Okay, here's the thing. I haven't played a Pokemon game in years, haven't seen the show in about a decade, and have never seen any of the Pokemon movies. I'm not exactly what you would call a Pokemaniac. Even during the heyday of Pokemania, I wasn't too obsessed with catching 'em all, because I didn't have a handheld system on which to do so. However, I am kind of looking forward to Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, remakes of 2000 Game Boy Color games Gold and Silver. Yes, they have the dumbest names ever, but they were also solid role-playing games, and I might be interested in going back to a time where there were less than 200 Pokemans. If you have also been looking forward to HeartGold and SoulSilver (don't be ashamed), Nintendo's new pre-order bonus will probably sweeten the deal for you. The publisher announced today that figures of legendary Pokemon Ho-oh and Lugia will be rewarded to those who reserve HeartGold and SoulSilver, respectively.



The figures seen above were crafted by Japanese figure-making company Kaiyodo. The press release doesn't state how big they are, but since they don't cost anything extra I can't imagine people complaining. According to Nintendo, they will be available at "major retailers", but only while supplies last. I guess there's only one question left to ask: Ho-Oh or Lugia?

The press release if you need help deciding.

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- For Pokémon™ fans, good things come to those who don’t wait. The new Pokémon™ HeartGold Version and Pokémon™ SoulSilver Version games for the portable Nintendo DS™ and Nintendo DSi™ systems will launch across North America on March 14, but consumers will have the chance to receive a reward for pre-ordering the games beginning Feb. 1. Those who take advantage of this pre-sale opportunity can receive a Legendary Pokémon figure crafted by Kaiyodo, an internationally renowned figure-making company, while supplies last at major retailers, giving fans of the blockbuster series yet another way to enjoy its vast and imaginative cast of Pokémon characters.

Consumers who pre-order Pokémon HeartGold Version will receive a figure of Ho-Oh™, a Legendary Pokémon that circles the skies of the Johto region on rainbow-colored wings. Those who pre-order Pokémon SoulSilver Version will get a figure of Lugia™, a Legendary Pokémon that dwells deep in the seas and has the power to create massive storms. Ho-Oh and Lugia are featured on the packages of the Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Version games, and these premiums will be offered at participating retailers nationwide while supplies last.

“These unique figures are our way of thanking Pokémon fans of all ages for the enthusiasm and support they have shown for the series,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions include new features and enhancements that players will instantly appreciate, and we think these terrific figures will help to get fans even more excited about what is in store for them on March 14.”

Created exclusively for the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions return players to the scenic Johto region first introduced in the popular Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver Version games for the portable Game Boy™ system a decade ago. Both games have been fully updated with enhanced graphics and sound, plus new touch-screen features. The games are also bundled with the new Pokéwalker™ accessory, a portable device that players can use to take their favorite Pokémon from the Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Version games wherever they go, catch wild Pokémon and even find hidden items.

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions each carry a suggested retail price of $39.99. For more information about Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version, visit www.pokemon.com.