Pokemon Diamond, Pearl get domestic date (gamespot)

- gamespot -

The latest adventure starring Pikachu and crew is set to arrive in the US April 22; Pokemon-themed styluses to be offered as preorder bonus.

Compulsive collectors of all things Pokemon can clear up their calendars, as Nintendo has announced the North American release date for the series' new DS role-playing games. On April 22, addicted Poke-addicts will be able to once again embark on a quest to "catch 'em all" in Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl.

Although it takes place in the new land of Sinnoh and features new monsters to tame like Munchlax and Weavile, some of the old standbys will still be present. Players can even import Pokemon from Game Boy Advance versions of the series by plugging the GBA cartridge into the DS's GBA port.

While the game has already proven to be a strong seller in Japan, Nintendo is looking to boost its fate domestically with a preorder bonus. Those who reserve their copies at participating retailers will receive a stylus featuring a Pokemon from the new games.

Both games are rated E for Everyone.