Can you taste the anticipation? Pok mons Diamond and Pearl are due to hit North America in the next three months and Nintendo is keeping the hype train going by talking big sales.

Japanese gamers (well, retailers) have already been shipped 5 million copies of the pocket monster RPG's for the DS. That's not quite the sell-through number sold directly to consumers, but it's getting pretty damn close according to those Media Create numbers. On top of that, Nintendo is boasting sales of 155 million copies of Pok mon series games as of September last year.

Damn. That's a lot of Hey You Pikachus gathering dust out there. Pok mon fans should hit the jump for exciting Pok mon press release fun. Michael McWhertor

DID YOU KNOW? POK MON DIAMOND AND POK MON PEARL BREAK SALES RECORDS IN JAPAN

Anticipation Builds for U.S. Release in April

Feb. 1, 2007

After more than 10 years as one of the most popular entertainment franchises in the world, Pok mon video games are once again shattering sales records. Just three months after launching on Sept. 28, Pok mon Diamond and Pok mon Pearl shipped a record-breaking 5 million units to retailers in Japan, making them the fastest selling Pok mon games ever. More than 155 million copies of the Pok mon series have been sold around the world through September 2006

With a number of exciting new features, including powerful moves and the exotic "Sinnoh" region setting, Pok mon Diamond and Pok mon Pearl offer new and experienced fans thrilling new Pok mon adventures. Fans can get an early start on their Pok mon collection in the games with the introduction of a new character in the series, the mysterious Manaphy. A Water-type Pok mon, Manaphy has the power to swap healing effects with other Pok mon through its "Heart Swap" move.

To harness the power of Manaphy and its "Heart Swap" move, players must first capture the Manaphy egg hidden within Pok mon Ranger by beating the story mode of the game and entering the exclusive "Manaphy Egg Code." Manaphy can then "hatch" in Pok mon Diamond and Pok mon Pearl via a unique transfer.

Announced on Jan. 20, the "Manaphy Egg Code" can be found on the Manaphy Web site at www.Manaphy.com. Savvy Pok mon fans should check in often for new information on this mysterious character, as well as fun downloads and game tips. In addition, fans can learn more about Manaphy through its film debut as the star of Pok mon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea, to be released on DVD in the spring.

Pok mon Ranger is rated E for Everyone and is available at retail stores nationwide. Pok mon Diamond and Pok mon Pearl are rated E for Everyone and will debut in the United States on April 22.

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