Pokemon Diamond/Pearl Gets VoIP Headset

Officials from Nintendo of America have revealed new details of the Western version of Pokemon Diamond and Pearl on the Nintendo DS (essentially the forth in the core series of role-playing games), with support for VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) including a separately sold headset. The games, which, as usual, are functionally identical to each other except for a small number of exclusive Pokemon to encourage trading, are due to be released in North American on April 22nd, after already becoming the best selling iterations of the series so far in Japan. The original Japanese versions already contain online support for battles and trading, as well as in conjunction with Wii title Pokemon Battle Revolution (part of the Pokemon Stadium/Coliseum series). However, new to the Western version of the game will be VoIP support, allowing users to communicate freely and instantly over the Internet. Although the feature will work via the handheld’s built-in microphone, a separate headset will also be released at the same time as the game – presumably with the potential to be used in other subsequent titles. In keeping with Nintendo’s normally security conscious approach to online features, the new communication option will only be available for those that have exchanged Friend Codes, and will be disabled for all other players met online. "The amazing wireless and voice chat features of Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl offer gamers something completely new," said George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "We make games for everybody, and these Pokemon titles are sure to be a hit with new and returning players."