This article is about theGeneration Vgames. For other uses, seeBlack and White (disambiguation).

Pokémon Black Version ポケットモンスター ブラック
American box art of Pokémon Black Version,featuringReshiram
Pokémon White Version ポケットモンスター ホワイト
American box art of Pokémon White Version,featuringZekrom
Basic info
Platform:	Nintendo DS(enhanced for theNintendo DSi)
Category:	RPG
Players:	1-4 players simultaneous
Connectivity:	DS Wireless,Wi-Fi,IR
Developer:	Game Freak
Publisher:	Nintendo The Pokémon Company
Part of:	Generation Vcore series
Ratings
CERO:	A
ESRB:	E
ACB:	G
OFLC:	G
PEGI:	3
GRAC:	ALL
GSRR:	6+
Release dates
Japan:	September 18, 2010[1]
North America:	March 6, 2011[2]
Australia:	March 10, 2011[3][4]
Europe:	March 4, 2011[5]
South Korea:	April 21, 2011[6]
Hong Kong:	September 18, 2010
Taiwan:	September 18, 2010
Websites
Japanese:	Pokémon.co.jp Nintendo.co.jp Official site
English:	Pokémon.com (US) Pokémon.com (UK) Nintendo.com (Black) Nintendo.com (White) Nintendo.co.uk (Black) Nintendo.co.uk (White) Official site (archived)
Japanese boxart Boxart of Pocket Monsters Black Boxart of Pocket Monsters White

Bulbanews has multiple articles related to this subject:

Articles relating to Pokémon Black and White Versions

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Pokémon Black and White

Pokémon Black Version (Japanese:ポケットモンスター ブラックPocket Monsters Black) andPokémon White Version (Japanese:ポケットモンスター ホワイトPocket Monsters White) areNintendo DS games that are the firstcore series Pokémon games ofGeneration V. The games were released in Japan on September 18, 2010, in Europe on March 4, 2011, in North America on March 6, 2011, and in Australia on March 10, 2011. They take place in theUnova region. These games are enhanced on theNintendo DSi andNintendo 3DS families.

Unlike previous games, Pokémon introduced prior toGeneration V cannot be obtained before completing the main story by defeatingTeam Plasma.

The games' names were revealed on the official Japanese Pokémon website on April 9, 2010, and scans from the subsequent issue of the magazine leaked the following day, April 10.

Pokémon Black and White were followed in 2012 by two sequels,Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, which are set two years after the events of Black and White. Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 are the second and final paired versions of Generation V.

Plot

Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.

The game starts inNuvema Town in theplayer's room withCheren, a childhood friend.Professor Juniper has left a gift box for the two andBianca, another one of the player's friends, who arrives a little later. The box containsthree Pokémon that the player can choose from. After the selection, Bianca will request a battle. When the battle is over, the room becomes cluttered due to the battle. Cheren heals both the player's and Bianca's Pokémon, and begins a battle with the player as well. If the player loses to Cheren, he will gloat about his victory. The three then go downstairs, and Cheren and Bianca will leave the house while the player'sMom will heal the Pokémon.

The player visits Bianca's house, where she and her father are having an argument about her going on a Pokémon journey. Bianca storms out of the house, and the player follows her to Professor Juniper's lab, where Cheren has been waiting. In the lab, Professor Juniper will give the player a chance to nickname the selectedfirst partner Pokémon, and give each of the three aPokédex. Upon leaving the lab, they will be greeted by the player's mother, who will hand everyone aTown Map.

From then on, the player will set off on adventures through the Unova region. Along the way, the player, Cheren, and Bianca will battle eightGym Leaders, while trying to complete thePokédex. After managing to obtain all eightBadges, the player will head to thePokémon League to battle theElite Four and the Champion. Cheren decides to pursue strength and Bianca realizes that she cannot match the skills of the player or Cheren.

However, the adventure does not go as smoothly as expected, as theevilTeam Plasma will be encountered along the way to the Pokémon League. Team Plasma's goal is to separate Pokémon from people; claiming that humans are only hindrances to the lives and interests of Pokémon. The player will occasionally encounterN, the mysterious leader of the organization.Ghetsis, a co-founding member of theSeven Sages, has a secret, different goal from N's. The player must learn of and thwart their plans in order to save the relationship between Pokémon and their Trainers.

Once the player enters the Champion's room, N is shown to have defeatedAlder, and proceeds to summonhis castle to ambush and attach to the Pokémon League. The player traverses through the castle to find N and his legendary dragon, who claims to be the hero. However, the Light Stone^B/Dark Stone^W in the player's Bag is released and summons the second dragon hero,Reshiram^B/Zekrom^W, which the player catches and uses to battle and defeat N.

Once defeated, Ghetsis angrily intervenes, revealing his intentions of creating Team Plasma for his own interests of power, and how N and the idea of Pokémon liberation were merely his tools. In a rage, he battles the player in an attempt to eliminate any witnesses of the truth. His actions are futile, however, and N reconsiders his actions and ideas.

After defeating N and Ghetsis, the player will return to their house and see their mother next toLooker, who will be disguised as the player's mother temporarily. He explains that he needs help rounding up the Seven Sages of Team Plasma that are hidden across Unova. Also,Route 11 andMarvelous Bridge open up, allowing access toBlack City orWhite Forest,Undella Town, andLacunosa Town. The player may also accessGiant Chasm, within whichKyurem may be battled and captured. The routes surrounding these areas contain many Pokémon native to the other four regions. Alder himself may also be battled in proper Champion fashion.

Pokémon outbreaks will now occur across Unova's routes as well. Additionally, a series of strong windstorms^B/thunderstorms^W will occur across routes, indicating the presence of aroamingTornadus^B/Thundurus^W, which can be battled and caught. InCaitlin's villa inUndella Town, the player will encounterCynthia, theChampion of theSinnoh region. She will battle the player, remarking about the striking similarities the player shares with anotheryoungTrainer from Sinnoh.

	Spoilers end here.

Blurb

A new world filled with never-before-seen Pokémon!
What are the true motives ofTeam Plasma and the mysteriousN? What is the secret of theLegendary Pokémon? Adventure across theUnova region and discoverall-new Pokémon!

Features

Black and White returns features present in previous generations, such as day, time, Abilities and the split betweenPhysical andSpecial moves. Certain ones, however, such asPokémon following their Trainers and theBattle Frontier, have been left out. Black and White also features a great deal of general graphical enhancements over previous generations, such as a higher level of 3D graphics and creative camera angles.

In addition to the improved graphics, a number of aesthetic changes have been made from previous generations, including an altered battle scene containing fully animated Pokémon battle sprites as well as a dynamic camera that changes focus to highlight specific parts of the battle. Also, when talking to people,speech balloons for dialog will appear over people's heads, rather than a simple dialog box.

In the international versions, Pokémon names are no longer displayed in all capital letters, following the trend set inGeneration IV of no longer displaying the names of characters, items and locations in all capital letters. Pokémon transferred from Generation IV will keep an all-caps species name unless they are evolved in Generation V, provided that they can evolve.

C-Gear

Main article:C-Gear

The C-Gear allows players to use certain multiplayer functions while anywhere in the game world. These functions vary with the type of communication used: wireless, Wi-Fi and infrared. The C-Gear is similar to thePokétch in that it fills the bottom screen, but its applications are much different.

On theC-Gear, as well as in battle, the current time is displayed in12-hour format, however, at the hours of 12:00 AM and PM, the hour displays as 0, rather than 12, as a24-hour clock, such as that on the DS and in theGeneration IV games, would display midnight.

Players can use theXtransceiver to talk to other players; this utilizes the camera when played on systems that have one.

Pokémon Global Link

Main article:Pokémon Global Link

The Pokémon Global Link was a multiplayer feature that made use of theNintendo Wi-Fi Connection and was the equivalent of the fourth generationGlobal Terminal. In addition to providing the features of the Global Terminal, it allowed players to upload their save files to the Pokémon Global Link website to access thePokémon Dream World. Players could also go to thePokémon Center to enter Random Matchup where they could battle a random person also connected to Random Matchup. The Global Link was also the place where players could download exclusive content including C-Gear and Pokédex skins and additionalPokémon Musical songs. The service became defunct as of February 2020.^[7]

Pokémon Dream World

Main article:Pokémon Dream World

The Pokémon Dream World was a special feature of the Generation V games which is operated via the websitePokémon-GL.com. The Dream World allowed players to send a Pokémon to the Internet to obtain items and meet other Pokémon, making the website in a way such that it is aGeneration V analog to thePokéwalker.

Many Pokémon that are found here are not found in theUnova region, and would otherwise have to be migrated from aGeneration IV game to be used. All of the Pokémon available here have their Hidden Abilities, which can only be obtained via special means.

As of January 14, 2014, the Dream World has been closed and is no longer available.

Entralink

Main article:Entralink

The Entralink is a new feature in Pokémon Black and White which allows contact with other players over local wireless. It is a multiplayer area in central Unova; Pokémon obtained in thePokémon Dream World can be caught here. In combination with theC-Gear, it is possible to travel through Unova with other players and battle, trade and perform various multiplayer sidequests.

Pokémon Musical

Main article:Pokémon Musical

Pokémon Contests, which have been present sinceGeneration III, are replaced by the Pokémon Musicals. Similar to the Super Contests inDiamond, Pearl, andPlatinum, Trainers have to dress up their Pokémon with different accessories. The Pokémon will then compete by dancing on the theater stage with the other entrants. They are held inNimbasa City.

Seasons

Main article:Season (game mechanic)

Much likeGeneration II introduced a system of time, Generation V features a system of seasons. Seasons change every month, thus completing three cycles per year. With it comes aesthetic changes in the region, as well as some changes with the Pokémon found in the wild. It also reflects real life in affecting the time each part of the day is; for example, in winter, night is from 19:00 to 6:59, but in summer it is from 21:00 to 3:59. Additionally,Deerling and its EvolutionSawsbuck change forms every season. Some areas can only be accessed in certain seasons.

Sprite animations

While already featured in previous games, Pokémon sprites in Black and White remain animated throughout the battle. Additionally, full back sprites are now present in the games. Some, but not all, Pokémon use animated versions of theirGeneration IV sprites, occasionally with minor modifications to the originalGeneration IV sprites. All Trainers, on the other hand, with the exception ofBianca,Cheren andN, return to sprites with no animations.

Changing music

In previous games, the main music track always remained the same throughout battles, in Generation V, the battle music may change with the situation. For example, when battling aGym Leader's last Pokémon, the music changes to a remix of the main theme. The warning sound heard when a Pokémon has at most 20 percent of its maximumHP remaining has been remixed into its own music. Similar to the music heard when facing alegendary Pokémon inPokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, "rare" wild Pokémon and wild double battles utilize a remix of the normal wild Pokémon battle theme.

Overworld tracks can also change instrumentation from a couple of sources, similar to (but not as drastic as) how theday/night cycle could affect the music in Generation IV. Most routes, as well asUndella Town, have their music change based on the current season, with Undella having a completely different track. Certain towns also have a street musician that will add whichever music they're playing to the town's music when the player is nearby.

Weather

Unlike previous generations, theweather is shown only once, during the first turn. Instead of showing it again every turn until the condition ends, there will be an icon on the touch screen showing current weather (or no icon if there's no weather currently). However, unused text exists in the game forhail,sandstorm, and evenfog.

Version-exclusive areas

Version-exclusive features are taken to another level by including areas that are either slightly or completely different between the two games.Opelucid City has a futuristic and technological appearance in Pokémon Black, but a traditional and more natural appearance in Pokémon White, which is also reflected by the city's background music in each respective version.Mistralton City has greenhouses showcased in Black, but displays vegetable patches instead in White. Additionally, for the first time in the series, version-exclusive locations are presented:Black City^B andWhite Forest^W.

Triple Battles

Main article:Triple Battle

In a Triple Battle, three Pokémon on each side are sent out at once. However, unlike in aDouble Battle, there are restrictions as to which Pokémon can attack which opponent. The Pokémon in the middle can attack (and be attacked by) all three on the other side, but the ones on the side cannot attack the Pokémon on the far side of the opposite end. However, some moves can break this rule, including mostFlying-typemoves such asPluck and pulse-related moves such asAura Sphere. The PokémonPansage,Pansear, andPanpour were introduced to showcase this new feature. The position of each Pokémon can be shifted during battle; like switching, this uses a turn. Although not being a version-exclusive feature, it is predominantly showcased in Pokémon White.

Rotation Battles

Main article:Rotation Battle

Rotation Battles are similar to Triple Battles in that three Pokémon in each team are sent onto each side; however, they are sent out onto a circular platform. The platform can be rotated a third of the way around in either direction without wasting a turn. The Pokémon which is in the third of the circle facing the opponent is the one currently active. Strategy revolves around predicting which Pokémon the opponent will switch to and switching to the appropriate Pokémon on the player's side. Although not being a version-exclusive feature, it is predominantly showcased in Pokémon Black.

Word filter

Pokémon Black and White implementeda blacklist on name inputs. They are the firstcore series games with this feature.

Gyms

Pokémon Black and White brings back the traditional eightGyms, but with it a total of elevenGym Leaders. They areCilan,Chili, andCress (Grass,Fire, andWater, respectively),Lenora (Normal),Burgh (Bug),Elesa (Electric),Clay (Ground),Skyla (Flying),Brycen (Ice), andDrayden andIris (Dragon). Cilan, Chili, or Cress are battled if the player has chosen theWater-type,Grass-type, orFire-typefirst partner Pokémon, respectively. Drayden is battled in Pokémon Black while Iris is battled in Pokémon White.

Elite Four and Champion

Unlike previous games, theElite Four can be battled in any order. After battling all four, a path to theChampion is unlocked. The Elite Four members areShauntal (Ghost),Marshal (Fighting),Grimsley (Dark), andCaitlin (Psychic). However, the player cannot battle the Champion before defeatingTeam Plasma. Later, after defeating the Elite Four in a rematch, the player will face ChampionAlder, who uses a variety of types. Caitlin previously appeared as the owner of theBattle Castle inGeneration IV, although her butlerDarach battled in her stead back then.

Technical and Hidden Machines

SeeList of TM and HM locations in Generation V

There are now 95Technical Machines and 6Hidden Machines. A total of 26 TMs can be purchased outright, 16 withmoney and 10 withBP.Only 1 HM,Cut, is required to finish the main storyline.

Changes from previous generations

• TMs now have infinite uses like HMs.
• The currentPP of the replaced move remains when a new move is taught.
• The movesDefog,Whirlpool, andRock Climb are no longer HMs nor TMs.
• The moveRock Smash has been changed from an HM toTM94.
• Dive returns asHM06, having previously beenHM08 inGeneration III.
• HMs no longer require certain GymBadges to use outside of battle.

New Pokémon

SeeCategory:Generation V Pokémon

Black and White bring a total of 156 new Pokémon, higher than any other generation, bringing the overall total to 649 from the 493 present in Generation IV. While some new Pokémon have similarities to previously introduced Pokémon, none of the new Pokémon are related by Evolution to any of the 493 introduced previously.

The first Pokémon to be revealed wereZoroark andZorua on February 10, 2010, who were both featured inZoroark: Master of Illusions. Following that, thefirst partner PokémonSnivy,Oshawott, andTepig were revealed in the May 2010 issue ofCoroCoro. Unlike previous generations, no other new Pokémon were featured in theanimated series prior to the games' Japanese release.

Version-exclusive Pokémon

Black 0013 Weedle Bug Poison 0014 Kakuna Bug Poison 0015 Beedrill Bug Poison 0198 Murkrow Dark Flying 0228 Houndour Dark Fire 0229 Houndoom Dark Fire 0285 Shroomish Grass 0286 Breloom Grass Fighting 0311 Plusle Electric 0430 Honchkrow Dark Flying 0574 Gothita Psychic 0575 Gothorita Psychic 0576 Gothitelle Psychic 0629 Vullaby Dark Flying 0630 Mandibuzz Dark Flying 0641 Tornadus Flying 0643 Reshiram Dragon Fire

White 0010 Caterpie Bug 0011 Metapod Bug 0012 Butterfree Bug Flying 0046 Paras Bug Grass 0047 Parasect Bug Grass 0200 Misdreavus Ghost 0261 Poochyena Dark 0262 Mightyena Dark 0312 Minun Electric 0429 Mismagius Ghost 0577 Solosis Psychic 0578 Duosion Psychic 0579 Reuniclus Psychic 0627 Rufflet Normal Flying 0628 Braviary Normal Flying 0642 Thundurus Electric Flying 0644 Zekrom Dragon Electric

The following Pokémon can only be found inWhite Forest, which is exclusive to Pokémon White. All of these Pokémon are found at level 5 and cannot be avoided through the use ofRepel or similar means:

White Forest only

0016 Pidgey Normal Flying 0029 Nidoran♀ Poison 0032 Nidoran♂ Poison 0043 Oddish Grass Poison 0063 Abra Psychic 0066 Machop Fighting 0069 Bellsprout Grass Poison 0081 Magnemite Electric Steel 0092 Gastly Ghost Poison 0111 Rhyhorn Ground Rock 0137 Porygon Normal 0175 Togepi Normal 0179 Mareep Electric 0187 Hoppip Grass Flying 0194 Wooper Water Ground 0239 Elekid Electric 0240 Magby Fire 0265 Wurmple Bug 0270 Lotad Water Grass 0273 Seedot Grass 0280 Ralts Psychic 0283 Surskit Bug Water 0287 Slakoth Normal 0293 Whismur Normal 0298 Azurill Normal 0304 Aron Steel Rock 0328 Trapinch Ground 0341 Corphish Water 0371 Bagon Dragon 0396 Starly Normal Flying 0403 Shinx Electric 0406 Budew Grass Poison 0440 Happiny Normal

• WhenGenesect isholding aDrive, the light on its backchanges color. The Burn and Shock Drives are exclusive to Black, while the Douse and Chill Drives are exclusive to White.
• WhileCottonee andPetilil are only available in the wild in Black and White respectively, there is anin-game trade inNacrene City for the Pokémon which is exclusive to the other game. By extension, this also allowsWhimsicott andLilligant to be obtained in the versions they are otherwise unobtainable in.
• WhileVolbeat andIllumise are only available in the wild in Black and White respectively, Illumise canbreed with any male Pokémon in theBug Egg Group,Human-Like Egg Group orDitto to produce Eggs that have an 50% chance of hatching into Volbeat. Likewise, breeding Volbeat with Ditto may produce Illumise Eggs.
• WildHuntail are exclusive to Black, while wildGorebyss are exclusive to White, butClamperl can be found and evolved in both games.
• Several Version-exclusive Pokémon could also be obtained via thePokémon Dream World.

Compatibility

Black and White are able to connect with allfourth generation core series games, as well as their sequelsBlack 2 and White 2. Pokémon from Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver are able to be sent to these games using thePoké Transfer. Like the transfer available inPal Park, Pokémon sent to Black and White from Generation IV games cannot be returned to their original games. Some event Pokémon released in Generation IV have the ability to unlock more events in Generation V:Raikou,Entei,Suicune andCelebi, transferable via an exclusive method called theRelocator, unlockZorua andZoroark. Additionally, theLock Capsule is aKey Item that is not legitimately available, which could theoretically be transferred from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver to obtainTM95 (Snarl).

Black and White also have the ability to connect to the Internet, accessing thePokémon Dream World; Pokémon acquired in this manner are obtained in theEntree Forest. Although the game cartridges contain infrared technology similar to that used in HeartGold and SoulSilver, Black and White are unable to connect with thePokéwalker.

The Korean versions, unlike the Korean Generation IV games, can communicate with international versions without any issues.

DSi features

Pokémon Black and White Versions are DSi-enhanced games, meaning that they have certain features which are only enabled when played on a system in theNintendo DSi orNintendo 3DS family. These features include the following:

• These games can recognize and connect torouters withWPA connections.
• The user-facing camera can be used duringXtransceiver communications with other players.
• TheC-Gear shows the system power using three bars in a battery icon, rather than two on older Nintendo DS systems.
• The game icon is animated when viewed on the Nintendo DSi or 3DS home screen—thePoké Ball inside the icon wiggles.
• Various menus scroll more quickly (such as thePokédex andBag), and they take slightly less time to load.
• Japanese versions of Pokémon Black and White are region-locked, so the titles can only be played on Japanese-regionNintendo DSi andNintendo 3DS systems; however, because theNintendo DS andDS Lite do not support region-locking, they can be played on these systems regardless of region. As the Korean and Western language releases are not region-locked, those can be played on any Nintendo DS or 3DS system regardless of region, but they cannot be played on iQue DSi and iQue 3DS XL systems.

Localization changes

• The Online Battle name differs between regions.
• The chance thatPoison Touch will poison the target was changed from 20% to 30% in international versions.
• The symbol used in the moveImprison was changed in the international versions.
• The amount of C-Gear skins distributed differed between regions; Japanese versions had 31 skins, North American versions had 22 skins, and European versions had 25 skins.
• AsVictini is a Shiny Locked Pokémon, its shiny form can never be obtained. In Japanese versions if the game generated a value that would cause Victini to be shiny, the battle would never begin, this was fixed in international versions.
• Themale player character is able to ride theRondez-View Ferris Wheel withHiker Andy during thesummer. However, Hiker Andy's dialogue was considerably changed between language versions. In particular, Hiker Andy invites the player to the Ferris wheel in the Japanese version, but Hiker Andy appears to be have been invited by the player instead in the English version. Hiker Andy appears to be afraid of heights in the English version, but not in Japanese.
  • Before battle: 「いやあ！　そこの　少年(しょうねん)！　まいにち　ムシムシと　暑(あつ)いな！　こんな　イケない　夏(なつ)を　満喫(まんきつ)　しないわけには　いかないよ！　な？　そこでだ！　ボクと　一緒(いっしょ)に　観覧車(かんらんしゃ)に　つきあわないか！　もちろん　タダとは　いわんぞ！　ボク　自慢(じまん)の　ポケモンで　少年(しょうねん)を　もんであげよう！」 (Hey! You, boy! It's hot and humid everyday! We can't help but to fully enjoy the summer! Right? Will you come along and ride the Ferris wheel together with me? Of course I'm not saying that's all! I'll proudly show you my Pokémon, boy!)

    English version:"Hi, Trainer. Enjoying the summer? It's sure hot today. That's summer for ya. What? You wanna ride the Ferris wheel? It's for two at a time, so take a friend. What? You want me to ride it with you? Sure, I guess. I'll ride with ya... But you gotta win a Pokémon battle!"

  • If the player accepts: 「そうかァ！　少年！　キミは　見所(みどころ)　アリ　だな！　さあ　早速　あいさつ代わりに　イッパツ　勝負と　いこうか！」 (I see! Boy! You are interesting! Then let's have one quick match instead of an introduction!)

    English version:"Sure enough. A little battle practice is a good way to spend a summer's day."

  • If the player refuses: 「ああ　残念(ざんねん)だ　少年(しょうねん)！　暑苦(あつくる)しい　夏(なつ)の　ひととき　キミのような　若(わか)い　つぼみと　エンジョイ　したかったのだが！」 (Ah, what a pity, boy! In this sweltering summer, I wanted to enjoy some time with with a young blossom like you!)

    English version:"Oh well. Didn't feel like wasting my time riding a Ferris wheel anyway."

  • After the battle: 「いやあ　よかったよ！　少年(しょうねん)！　キミも　キミの　ポケモンも　立派(りっぱ)！　結構(けっこう)！　タマランよ！　さあて……　２人(ふたり)の　身体(からだ)も　心(こころ)も　必要(ひつよう)　以上(いじょう)に　温(あたた)まった　ところで……　観覧車(かんらんしゃ)に　突入(とつにゅう)だ！　さあ　ついて来(こ)い　少年(しょうねん)！」 (Wow, that was good! Boy! You and your Pokémon are splendid! Wonderful! Awesome! Now then... We'll both warm our bodies and hearts even more somewhere... Let's rush into the Ferris wheel! Come on, follow me, boy!)

    English version:"Nice job. I'm impressed. You and your Pokémon make a great team. Thanks, that was fun. See ya! What? That's not what I promised? You still want to ride the Ferris wheel? OK, sure enough, I guess..."

  • During the ride: 「オオウ……　ムシムシとして……　まるで　サウナだな　少年(しょうねん)！　アアア　熱(あ)いなァ……　少年(しょうねん)の　肌(はだ)を　汗(あせ)が　伝(つた)っているぞ……　ところでだ……　少年(しょうねん)……　恋人(すきなひ)　とか　いないのか？」 (Oow... This is hot and humid... Quite like a sauna, boy! Aah, so hot... There is sweat dripping from your skin, boy... By the way... Boy... You don't have a lover, right?)

    English version:"I thought I'd enjoy this ride, but I feel like I'm enclosed in a tiny little space... Luckily, I'm not scared of heights. That would not be cool for a Hiker. I'm gonna stay cool. Feel cool on the inside, look cool on the outside."

  • After the ride: 「いやあ　想像(そうぞう)を　こえて　アツく　ムシムシした　空間(くうかん)だったなあ！　だが　これで　ボクと　少年(しょうねん)の　あいだは　進展(しんてん)したな！　な！　ボクは　しばらく　この辺(あた)りで　ウロウロする　予定(よてい)だ！　２人(ふたり)の　あいだを　進展(しんてん)　させたい　ときは　遠慮(えんりょ)なく　声(こえ)を　かけて　くれたまえ！　な！　では　また会(あ)おうな！　少年(しょうねん)！」 (Wow, that room was even more intensely hot and humid than I imagined! But this helped closing the gap between me and you, boy! Right? I plan to wander this vicinity for a while! When you want to close the gap between us two even more, feel free to call me out! Right? Well, let's meet again sometime! Boy!)

    English version:"It...uh...it was fun... Yeah, great view... What? I wasn't looking at the view? I was looking at my feet the whole time? What are you talking about? You think I'm scared of heights? Nah. That would be lame. I hike on mountains way higher than a silly little Ferris wh-wheel. C-catch ya later, Trainer!"

• In the Japanese version, a femaleSwimmer claims that the place in her bikini where she stores her Poké Balls is a woman's secret. However, this was censored in the English version.
  • 「ビキニの　わたしが　どこに　モンスターボールを　しまうのか？　フフフ……　女(おんな)の　秘密(ひみつ)よ」 (Where in my bikini do I store my Poké Balls? Fufufu... Woman's secret!)

    English version:"I'm a girl with everything... Well, everything but a place to put my Poké Balls!"

Localization changes shared by Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2

• In all Generation V core games, Pokémon such asCofagrigus,Froslass,Nosepass, andProbopass that originate from English-language games cannot be traded through theGTS unless they are given a nickname due to the word filter in the games. This was fixed from Generation VI onwards so that they did not need a name change to be traded.
• In the English version, one ofAha's questions is"Which one can a Pokémon hold,Mail orMarill?"
  • In the Japanese version, the choice is between 「メール」(Mail) or 「カメール」(Kameil, the Japanese name ofWartortle).
  • In the French version, the choice is between "Courrier" (Mail) or "Coudlangue" (the French name ofLickilicky).
  • In the German version, the choice is between "Post" (Mail) or "Kompost" (compost).
  • In the Italian version, the choice is between "messaggio" (Mail) or "massaggio" (massage).

Reception

Gaming magazineFamitsu gave Pokémon Black and White a perfect score.^[8] The reviewers were highly impressed with the fresh approach that the game has taken, from the graphics to the new features to the diversity of the Pokémon. The reviewers were also impressed by the Wi-Fi and PC features. Very few games have received a perfect score of 40/40, the first of which wasThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Game Informer gave the games 8.75 out of 10.^[9]Nintendo Power gave the games a 9.0 out of 10, calling them "as addictive as ever."^[10]IGN rated the games an "Amazing" 9.0/10.^[11] Both Pokémon Black and White hold a rating of 87% onMetacritic.^[10][12]

Sales

In the fiscal year of their release, they sold 11.51 million units.^[13] As of March 31, 2021, Pokémon Black and White have sold 15.64 million copies worldwide, making these games the lowest selling primary core series games.^[14]

Japanese sales

Pokémon Black and White sold 2,557,779 units on their first week on the Japanese market,^[15] being 1,323,423 from Pokémon Black and 1,234,356 from Pokémon White, with asell-through of 89.21% and 86.09% respectively. By December 29, 2013, the end of their 172nd week, they had sold 5,516,542 copies, being 2,887,325 from Pokémon Black and 2,629,217 from Pokémon White.^[16]

Staff

Main article:Staff of Pokémon Black and White

Music

Main article:Pokémon Black & Pokémon White: Super Music Collection

The soundtrack contains all of the background music from the games, composed byShota Kageyama,Junichi Masuda,Hitomi Satō,Gō Ichinose,Morikazu Aoki, Minako Adachi, andSatoshi Nohara. The music is arranged by Shota Kageyama, Hitomi Satō, Gō Ichinose, and Minako Adachi.

Beta elements

Main article:Pokémon Black and White beta

Pre-order bonuses

• In Japan, people could receive aReshiram sound drop by pre-ordering Pokémon Black and aZekrom sound drop by pre-ordering Pokémon White.
• In the USA,Toys "R" Us offered Reshiram and Zekrom wall clings to anyone who pre-ordered the game.
• In the UK,Gamestation offered three styluses for the DS, each one featuring one of theUnova first partner Pokémon to anyone who pre-ordered the game.
• In the UK,GAME offered an exclusive poster to anyone who pre-ordered the game.
• In Australia,JB Hi-Fi offered a Nintendo DS case featuring Reshiram and Zekrom to anyone who pre-ordered the game.
• In Mexico,Gameplanet offered a white T-shirt featuringZekrom for pre-ordering Pokémon White and a black T-shirt featuringReshiram for pre-ordering Pokémon Black. Each T-shirt had their corresponding version logos, theNintendo DS logo and the Gameplanet store logo. The eventCelebi forGeneration IV games was also promoted as a pre-order exclusive, but in reality it could be obtained by anyone with a Generation IV game in the store.

Pokémon Black and White Game Art Folio

Main article:Pokémon Black and White Game Art Folio

During the game's release, Target stores in the United States gave out a box of cards with stock art on them and a short description of the art's subject on the back with every purchase ofPokémon Black orPokémon White.

Gallery

Logos

• 
  English Black logo
• 
  English White logo
• 
  Japanese Black logo
• 
  Japanese White logo
• 
  Korean Black logo
• 
  Korean White logo

Title screens

• 
  English Black title screen
• 
  English White title screen
• 
  Japanese Black title screen
• 
  Japanese White title screen

Trailers and commercials

Trivia

• The developers included antiwar ideas in Pokémon Black and White.^[17] Game Freak also spent about a year and a half developing the story and characters.^[18]
• The non-English European versions of Black and White were translated directly from the original Japanese version, rather than being translated from the English version like with previous games.^[19]
• The credits of the Japanese versions are shown in English if character mode is set tokanji.
• Black and White were the first core series games since theGeneration I games to be named after colors, as generationsII throughIV were named after minerals. Following Generation V, there would not be any games named after colors untilScarlet and Violet,four generations later.
• These are the only core series games to have amascot of the color of their counterpart version.
• The font used in the text of dialogues by the Japanese versions is the same one seen inpre-release media of the Japanese versions ofPokémon Diamond and Pearl.
• When the games were advertised or reported onPokémon Sunday, the songBlack or White byMichael Jackson was played multiple times as a reference to the titles of the games.
• These are the onlycore seriesgames to be available in Europe before the United States, being released 2 days earlier. However, these are not the only Pokémon titles in general, as this was also the case with the spin-off gamesPokémon Dash andPokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure.
• These are the first core series games in which the final battle of the main story cannot berematched an infinite number of times in the post-game.
  • These are also the first core series games in which the final main game Trainer is not aChampion.
• Due to the DSi-enhanced cartridges being black in color, Pokémon Black is technically the first Pokémon game sincePokémon Emerald to have its cartridge match the color of the game.
• Both the English/European language and Japanese logos of Black and White feature white and black borders, respectively, to representReshiram andZekrom (who are the opposite color from the game they are featured in). The sequels' logos feature black and white borders matching the game version, the legendary mascot (Black orWhiteKyurem), and the rest of the logo.
• These are the only core series games to receivea direct sequel.
• These are the only Pokémon games in which no Pokémon from previous generations appear in the regional Pokédex.
• The slogan used in the commercials for these games is "Start From a New Beginning".
• These are the first paired games to be released inHong Kong.
• Excluding digital sales, these games hold the record for the highest first week sales in Japan, topping over 2.63 million units.
• The titles of Pokémon Black and White were already registered as trademarks byNintendo,Creatures, andGame Freak in 2009, and kanji versions of the titles wereunused trademarks registered in 2008.
  • Pocket Monsters Black (Japanese:ポケットモンスター ブラック) [application number 2009-060072, registration number 5341300]
  • Pocket Monsters White (Japanese:ポケットモンスター ホワイト) [application number 2009-060074, registration number 5341301]
  • Pocket Monsters Black (Japanese:ポケットモンスター黒) [application number 2008-093269, registration number 5222904]
  • Pocket Monsters White (Japanese:ポケットモンスター白) [application number 2008-093271, registration number 5222906]

In other languages

External links

• Official PDF-file manual forPokémon Black Version(English)
• Official PDF-file manual forPokémon White Version(English)

References

Related articles

• Black and White walkthrough

This game-related article is part ofProject Games, aBulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on thePokémon games.

• Games
• Articles with accompanying video
• Pokémon Black and White
• Nintendo DS games