Nintendo announced today that the all new Pokémon Diamond Version and Pokémon Pearl Version, will be available on April 22nd for the Nintendo DS. The in-depth games feature-enhanced graphics that make Pokémon jump off the screen like never before. In addition to the 380 Pokémon available in previous versions, players can collect, train and battle more than 100 new Pokémon. After completing certain objectives, they can also import Pokémon from their Game Boy Advance games.

But the game’s wireless abilities are what will have everyone talking – literally. Using a local wireless connection, up to eight trainers can connect and play. Both Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl are fully Wi-Fi compatible, meaning players can log onto Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo’s wireless gaming service, and compete with players all around the world. The microphone built into the Nintendo DS lets players talk with friends before, during and after battles. Only players who have entered one another’s Friend Codes can communicate using this Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, feature so players can control with whom they communicate. For kids, it’s like having a cell phone that can only connect with their friends.

“The amazing wireless and voice chat features of Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl offer gamers something completely new,” says Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice president and general manager. “We make games for everybody, and these Pokémon titles are sure to be a hit with new and returning players.”

Players can trade Pokémon or battle with players anywhere in the world, even without voice communication. The Global Trade Station allows players to post Pokémon they want to trade on a board and browse through Pokémon other players have posted. The Battle Tower allows players to battle with seven Trainers who have registered their player data in the Wi-Fi Battle Dome. After the battle, players can upload their data so other Trainers can battle them virtually. The more games a player wins, the higher his or her ranking.

Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl feature the ability for players to control their Pokédex using the touch screen controls of Nintendo DS. As time passes in the real world, the look of the games changes. The Pokémon characters that appear change, and the evolution of some Pokémon is affected.

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