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Pokémon in Singapore: Difference between revisions
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The [[Pokémon]] franchise first debuted in the '''{{wp|Singapore|Republic of Singapore}}''' around 1998<!--or 1997-->. | The [[Pokémon]] franchise first debuted in the '''{{wp|Singapore|Republic of Singapore}}''' around 1998<!--or 1997-->. | ||
The official distributor of Nintendo products such as the Pokémon Trading Card Game and the video games is [http://www.maxsoftonline.com | The official distributor of Nintendo products such as the Pokémon Trading Card Game and the video games is [http://www.maxsoftonline.com/ Maxsoft Pte. Ltd.], while the licensed distributor for the [[Pokémon manga]] is [[Shogakukan Asia]], a publishing company based in Singapore. | ||
==Pokémon games== | ==Pokémon games== | ||
All internationally released [[core series]] {{pkmn|games}} have been available in Singapore since 1998, the first being {{game|Red and Blue|s}}. These games were usually available within a few weeks after its US release, but with growing popularity over the years, recent games like {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}, and {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}} have been made available immediately on its US release date. From [[Generation V]] onwards, launch event tournaments have taken place to celebrate the US release of {{game|Black and White|s}} (March 6, 2011), [[Pokémon Black and White Versions 2]] (October 7, 2012) | All internationally released [[core series]] {{pkmn|games}} have been available in Singapore since 1998, the first being {{game|Red and Blue|s}}. These games were usually available within a few weeks after its US release, but with growing popularity over the years, recent games like {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}, and {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}} have been made available immediately on its US release date. From [[Generation V]] onwards, launch event tournaments have taken place to celebrate the US release of {{game|Black and White|s}} (March 6, 2011), [[Pokémon Black and White Versions 2]] (October 7, 2012), [[Pokémon X and Y]] (October 12, 2013) as well as [[Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire]] (November 21, 2014). Additionally, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire is the first Pokémon game officially realized for Singaporean release. | ||
Japanese versions of the games were also made available on the date of its Japanese release to cater to some of the players in Singapore. This included the Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, Pokémon Black and White, and Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. [[Spin-off Pokémon games]] like [[Pokémon Conquest]] were also made available. | Japanese versions of the games were also made available on the date of its Japanese release to cater to some of the players in Singapore. This included the Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, Pokémon Black and White, and Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. [[Spin-off Pokémon games]] like [[Pokémon Conquest]] were also made available. | ||
{{bulbanews|Singapore to have Pikachu distribution | {{bulbanews/4|Singapore to have Pikachu distribution|Garchomp event distribution announced for Singapore|Pokémon Day to be held in Singapore|Shiny Rayquaza to be distributed by Maxsoft Online}} | ||
There were also numerous event Pokémon distributed in Singapore, the first being the {{DL|List of local English event Pokémon distributions in Generation V|Pika Pika Carnival Pikachu}}, which was given out between May 11 to 20, 2012 as part of the Pika Pika Carnival held at Isetan Scotts, Singapore. More event Pokémon were subsequently distributed by [http://www.maxsoftonline.com/ Maxsoft Pte. Ltd.], which included an {{DL|List of American region serial code event Pokémon distributions in Generation VI|XY Garchomp}}, given out via a serial code redemption between January 24 and March 31, 2014, an {{DL|List of American region serial code event Pokémon distributions in Generation VI|XY Gengar}} given out during the Pokémon Day celebrations on October 24, 2014, and a {{DL|List of American region serial code event Pokémon distributions in Generation VI|Singapore Summer 2015 Rayquaza}} given via numerous serial code distributions between May and July 2015. | |||
===Elite Four Tournaments=== | ===Elite Four Tournaments=== | ||
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The Elite Four tournament of 2012 took place on June 17, 2012 at Funan DigitaLife Mall, Singapore. There was no Elite Four tournament held in the year 2013. In 2014, the '2014 Elite Four Challenge' took place between June 27 to 29, at the Institute of Technical Education (College Central), Singapore as part of the Campus Game Fest 2014. | The Elite Four tournament of 2012 took place on June 17, 2012 at Funan DigitaLife Mall, Singapore. There was no Elite Four tournament held in the year 2013. In 2014, the '2014 Elite Four Challenge' took place between June 27 to 29, at the Institute of Technical Education (College Central), Singapore as part of the Campus Game Fest 2014. | ||
===Pokémon titles officially realized for Singapore=== | |||
<center> | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:Omega Ruby AB boxart.png|Pokémon Omega Ruby | |||
File:Alpha Sapphire AB boxart.png|Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | |||
File:Super Mystery Dungeon AB boxart.png|Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon | |||
File:Rumble World AB boxart.png|Pokémon Rumble World | |||
</gallery> | |||
</center> | |||
==Pokémon anime== | ==Pokémon anime== | ||
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On November 19, 2011, the [[Best Wishes series]] debuted on okto at the same 10 AM timeslot, with the first episode being aired, ''[[BW001|In The Shadow of Zekrom!]]''. | On November 19, 2011, the [[Best Wishes series]] debuted on okto at the same 10 AM timeslot, with the first episode being aired, ''[[BW001|In The Shadow of Zekrom!]]''. | ||
In Singapore the anime is available on [[Netflix]]. | |||
<!-- | <!-- | ||
===Broadcast History=== | ===Broadcast History=== | ||
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==Pokémon manga== | ==Pokémon manga== | ||
[[File:Pokémon Adventures CY volume 1.png|thumb|150px|Volume 1 of Pokémon Adventures published by Chuang Yi in Singapore]] | [[File:Pokémon Adventures CY volume 1.png|thumb|150px|Volume 1 of Pokémon Adventures published by Chuang Yi in Singapore]] | ||
[[Pokémon manga]] has been available in English translated by [[Chuang Yi]], a company which was based in Singapore. Chuang Yi translated many different Pokémon titles, including the popular [[Pokémon Adventures]] series, [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]], [[Magical Pokémon Journey]] and [[Phantom Thief Pokémon 7]], among others. Chuang Yi's publications of Pokémon manga are well known by English-speaking fans worldwide, as they translated several series which were not licensed by [[VIZ Media]], as well as their continuing publication of Pokémon Adventures. Reports emerged in early 2014 that Chuang Yi had gone out of business. | [[Pokémon manga]] has been available in English translated by [[Chuang Yi]], a company which was based in Singapore. Chuang Yi translated many different Pokémon titles, including the popular [[Pokémon Adventures]] series (the best-selling children's manga of all time in Singapore), [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]], [[Magical Pokémon Journey]] and [[Phantom Thief Pokémon 7]], among others. Chuang Yi's publications of Pokémon manga are well known by English-speaking fans worldwide, as they translated several series which were not licensed by [[VIZ Media]], as well as their continuing publication of Pokémon Adventures. Reports emerged in early 2014 that Chuang Yi had gone out of business. | ||
As of July 2014, publisher [[Shogakukan Asia]], a Singaporean subsidiary of Japanese publisher [[Shogakukan]], appears to have taken over where Chuang Yi has left off. So far, Shogakukan Asia has published the manga adaptation of {{ma|Kyurem VS. The Sword of Justice}} and {{PAV|42}} of Pokémon Adventures. | As of July 2014, publisher [[Shogakukan Asia]], a Singaporean subsidiary of Japanese publisher [[Shogakukan]], appears to have taken over where Chuang Yi has left off. So far, Shogakukan Asia has published the manga adaptation of {{ma|Kyurem VS. The Sword of Justice}} and {{PAV|42}} of Pokémon Adventures. | ||
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In March 2013, Maxsoft collaborated with [[The Pokémon Company]] and stocked shelves of local retailers such as 'Comics Connection' and 'This & That' with goods and merchandise direct from [[Pokémon Center (store)|Pokémon Centers]] in Japan.<ref name="merchlocations">[http://www.maxsoftonline.com/pokemon-merchandise-where.html Maxsoft, locations currently selling Pokémon Center merchandise]</ref> These include small and large plush toys, Pokémon mascot dolls, A4-sized clear folders and goods from the video game [[Pokémon Conquest]].<ref>[http://www.maxsoftonline.com/pokemon-merchandise-products.html Maxsoft, List of Pokémon Center merchandise sold in March 2013]</ref> | In March 2013, Maxsoft collaborated with [[The Pokémon Company]] and stocked shelves of local retailers such as 'Comics Connection' and 'This & That' with goods and merchandise direct from [[Pokémon Center (store)|Pokémon Centers]] in Japan.<ref name="merchlocations">[http://www.maxsoftonline.com/pokemon-merchandise-where.html Maxsoft, locations currently selling Pokémon Center merchandise]</ref> These include small and large plush toys, Pokémon mascot dolls, A4-sized clear folders and goods from the video game [[Pokémon Conquest]].<ref>[http://www.maxsoftonline.com/pokemon-merchandise-products.html Maxsoft, List of Pokémon Center merchandise sold in March 2013]</ref> | ||
As of June 2014, local retailers such as 'Comics Connection' and 'Funz Center' continually restock their shelves with Pokémon Center merchandise.<ref name="merchlocations" /> | As of June 2014, local retailers such as 'Comics Connection' and 'Funz Center' continually restock their shelves with Pokémon Center merchandise.<ref name="merchlocations" /> In 2015, Maxsoft established an online store with Rakuten <!-- URL: http://www.rakuten.com.sg/shop/pokemoncenter/ ---> to distribute Pokémon Center merchandise to the local community. | ||
==Community== | ==Community== | ||
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Team Robo is an official [[Play! Pokémon]] organization, a group of people dedicated to promoting Pokémon in Singapore and organizing Leagues and Tournaments for the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game|Trading Card Game]]. They oversee nine 'Pokémon Gyms' spread across Singapore, which are gathering places where Pokémon fans can interact with each other or participate in local tournaments. These 'Gyms' are usually managed by a [[Professor Program (TCG)|Pokémon Professor]], and a person known as a 'Gym Leader'. | Team Robo is an official [[Play! Pokémon]] organization, a group of people dedicated to promoting Pokémon in Singapore and organizing Leagues and Tournaments for the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game|Trading Card Game]]. They oversee nine 'Pokémon Gyms' spread across Singapore, which are gathering places where Pokémon fans can interact with each other or participate in local tournaments. These 'Gyms' are usually managed by a [[Professor Program (TCG)|Pokémon Professor]], and a person known as a 'Gym Leader'. | ||
==== | ====The Mirage Island==== | ||
Team Robo Video Games is the local community founded on the competitive aspect of the Pokémon [[Pokémon games|video games]]. It was established as part of Team Robo in December 2010 and has been growing ever since. The community organizes regular meetups and small-scale tournaments for its players to interact and to develop their skills in competitive battling. | [http://www.themirageisland.com The Mirage Island], formerly known as Team Robo Video Games, is the local community founded on the competitive aspect of the Pokémon [[Pokémon games|video games]]. It was established as part of Team Robo in December 2010 and has been growing ever since. The community organizes regular meetups and small-scale tournaments for its players to interact and to develop their skills in competitive battling. | ||
In 2013, players from Team Robo Video Games represented Singapore in the [[2013 World Championships]] Last Chance Qualifiers in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Veteran player Low Wai Yin was the first Singaporean to qualify through the Last Chance Qualifiers, and went on to represent Singapore in the 2013 Pokémon Video Game World Championships.<ref>[http://ap.ign.com/en/news/8393/singapore-plants-flag-at-pokemon-world-championships IGN article, Singapore plants flag at Pokémon World Championships]</ref> | In 2013, players from the then Team Robo Video Games represented Singapore in the [[2013 World Championships]] Last Chance Qualifiers in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Veteran player Low Wai Yin was the first Singaporean to qualify through the Last Chance Qualifiers, and went on to represent Singapore in the 2013 Pokémon Video Game World Championships.<ref>[http://ap.ign.com/en/news/8393/singapore-plants-flag-at-pokemon-world-championships IGN article, Singapore plants flag at Pokémon World Championships]</ref> | ||
In August 2014, 8 Singaporean players participated in the [[2014 World Championships]] Last Chance Qualifiers in Washington, D.C., United States. | In August 2014, 8 Singaporean players participated in the [[2014 World Championships]] Last Chance Qualifiers in Washington, D.C., United States. Senior Division player Poh Yu Jie qualified for the 2014 Pokémon Video Game World Championships via the Last Chance Qualifiers and made it to the 18th place in his division. | ||
In February 2015, Team Robo Video Games was renamed to The Mirage Island. | |||
==Events== | ==Events== | ||
In Singapore, large-scaled Pokémon-themed events are usually held in June and December as it coincides with the school holidays. The events are usually held at shopping malls and are closely associated with important Pokémon events like the [[World Championships]]. The | In Singapore, large-scaled Pokémon-themed events are usually held in June and December as it coincides with the school holidays. The events are usually held at shopping malls and are closely associated with important Pokémon events like the [[World Championships]]. The events are usually organized by Team Robo and Maxsoft Pte. Ltd., although there have been events like the Pika Pika Carnival which is jointly organised with The Pokémon Company. | ||
<!-- ONLY MAJOR EVENTS ARE LISTED HERE --> | <!-- ONLY MAJOR EVENTS ARE LISTED HERE --> | ||
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Between November 19 and December 31, 2011, an Pokémon-themed Christmas event was held at {{wp|City Square Mall (Singapore)|City Square Mall}}. In conjunction with the mall's theme of being eco-friendly, there were craft workshops and stage shows for children which promoted the benefits of reducing, reusing and recycling. There were also tournaments that took place during the event, such as the [http://www.teamrobo.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=3779 Pokémon TCG City Championships 2011] for TCG players, and well as the [http://www.teamrobo.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=3642 Pokémon Nintendo DS Challenge] for video game players, where the top three winners walked away with a new copy of [[Pokémon Rumble Blast]]. | Between November 19 and December 31, 2011, an Pokémon-themed Christmas event was held at {{wp|City Square Mall (Singapore)|City Square Mall}}. In conjunction with the mall's theme of being eco-friendly, there were craft workshops and stage shows for children which promoted the benefits of reducing, reusing and recycling. There were also tournaments that took place during the event, such as the [http://www.teamrobo.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=3779 Pokémon TCG City Championships 2011] for TCG players, and well as the [http://www.teamrobo.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=3642 Pokémon Nintendo DS Challenge] for video game players, where the top three winners walked away with a new copy of [[Pokémon Rumble Blast]]. | ||
[[File:SG PikaPikaCarnival Logo. | [[File:SG PikaPikaCarnival Logo.png|thumb|160px|left|The logo used for the Pika Pika Carnival.]] | ||
====2012==== | ====2012==== | ||
From May 11 to 20, 2012, the 'Pika Pika Carnival', an event co-organised by Maxsoft and [[The Pokémon Company]], was held at [http://www.isetan.com.sg/ Isetan Scotts]. The carnival featured merchandise from the Pokémon Centre, a motion sensor game, mini-games, and a photo taking session with a Pikachu mascot. An [[List of local English event Pokémon distributions in Generation V#Pika Pika Carnival Pikachu|event Pikachu]] was also distributed during the event which holds a {{DL|Stat-enhancing item|Light Ball}}, and knows the moves {{m|Volt Tackle}}, {{m|Thunder}}, {{m|Grass Knot}} and {{m|Quick Attack}}. This event marked the first time an event Pokémon was distributed in Singapore. | From May 11 to 20, 2012, the 'Pika Pika Carnival', an event co-organised by Maxsoft and [[The Pokémon Company]], was held at [http://www.isetan.com.sg/ Isetan Scotts]. The carnival featured merchandise from the Pokémon Centre, a motion sensor game, mini-games, and a photo taking session with a Pikachu mascot. An [[List of local English event Pokémon distributions in Generation V#Pika Pika Carnival Pikachu|event Pikachu]] was also distributed during the event which holds a {{DL|Stat-enhancing item|Light Ball}}, and knows the moves {{m|Volt Tackle}}, {{m|Thunder}}, {{m|Grass Knot}} and {{m|Quick Attack}}. This event marked the first time an event Pokémon was distributed in Singapore. | ||
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On June 27 to 29, 2014, the '2014 Elite Four Challenge', another Pokémon X and Pokémon Y video game tournament, was held at the Institute of Technical Education (College Central), Singapore as part of the Campus Game Fest 2014. The event is jointly organized by Team Robo Video Games and the Singapore Cybersports & Online Gaming Association.<ref>[http://campusgamefest.org/community-feature-team-robo-video-games/ Campus Game Fest 2014, Community Feature: Team Robo Video Games]</ref> The tournament consisted of two days of qualifiers and culminated in a single elimination tournament held on the third day which determined the "Elite Four" of Singapore, and the winner of the tournament. The top second to the fourth player of the tournament walked away with a coupon for [[Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire]]. The first place winner also won a coupon for [[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U|Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]. These coupons will be redeemable at a local retailer on their respective dates of release.<ref>[http://campusgamefest.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/CGF-Pokemon-2014-Competitors.pdf Campus Game Fest 2014, Information for Competitors]</ref> The rulings for the Elite Four tournament follows the 2014 Video Game Championships.<ref>[http://campusgamefest.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/CGF-Pokemon-2014-Rulings.pdf Campus Game Fest 2014, Rulings of the 2014 Elite Four Challenge]</ref> | On June 27 to 29, 2014, the '2014 Elite Four Challenge', another Pokémon X and Pokémon Y video game tournament, was held at the Institute of Technical Education (College Central), Singapore as part of the Campus Game Fest 2014. The event is jointly organized by Team Robo Video Games and the Singapore Cybersports & Online Gaming Association.<ref>[http://campusgamefest.org/community-feature-team-robo-video-games/ Campus Game Fest 2014, Community Feature: Team Robo Video Games]</ref> The tournament consisted of two days of qualifiers and culminated in a single elimination tournament held on the third day which determined the "Elite Four" of Singapore, and the winner of the tournament. The top second to the fourth player of the tournament walked away with a coupon for [[Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire]]. The first place winner also won a coupon for [[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U|Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]. These coupons will be redeemable at a local retailer on their respective dates of release.<ref>[http://campusgamefest.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/CGF-Pokemon-2014-Competitors.pdf Campus Game Fest 2014, Information for Competitors]</ref> The rulings for the Elite Four tournament follows the 2014 Video Game Championships.<ref>[http://campusgamefest.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/CGF-Pokemon-2014-Rulings.pdf Campus Game Fest 2014, Rulings of the 2014 Elite Four Challenge]</ref> | ||
On October 24, 2014, [[Pokémon Day]] | On October 24, 2014, [[Pokémon Day]] was held in Singapore for the first time. Up to 3,000 Shiny {{p|Gengar}} were distributed at the event via serial codes, each holding a Gengarite. In addition, free giveaway merchandise were distributed while supplies lasted and special {{OBP|Pokémon Center|store}} merchandise were purchasable at the event as well. | ||
== | ==External links== | ||
*[http://www.pokemon.com/sg/ | *[http://www.pokemon.com/sg/ The official Singapore Pokémon website] (currently links to another official website) | ||
*[http://www.chuangyi.com.sg/new2/index.php Chuang Yi's official website]{{dead link}} | *[http://www.chuangyi.com.sg/new2/index.php Chuang Yi's official website]{{dead link}} | ||
*[http://shogakukan.asia Shogakukan Asia's official website] | *[http://shogakukan.asia Shogakukan Asia's official website] | ||