

Toys“R”Us Exclusive San Diego Comic-Con Adventure Time™ Finn and Fionna figure set from Jazwares®, Inc.

Finn and Fionna are off on a new adventure, and this time they’re taking on Comic-Con International in San Diego! These two-inch versions of the fan-favorite characters come with miniature Comic-Con “Talent” badges, granting access to the show. Afterwards, Finn and Fionna can travel home with Comic-Con goers for $15.

Toys“R”Us Exclusive San Diego Comic-Con Just Us League Of Stupid Heroes™ Batman® and Robin® Two-Pack from DC Direct

Just in time for MAD® Magazine’s 60th anniversary, comes Alfred E. Neuman’s unique take on Batman and Robin. Striking fear into the hearts of criminals everywhere – or at least the ones that scare easily – evildoers everywhere won’t know how to handle MAD’s version of the Dynamic Duo. These Caped Crusaders can strike mirth in the heart of collector’s homes for $50.

Toys“R”Us Exclusive San Diego Comic-Con Classic Masked Predator Cloaked Action Figure from NECA

Stalking out of the classic 1987 film, this version of the Classic Masked Predator, cast in translucent plastic, is nearly invisible in his stealth form. Standing at 8-inches tall, collectors can bring this Predator on new hunts with 20 points of articulation, extendable wrist blades and a removable backpack. The Predator can stealthily travel to any location for $20.

Toys“R”Us Exclusive San Diego Comic-Con Regular Show™ Mordecai action figure from Jazwares®, Inc.


Decked out to rock with his favorite back in a “Fist Pump” t-shirt, Mordecai is taking a well deserved break from his “hard work” as a park groundskeeper. Fans can take Mordecai home and flip through his exclusive sketch book, filled with behind the scenes drawings from the creative team behind “Regular Show” for $15.

Toys“R”Us Exclusive San Diego Comic-Con WINX Club® Princess Bloom doll  from JAKKS® Pacific

Once an ordinary girl, Bloom lived a normal life in the city of Gardenia until she met Stella, a princess from the planet Solaria. Coming to Stella’s aid, Bloom discovered her magical powers and joined Alfea, the best fairy school in all the realms. Now Winx Club fans can take home this 11.5-inch articulated version of Bloom with a sparkling torso, as well as a shimmery blue and black outfit, which perfectly complements her tinted, glitter and gem Belivix wings. Princess Bloom is ready to flutter home with conventioneers for $30.

First Look Items Coming Soon to Toys“R”Us Stores Nationwide

Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope DVD with Morgan Spurlock and Joss Whedon Mini Figures from NECA


Fans can find their copy of Morgan Spurlock’s newest film exploring the history of Comic-Con, which started as a fringe comic book convention and has grown into the pop culture event of the year. Spurlock explores this phenomenon by following the lives of five attendees at Comic-Con International 2010. This widescreen DVD comes with miniature versions of Morgan Spurlock himself, as well as fan-favorite writer/director Joss Whedon. This item is ready for home viewing for $30 and will be available in Toys“R”Us stores nationwide after the convention.

HALO 4 Master Chief from McFarlane Toys

Based on the highly-anticipated video game, HALO 4, by Microsoft Studios & 343 Industries, this first look Comic-Con Exclusive shows the new version of the HALO series’ most iconic character, the Master Chief. Last seen at the end of HALO 3 entering into a cryonic sleep, the Master Chief is awake and ready to face new threats and mysteries. While visitors to Comic-Con can take the Master Chief home for $15, those unable to attend this year’s show can find him and the rest of the HALO 4 line in Toys“R”Us stores this August.

MY LITTLE PONY ZECORA from Hasbro®

MY LITTLE PONY collectors can corral ZECORA from the EVERFREE FOREST! This glow-in-the-dark version of the fan-favorite rhyming zebra can’t wait to share her magic and sage advice with all of her new friends. ZECORA is available as a sneak peek at Comic-Con International in San Diego for $10. For those not able to visit the show, ZECORA will trot into Toys“R”Us stores nationwide this fall.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™ 10.5-inch action figures from Playmates Toys, Inc.

With the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles set to return in an epic TV series on Nickelodeon this fall, it’s time to get reacquainted with everyone’s favorite pizza-loving amphibians. Fans can find 10.5-inch oversized versions of Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo based on their new look from the upcoming show with these special edition action figures. Packaged with their signature weapons and additional accessories, each Turtle is individually sculpted with multiple points of articulation. Plus, the back shell on each Turtle opens to offer weapon and accessory storage. The brothers are sold separately for $30 each or buy all 4 for $100 before landing in Toys“R”Us stores nationwide this summer.



X-Factor® 3 ¾-inch Collector Pack from Hasbro®

After graduating from Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, and spurred by the miraculous resurrection of Jean Grey, the original X-Men team formed a new super group of mutants called X-Factor. Now, fan can collect 3 ¾-inch versions of Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Angel and Iceman – along with two of the team’s most influential villains Apocalypse and Mr. Sinister – in a specially designed package featuring artwork from the 1986 issue of X-Factor #1. Fans can use their telekinesis to grab this item for $50 at Comic-Con International in San Diego before it becomes available at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide in August.

All Toys“R”Us San Diego Comic-Con exclusives are limited editions and are available on a first-come, first served basis.