Update: According to Serebii, the Pokemon Bank is now available in North America. The Pokemon Bank app launched yesterday in North American 3DS eShop and is available to download immediately. Anyone who downloads and activates Pokemon Bank before Mar. 14 will receive a free 30-day trial before paying $4.99 for the yearly service.
Original Story:
The Pokemon craze that took place in the late 90s when it first debuted in the United States may have dwindled down, but the cultural phenomena continues to move forward around the world. Now the highly anticipated app Pokemon Bank, is ready to use for gamers in Europe and Australia, while a release date for the United States awaits.
Initially expected to be released during the holiday season, the Pokemon Bank faced technical difficulties that delayed the release almost two months. The app for the Nintendo 3DS is now ready for gamers to store and transfer up to 3,000 of their beloved Pokemon in their bank for their respective series, Pokemon X and Pokemon Y.
The official Twitter page announced that the app is now available in Europe to download on February 4. Though there is no official date yet for gamers in the United States, the company did remark that a release date will be set soon.
The official website hyped the new app for users and fans to enhance their gaming skills on the Nintendo 3DS. "Pokémon Bank will be a powerful resource for players who like to obtain many different kinds of Pokémon, or for those who like to raise many Pokémon in preparation for battles and competitions!"
Pokemon X and Y are role-playing games where users can interact globally and compete with their respective Pokemon army. Both games have been instant successes since their release in October 2013, breaking the record and selling four million copies worldwide in its very the first weekend. Additionally, it became the fastest selling game for the Nintendo 3DS.
For gamers with access to the app, the reception has been positive on Twitter. Many have expressed their excitement and their love for the game.
Stu @Stuuuuey: "I love pokemon bank so much omg"
Anthony J. @HafaAJ: "So glad everything went well today. Now I get to transfer all my Pokémon on Pokémon Bank!"
Cameron Z @Imadoctortoo: "Now that Pokemon Bank is finally up I'm going to have less of a life than I did before."
Successful video games, television shows, films, and merchandise have kept Pokemon in demand. After months of anticipation, the Pokemon Bank is sure to add on to the credibility that Pokemon has left a huge mark in pop culture.
From now until March 14, the Pokemon Bank is free to download in selected regions. A annual fee of $4.99 will be required after those dates. For more information on how to download the app, visit http://www.pokemon.com/us/ .
