So, the commercial for Pokémon Platinum, the next game in the long-running series, was released yesterday. And all I have to say is: Awesome. The trailer showcases new and improved graphics, what seems to be redesigned gym puzzles, the new costumes for both characters, new Wi-Fi minigames, and what looks to be a new area that features a 3D world with the ability to move between sides of the area, a first for the series. I must say, as a huge fan of the series ever since the original games, I’m definitely looking forward to the American release.

[Gametrailers]

Dan, a reader of DSFanboy, was a smoker. Dan also used to be a Pokemon addict back in the day, so Dan decided that to quit smoking he’d play Pokemon every time he wanted a smoke. So far he’s been going 40 days strong. Its all well and good, props to Dan, but somehow changing one addiction for another doesn’t seem right to me. The Grind might not pollute your lungs but it does something wrong, it chips away at your soul, one level at a time.

[DSFanboy]

Some times when talking to little kids about difficult, mature subjects such as reproduction, it might be difficult to convey your ideas clearly without feeling like your scarring the child for life. It could happen to you, it could come as a surprise, one minute a kid is playing a pokemon game, the next he’s asking you how a Pikachu is born. You might find yourself at a loss for words, but don’t fret…

A picture, as they say, is worth a thousand words.

It’s undeniable, Pok�mon has become too much of a phenomenon. There have been too many movies, too many episodes, and too many games based off this franchise. Hell, even organized religions have seen Pok�mon as a threat, and I don’t blame them. They have frickin’ Boeing 747-400 based off it. And a theme park! Let’s not forget the fans, most especially – more than ten years of Pok�mon and it’s still going strong in Japan. And one of these fans thought it would be a good idea to re-make all 150 original Pok�mon as female chibis. Check out the clip – and even if some of you have grown out of Pok�mon, this video is still worth the click.

[Kotaku]

Avast! The contest deadline is near! Hide your children, lock your doors, and e-mail those entries! Do a service to your DDNation and send in those drawings – because the only way we can deal with these Commie bastards is with your help! Right after May 30, 2007, you shall hear no word of DDN-tan until June 2, 2007 – Dark Diamond’s first anniversary as the blog it is today – the announcement of our DDN-tan! Consider June 2nd our D-Day!

Finish your inkings, be done with your shadings, and complete the last of your digital colorings – for the end is near!

THE END IS NEAR!

This message has been approved by Pootie Chang. Nahu has no say in this.

Ever wondered what was the gender of the person who did the voice of Pikachu?

I always thought is was a young boy or even a teenage girl, but when I looked at this. . .

As Lloyd would say: “I’ve lost all confidence as a man.”

[Kotaku]

As a big celebration for Pokémon’s first decade alive, Nintendo decided to do so by playing themes form the game/cartoon in full orchestrated form. The tour will start in Tokyo on October 28 and will finish in Sapporo in December 10, so hey! what’s better than taking your kid to experience a cultural blast when a virtuoso vioilinist starts to play the solo in the battle theme!

[Kotaku]

Its not everyday that when mainstream comedy tries to tackle Video Games they do so with such accuracy as this video from Norm MacDonald. This is a sketch where a police officer is interrogating a boy who thinks he is a Pokemon trainer. They even put extra effort into the Pokeball throwing. Thats quality!

[Overtime Comedy]

One of the few Pikachu VW Beetle cars made to promote Pokemon back in the day is up for auction on ebay.If you have the dough this might be a unique chance to own a part video game history! Hell, this is one of the few cars that can beat that Hello Kitty car into submission.

The car is in perfect condition, even sports a Game cube in the trunk. Its hooked up to an old tube TV so it could use some re-pimping. But if you are willing to top the near $3,500 USD bid to buy the Pikamobile, then I guess that would be no problem.

And of course I cannot end this entry without saying: Gotta catch em all!

[ebay / Via GameSetWatch]