Pokémon in Singapore: Difference between revisions
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All internationally released [[Version|main 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) and [[Pokémon Black and White Versions 2]] (October 7, 2012). | All internationally released [[Version|main 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) and [[Pokémon Black and White Versions 2]] (October 7, 2012). | ||
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|Singapore to have Pikachu distribution}} | ||
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In December 2010 and 2011, 'Elite Four Challenges' were conducted, an event culminating in a competitive tournament in which the selection process involves playing against the Elite Fours. The Elite Fours took on special roles in the event where participants would have to defeat them in order to qualify for the tournament. This was done in a slightly easier and more casual setting, where the Elite Fours took on some form of handicap. The Elite Fours would preserve their title at the end of the tournament, regardless of its outcome. | In December 2010 and 2011, 'Elite Four Challenges' were conducted, an event culminating in a competitive tournament in which the selection process involves playing against the Elite Fours. The Elite Fours took on special roles in the event where participants would have to defeat them in order to qualify for the tournament. This was done in a slightly easier and more casual setting, where the Elite Fours took on some form of handicap. The Elite Fours would preserve their title at the end of the tournament, regardless of its outcome. | ||
This year's Elite Four tournament took | This year's Elite Four tournament took place on June 17, 2012 at Funan DigitaLife Mall, Singapore. | ||
==Pokémon anime== | ==Pokémon anime== | ||
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===Southeast Asia Regional Championships=== | ===Southeast Asia Regional Championships=== | ||
On December 1 and 2, 2012, Singapore | On December 1 and 2, 2012, Singapore hosted the first ever Southeast Asian Regional Championships (Autumn) for the Trading Card Game<ref>[http://www.maxsoftonline.com/events.html 2012 Autumn Southeast Asian Regional Championships]</ref>. The event took place at Pasir Ris Elias Community Centre, Singapore, and hosted players from Singapore, Malaysia, {{pmin|the Philippines|Philippines}}, {{pmin|Indonesia}} and Hong Kong. | ||
The second Southeast Asian Regional Championships (Spring) will take place at {{wp|SAFRA National Service Association#SAFRA Mount Faber|SAFRA Mount Faber}} on March 16 and 17, 2013<ref>[http://www.maxsoftonline.com/events.html 2013 Spring Southeast Asian Regional Championships]</ref>. | |||
==Pokémon merchandise== | ==Pokémon merchandise== | ||
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File:McDonalds SG promotion January 2013.jpg|McDonalds's Happy Meal promotion for January 2013 | File:McDonalds SG promotion January 2013.jpg|McDonalds's Happy Meal promotion for January 2013 | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
===Pokémon Center merchandise=== | |||
In March 2013, Maxsoft collaborated with [[The Pokémon Company]] and stocked local shelves of retailers like 'Comics Connection' and 'This & That' with goods and merchandise direct from [[Pokémon Center (store)|Pokémon Centers]] in Japan<ref>[http://www.maxsoftonline.com/pokemon-merchandise-where.html Locations selling Pokémon Center merchandise in March 2013]</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 List of Pokémon Center merchandise sold in March 2013]</ref>. | |||
==Community== | ==Community== | ||
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==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 main organisers are usually Team Robo and Maxsoft Pte. Ltd., although there have been events like the Pika Pika Carnival which is jointly organised with The Pokémon Company. | 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 main organisers are usually 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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On October 7, 2012, the day of the US English release of the [[Pokémon Black and White Versions 2]], a launch event-cum-tournament took place Funan Digitalife Mall, Singapore. The event was the same as the launch event tournament held for Pokémon Black and White on March 6, 2011, the only difference being the versions used for the tournament. | On October 7, 2012, the day of the US English release of the [[Pokémon Black and White Versions 2]], a launch event-cum-tournament took place Funan Digitalife Mall, Singapore. The event was the same as the launch event tournament held for Pokémon Black and White on March 6, 2011, the only difference being the versions used for the tournament. | ||
On December 1 and 2, 2012, Singapore | On December 1 and 2, 2012, Singapore hosted the Southeast Asian Regional Championships for the Trading Card Game, together with a video game tournament and a variety of side events. The Regional Championships featured players from Singapore, Malaysia, {{pmin|the Philippines|Philippines}}, {{pmin|Indonesia}} and Hong Kong, and was the first time a regional tournament was held in Southeast Asia. On the second day of the event, a video game tournament was held which only allowed the Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 video games. The rules are similar to the rulings of the upcoming 2013 Video Game Championships. The event also featured [[PokéPark 2: Wonders_Beyond|PokéPark 2]] on the Wii, a series of video game side events, and a seminar on competitive play by Eugene Tan, the first-place winner of the 2012 Elite Four Tournament<ref>[http://www.maxsoftonline.com/events.html Maxsoft's events page]</ref>. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
Revision as of 11:37, 11 March 2013
| Pokémon in Singapore | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Languages | English | |||
| Continent | Asia | |||
| Original anime airdates | ||||
| EP001 | N/A | |||
| AG001 | N/A | |||
| DP001 | N/A | |||
| BW001 | November 19, 2011 | |||
| XY001 | ||||
| SM001 | ||||
| JN001 | ||||
| HZ001 | ||||
The Pokémon franchise first debuted in the Republic of Singapore around 1998.
The official distributor of Nintendo products such as the Pokémon Trading Card Game and the video games is Maxsoft Pte. Ltd., while the licensed distributor for the Pokémon manga is Chuang Yi, a publishing company based in Singapore.
Pokémon video games
All internationally released main series games have been available in Singapore since 1998, the first being Pokémon Red and Blue. These games were usually available within a few weeks after its US release, but with growing popularity over the years, recent games like Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, and Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver 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 Pokémon Black and White (March 6, 2011) and Pokémon Black and White Versions 2 (October 7, 2012).
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.
The first and only event Pokémon distributed in Singapore was the 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.
Elite Four Tournaments
Since 2010, tournaments have been conducted in June to determine the top four players within the video games community in Singapore. These tournaments, also known as Elite Four tournaments, are usually conducted in a competitive setting, with rulings following closely to those of the Video Game Championships of that year. The top four players would have the honour of being dubbed the 'Elite Four' of Singapore, and will preserve the title until the next Elite Four tournament.
In December 2010 and 2011, 'Elite Four Challenges' were conducted, an event culminating in a competitive tournament in which the selection process involves playing against the Elite Fours. The Elite Fours took on special roles in the event where participants would have to defeat them in order to qualify for the tournament. This was done in a slightly easier and more casual setting, where the Elite Fours took on some form of handicap. The Elite Fours would preserve their title at the end of the tournament, regardless of its outcome.
This year's Elite Four tournament took place on June 17, 2012 at Funan DigitaLife Mall, Singapore.
Pokémon anime
The English dub of the anime was first aired in Singapore on MediaCorp's kidscentral every Saturday at 10.30 AM, beginning with the first episode of the series, Pokémon - I Choose You!. It aired at that timeslot for several years before moving to 11 AM, and finally to the 10 AM timeslot which is still used today.
On October 20, 2008, central was replaced by okto, but the broadcast timeslot remained the same. At that time, the Diamond & Pearl series was being aired. Notably, there were also brief periods of time when previously-aired episodes of the series were being broadcast in an evening timeslot.
In Singapore, all episodes were aired in English. The episodes are usually a few months behind the US broadcast. On January 1, 2011, Dressed for Jess Success! was aired.
On November 19, 2011, the Best Wishes series debuted on okto at the same 10 AM timeslot, with the first episode being aired, In The Shadow of Zekrom!.
Pokémon Trading Card Game
|
This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it. Reason: more information is needed |
Since the introduction of the Base Set, cards for the Pokémon Trading Card Game were sold in Singapore. The cards are usually in English. In April 2011, the Black & White expansion set was made available.
Southeast Asia Regional Championships
On December 1 and 2, 2012, Singapore hosted the first ever Southeast Asian Regional Championships (Autumn) for the Trading Card Game[1]. The event took place at Pasir Ris Elias Community Centre, Singapore, and hosted players from Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and Hong Kong.
The second Southeast Asian Regional Championships (Spring) will take place at SAFRA Mount Faber on March 16 and 17, 2013[2].
Pokémon merchandise
Pokémon manga
Chuang Yi, one of the two official publishers of Pokémon manga in the English language, is based in Singapore. Chuang Yi translates 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 translate several series not translated by VIZ Media, as well as their continuing publication of Pokémon Adventures.
Pokémon toys
McDonald's in Singapore occasionally gives out Pokémon toys as part of their Happy Meal promotion. The Happy Meals were first accompanied by one of eight different Pikachu toys in March 2011; Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott, Zekrom, Reshiram, Victini and Pikachu later in April 2012, and finally Pikachu, Oshawott, Zekrom, Reshiram, Thundurus, Tornadus and Landorus in January 2013.
McDonald's Happy Meal promotion for March 2011
McDonald's Happy Meal promotion for April 2012
McDonalds's Happy Meal promotion for January 2013
Pokémon Center merchandise
In March 2013, Maxsoft collaborated with The Pokémon Company and stocked local shelves of retailers like 'Comics Connection' and 'This & That' with goods and merchandise direct from Pokémon Centers in Japan[3]. These include small and large plush toys, Pokémon mascot dolls, A4-sized clear folders and goods from the video game Pokémon Conquest[4].
Community
Team Robo
- Main article: Team Robo
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 Trading Card Game and the Video Games. 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 Pokémon Professor, and a person known as a 'Gym Leader'.
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 main organisers are usually Team Robo and Maxsoft Pte. Ltd., although there have been events like the Pika Pika Carnival which is jointly organised with The Pokémon Company.
History of major events
2010
The first large-scaled event held in Singapore was the Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver TCG Tournament, held on March 2010 at Junction 8, Bishan. The event was primarily aimed at TCG players.
Following that, in June 2010, an event was held at Millenia Walk which expanded its target audience to general Pokémon fans in Singapore. The event incorporated the Pokémon TCG National Championship 2010, the first-ever Elite 4 challenge in Singapore, and a digital art contest.
From mid-November to December 2010, Team Robo organized a Christmas-themed event at Tampines Mall. The event incorporated many small events together such as mini-games, workshops, stage shows, as well as tournaments such as the Pokémon TCG City Championship SG 2010 and the Pokémon NDS Video Game Christmas Bash. The video game challenge, dubbed the "Battle Mall Challenge", incorporated features of the in-game Elite Four as well as Battle Frontier facilities. Challengers had to defeat four Trainers in a row, each stationed on every floor, in order to be able to challenge the Battle Mall Captain. Players would have to restart if they lost to any of the four Trainers. If the player managed to defeat the Battle Mall Captain, it would entitle him or her to participate in a tournament (Boxing Day Challenge) held on December 26, 2010. The top three players of the tournament would be able to win a coupon to be exchanged for a copy of the Pokémon Black and White on the day of release. [5]
2011
On March 6, 2011, the date of the US English release of the Pokémon Black and White, a launch event-cum-tournament took place at Funan DigitaLife Mall. Participants of the tournament had to form a team while playing through 3 hours of a new game, and then battle each other in a tournament with their team. Matches were conducted via Wonder Launcher Triple Battles. The overall winner of the tournament would walk away with a new copy of Pokémon Black or Pokémon White, and a companion guidebook for the game. [6]
From June 13 to June 19, 2011, an event took place at West Mall which comprises of the Pokémon TCG National Championships 2011 and the Pokémon Black & White Video Game Elite 4 Tournament. The video game tournament used the rules of the 2011 Video Game Championships, and each day, players competed in several swiss rounds to become the top 3 finalists for that day. All the finalists then competed on June 19, 2011 to determine the top four players who would be crowned the "Elite Four" of Singapore. The overall winner won a Nintendo 3DS.
Between November 19 and December 31, 2011, an Pokémon-themed Christmas event was held at 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 Pokémon TCG City Championships 2011 for TCG players, and well as the Pokémon Nintendo DS Challenge for video game players, where the top three winners walked away with a new copy of Pokémon Rumble Blast.
2012
From May 11 to 20, 2012, the 'Pika Pika Carnival', an event co-organised by Maxsoft and The Pokémon Company, will be held at Isetan Scotts. The carnival will feature merchandise from the Pokémon Centre, a motion sensor game, mini-games, and a photo taking session with a Pikachu mascot. An event Pikachu is also distributed during the event which holds a Light Ball, and knows the moves Volt Tackle, Thunder, Grass Knot and Quick Attack. This event marks the first time an event Pokémon is distributed in Singapore.
On June 16 and 17, 2012, the Pokémon TCG National Championships 2012 and the Video Game Elite Four Competition was held at Funan DigitaLife Mall, Singapore. The event was jointly organised by Maxsoft and Team Robo, and was the third time an Elite Four tournament was held in Singapore. The rulings for the Elite Four tournament follows the 2012 Video Game Championships.
On October 6, 2012, the first inter-country video game tournament in Southeast Asia took place between Singapore and Philippines[7][8]. The event was coordinated between the two heads of the respective video games community and battles were conducted in the Wi-Fi room.
On October 7, 2012, the day of the US English release of the Pokémon Black and White Versions 2, a launch event-cum-tournament took place Funan Digitalife Mall, Singapore. The event was the same as the launch event tournament held for Pokémon Black and White on March 6, 2011, the only difference being the versions used for the tournament.
On December 1 and 2, 2012, Singapore hosted the Southeast Asian Regional Championships for the Trading Card Game, together with a video game tournament and a variety of side events. The Regional Championships featured players from Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and Hong Kong, and was the first time a regional tournament was held in Southeast Asia. On the second day of the event, a video game tournament was held which only allowed the Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 video games. The rules are similar to the rulings of the upcoming 2013 Video Game Championships. The event also featured PokéPark 2 on the Wii, a series of video game side events, and a seminar on competitive play by Eugene Tan, the first-place winner of the 2012 Elite Four Tournament[9].
See also
- Official Pokémon website for Singapore
- Chuang Yi's official website
- Maxsoft Pte. Ltd. - official distributor of Nintendo products in Singapore
- Team Robo's official website
References
- ↑ 2012 Autumn Southeast Asian Regional Championships
- ↑ 2013 Spring Southeast Asian Regional Championships
- ↑ Locations selling Pokémon Center merchandise in March 2013
- ↑ List of Pokémon Center merchandise sold in March 2013
- ↑ Pokémon Christmas Bash Event Report @ Team Robo Forum
- ↑ Pokémon Black and White versions Launch Event & Tournament information and details
- ↑ Announcement on the Philippines Pokémon Community webpage
- ↑ Results for the Singapore-Philippines inter-country video game tournament
- ↑ Maxsoft's events page
| The Pokémon franchise around the world | |
|---|---|
| The Americas: | Brazil • Canada • Latin America • United States |
| Asia: | Greater China • Indonesia • Japan • Malaysia • Philippines • Singapore • South Asia • South Korea • Thailand • Vietnam |
| Europe: | Albania • Belgium • Bulgaria • Croatia • Czech Republic • Denmark • Finland • France • Germany • Greece Hungary • Iceland • Ireland • Italy • Latvia • Lithuania • Netherlands • North Macedonia • Norway • Poland Portugal • Romania • Russia • Serbia • Slovakia • Spain • Sweden • Ukraine • United Kingdom |
| Middle East: | Arab world • Israel • Turkey |
| Oceania: | Australia • New Zealand |
|
This article is part of Project Globe, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon franchise around the world. |
