Pokemon Center EXCLUSIVE: "Pokemon Box"

[GunPanther]

I just read my latest issue of Nintendo Power and discovered a new Pokemon related peripheral that was only going to be available at a website or through a store in New York.

The product is called the "Pokemon Box" and it's used to transfer & store extra Pokemon from the GBA Pokemon games.

At only $19.99, it doesn't seem like too bad of a deal, especially since it'e a peripheral that Nintendo plans to be very limited.


Personally, it's been about 2 years since I last played a Pokemon game and I don't plan on starting again anytime soon, but I'm actually thinking about picking one of the Pokemon Boxes up.



Want more info?

Check it out below:


http://www.pokemoncenter.com/store/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=PokemonBaseCat&category%5Fname=&product%5Fid=12






:rockets: GunPanther :2gunfire:

[macabre26]

Hrm... interesting, though I quit the pokemon games, what, 5 year ago? Maybe more? Hence I was still playing Pokemon Blue and Red, haha. Awesome games, but it seems that this Pokemon Box thing isn't compatible with them. If I was to start playing again, I'd probably play the old ones again though. For now I have far too many games to play, and a definate lack of interest in playing just about anything... lol

[GunPanther]

Yeah, it's been a couple of years since I last touched a Pokemon game myself, but the prospect of owning a 'limited' item is enticing.

I look at this "Pokemon Box" as a type of send-away product, which it technically is, since you can only purchase it through 1 store in New York or through 1 website.

Then there's the possibility of people not even buying the item at all, which could possibly work for, or against a collector.

Take.... for example, the "X-Men" action figure collection released back in 1989/90. They had all of the popular 'main' characters from the X-Men comic books made into figures and all of them sold very well. From the heroic X-Men such as Cyclops, Colossus, Nightcrawler, Archangel & Storm, to the evil Mutants such as Juggernaut, Apocalypse and Magneto, all of the X-Men first series figures sold pretty well..... except for one figure. "Storm".

Maybe it was because boys didn't like to play with action figures that were girls? Or maybe it was because the Storm figure was an ugly action figure to look at? No matter how you look at it, the "Storm" action figure was always the 'short-pack' figure, meaning that there were only 1-2 storm figures in a case of 12 X-Men figures.

Slowly, these sotrm figures were found everywhere you went to buy X-Men figures and were soon considered to be "junk". I remember a situation where a local Toys R Us store had a whole endcap filled with Storm figures at a clearance price of $1.50 each (back when the figures still had an MSRP of $4.99-$5.99). They literally had hundreds of the Storm figure and no one was buying.

Lo and behold, a few months later, the Storm figures disappeared from a majority of retailers almost instantneously. Strangely enough, the Storm figure was now very, very difficult to come by.

Legend has it that Toy Biz (the original producer and manufacturer of the X-Men toys) recalled all of tbe unsold Storm figure stocks from all of the retail outlets and promptly had them slagged, recycled or even disposed of in a landfill (just like Atari's "E.T." debacle).

Next thing you know, the "Storm" X-Men figure was in high demand. It's 'current value' (for the 1990-92 era) had gone up in value 10-15 times of what the MSRP of the figure was. Comic shops and private collectors who had 'extra' Storm figures promptly put them up for sale or trade and made 'a killing' off of their initial investment.

From a lowly $1.50 to a staggering $50.00+, things changed all because of the demand for such a limited item.


Perhaps this same situation will happen with the "Pokemon Box"? We won't know until later, but I don't plan on missing out on it.





:rockets: GunPanther :2gunfire:

[Achika]

My guess is that it will drop in price if it doesn't sell that well. Pokemon Mini's were quite expensive this time last year ($40) and now they are $10 being clearenced out. But then, if the "storage software" sells, then Nintendo will probably market it nation-wide.

[calthaer]

I wish their pre-order bonuses would be special e-Reader cards that would jack you up with cool items in the game. A way to get Deoxys, Mew, or Celebi would be nice.

[tholly]

i considered getting it, but i just dont really have a big interest in pokemon....

[Jasoco]

I don't either, but at $20, I'd rather not take a chance. Besides, the first releases (IF they do go nationwide) may be worth more. Hell, I may keep it sealed.. just like the Pokémon Colosseum Freebie disc I got from my store for free. (Since hardly ANYONE was buying that. The deal was over. It was the last one left. yay! It's mine!)

It's a neat idea. Using your Cube as an item storage box. But probably just a novelty.

[tholly]

I don't either, but at $20, I'd rather not take a chance. Besides, the first releases (IF they do go nationwide) may be worth more. Hell, I may keep it sealed.. just like the Pokémon Colosseum Freebie disc I got from my store for free. (Since hardly ANYONE was buying that. The deal was over. It was the last one left. yay! It's mine!)

It's a neat idea. Using your Cube as an item storage box. But probably just a novelty.


hmmmm...good points....maybe i will be "wasting" some money on something else that i dont really need

[MarioAllStar2600]

I will be getting it just cause I am in pursuit to a complete US cube collection. This is considered a game right?

[Jasoco]

That's a good question.

It's not really a game, nor is it a demo disc. It's probably more of an accessory.

But I'll leave the decision up to the experts.

It'll most likely come packaged like a normal game or demo. But then again, it isn't really a standalone disc. It probably requires the GBA with a Pokémon game in it to work.

So.. hmm..

Accessory is my vote.

[GunPanther]

My guess is that it will drop in price if it doesn't sell that well. Pokemon Mini's were quite expensive this time last year ($40) and now they are $10 being clearenced out. But then, if the "storage software" sells, then Nintendo will probably market it nation-wide.

Pokemon Mini's?

Those are miniature figures, right?

See, you can't really compare the actiion figure business to the video game business because the consumer-base is different simply because the supply and demand vary greatly between toys and video game software or peripherals.


I see the "Pokemon Box" as an accessory, kinda' like the Hori Corporation's game franchise related peripherals released in Japan.

From the "Bio Hazard" memory cards & controllers to the "Final Fantasy" light up PS2 horizontal stand, those items are considered to be 'collectable peripherals'.



You have a point though.


I guess it all just depends on how it sells and how much longer Pokemon grips onto it's popularity.






:rockets: GunPanther :2gunfire:

[Querjek]

<long quote>

Pokemon Mini's?

Those are miniature figures, right?


:rockets: GunPanther :2gunfire:
No, actually, Pokemon Mini is a tiny little system smaller than the size of my palm that looks sorta like a digital pet, but runs off of cartridges and can save data. The system has an infrared sensor in the top and a rumble motor inside.



I personally am considering buying Pokemon box because I have a friend who would like to use it, but I would simply like to own it.

[calthaer]

Do Pokemon Minis interface at all with any of the Pokemon GBC cartridges with the infrared sensor (like Pikachu GS does)?

[Achika]

http://www.pokemoncenter.com/store/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=PokemonBaseCat&category%5Fname=&product%5Fid=279

No, it's only with other Pokemon Minis. It's not so much of a Digital Pet since it's Cartridges have mini party games, card games, pinball, and puzzle games

[calthaer]

Yeah I saw those at the pokemon center but if it doesn't help out with the games, I'm just not interested. The cards and the GB/GBC/GBA/GCN games are all I'm concerned with. I'll probably pick up Pokemon Box - it's not terribly expensive, it's a neat feature and allows one to play the GBA games on the GCN without the player (which I don't have), and it comes with a memory card to boot.

[Ed Oscuro]

A Pikachu Ukelele?

...I've seen everything now! Looks like it could be a collectable (note their picture shows Japanese writing on it - wtj?)

[digitpress Jim]

HELL YEAH!!! baby :rocker: I preordered mine about two weeks ago through the Pokemoncenter.com website and for preordering I am getting two free Pokemon badges. I absolutly LOVE Pokemon and at only $19.99 there was no way in hell that I was not buying Pokemon Box for the Cube. Pokemon Box ships out on the 12th, I soooo can't wait :D :D :D Take care everyone.

digitpress Jim

[Jasoco]

For $20, it's actually a good deal even if you don't like Pokémon. It comes with a Link cable and a memory card.

Anyone know how big the card is? I am thinking it's probably 59 blocks. Especially for the price. (Cable = $10 + 59 Card = $10 = $20) And they probably have TONS of 59's left over. Actually, I think they should start delivering more games with free cards. ;)

I too will be ordering this. Just to have.

Edit: Loking at the "More Info" Flash on the site, it shows a BLACK memory card which makes me wonder.. 251? Wow.. That would be a real deal!

Edit: Crap... I just pre-ordered it too.. And I don't even PLAY Pokémon! LOL

Anyone know if PokemonCenter charges for pre-orders when they actually arrive in stock? Or when you order? Since it doesn't come out until next week, will I be charged next week? Or are they gonna charge me now? It didn't clarify on the receipt.

[tholly]

well, i said i would never order this thing, but i wanted another memory card and i needed a 3rd link cable (3 gbas and four swords, but i only had 2 cables) so i broke down and preordered this....

[PentiumMMX]

I haven't played Pokemon since I rented "Pokemon Silver" (I am trieing to find that game) But that Pokemon Box is cool!

[CX2K]

Had to order this. Only complaint is that after tax and ground shipping, we're up to $28.

Oh well, my kid will thank me for it.

John

[MarioAllStar2600]

Just pre-ordered my copy to throw into my cube collection. I am thinking this is like the ultimate code discs and not considered a real game. Ehh, whatever. That is my third link cable also. One more and I can really play Four Swords. :D

[MarioAllStar2600]

Did anyone else see the really cool 59 memory card they are getting over in Japan? It is multi-colored, this is the best picture I could find right now.
http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/zanyredbluememorycard_053003_gcn.gif
Looks like we will just be getting a 259 memory card though. Kinda stinks, I am liking that LE one. :o

[dbiersdorf]

It's a game in my book, I know its a storage system and all but it has mini games and you can talk to people too.

I'm still wondering if I should get it off the site or get it on eBay when it comes out. I should probably just get it on PC and be guarenteed a link cable and memory card. Either way, great deal I can't pass up.

[Jasoco]

I ordered it for the random pre-order badges. Might be worth something one day.

[Jasoco]

Yay! Mine's been shipped! Scheduled to arrive on Monday. I'll probably post pics. :D

Can't believe I'm this excited over something I won't even use.. at least not for a long time. Though, the card might be worth it if it's 251. I will document it when it arrives.

[MarioAllStar2600]

YES! Mine also shipped out. I am a real happy man, even though I won't use it. Just like Jasco. I highly doubt we got the cool memory cards like they did in Japan but im praying. I can really use taht link cable to. :D :-P

[Jasoco]

I'm in it for the packaging. I love when a game comes in a bigger box.

Four Swords does this as does BatMan Rise of Sin Tzu (Which strangely, I've had three Cube versions in stock for over two years and sold two of them in the last week.) with the "Commemorative Lithograph" thingy. I can't wait to have this on my shelf.

As I said, it'll be totally worth it if the memory card is a 251. Even if it's not, it's also worth it with the cable. Which will come in handy when Four Swords drops in price to $30 (In about 5 years knowing Nintendo) and I get a second GBA.

[digitpress Jim]

HELL!!! YEAH!!! BABY!!! My Pokemon Box shipped today (the 9th) as well, I paid for the 2 day shipping, so I should have Pokemon Box Monday or Tuesday. I sooooo can't wait :D :D :D I LOVE Pokemon, plus I am very anxious to see what two Badges I get, be sure to let me know which Badges you all get. Take Care everyone :rocker:

digitpress Jim

[Jasoco]

Hells yeah it is arrived!

It comes in a cardboard outter box, same as Four Swords. Inside the box is the game case, a bag containing the cable and the instructions.

Inside the game case is the disc and the memory card. The card is 59 Blocks, BUT it IS the hella cool blue and red translucent one shown a few days ago. It is not 251 like I thought, but this is much cooler from a collectors stand point.

This will look nice on my shelf. Still debating if I want to call it a "Game" or categorize it with the "Accessories". Probably game.

Edit: Pictures coming in about 8 minutes or so.. Please hold...

[Jasoco]

Sorry, my camera is teh suck. 1.3MP.

http://jasoco.no-ip.com/files/pokemonbox/boxfront.JPG http://jasoco.no-ip.com/files/pokemonbox/boxside.JPG
Front and side of the cardboard box.

http://jasoco.no-ip.com/files/pokemonbox/boxback.JPG
Back of the box. (Will replace with better one later.)

http://jasoco.no-ip.com/files/pokemonbox/casefront.JPG
Front of the game case. Back is same as box was.

http://jasoco.no-ip.com/files/pokemonbox/caseinsidecable.JPG
Inside of case with the blue and red card. Tried to get a good closeup of it, but it was shittier than these ones. Also the cable. Official Nintendo cable.

I will take some more if needed. Very cool item. Too bad I don't have either version to try. I don't know if it'll even boot without one. Probably will, but won't let you do anything.

[MarioAllStar2600]

Holy crap! Holy Crap! That picture just made my freaking year. I CAN NOT wait for my copy to come in now. That memory card is the coolest thing ever. :-P :D :D :D :D
I am so happy, you don't even know.

[Jasoco]

Oops! Forgot the badges!

http://jasoco.no-ip.com/files/pokemonbox/badges.jpg

I don't have any idea who they are. If it was something recognizable to most people like Pikachu or one of the popular ones, I'd wear it, but these'll stay in their plastic cases. (Which are easily openable/closable.)

[dbiersdorf]

Tauros and Kingler. ;)

I gotta get this thing. :-P

[calthaer]

Note that the pins you get are random. Mine are Butterfree (can't see too well b/c of the flash) and Nidorina.

Blessed be the one who gets a starter or legendary for their pin!

http://www.geocities.com/calthaer/pokepins.txt

[itsame]

ARGH, I trying to order this but I keep getting a page does not exist error on the second step of checkout. Is anyone else having problems?