Did Nintendo just reveal a pair of new Pokémon games?

By Mike Epstein February 26, 2016

pokemon sun and moon trademarks — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Nintendo may have inadvertently revealed the names and logos for a new pair of Pokémon games, Pokémon Sun and Moon, Thursday, ahead of the games’ scheduled reveal. The publisher filed trademarks for the two games in the European Union Thursday, which featured what appear to be logos for each.

Meanwhile, Nintendo announced it will broadcast a Pokémon-themed Nintendo Direct livestream Friday morning. The announcement said fans should “be sure” to visit Pokemon.com after the event.

Catch the new Pokémon Direct on Feb. 26 at 7 a.m. PT! https://t.co/sVsqDLWp43 pic.twitter.com/N4PoQgwU5Z

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 24, 2016

A Nintendo of America parody Twitter account with similar name and image tweeted that Sun and Moon would be released in 2016, causing some media outlets to incorrectly report that Nintendo confirmed the game ahead of schedule. (The parody account has been suspended.)

The broadcast comes just a day ahead of the original Pokémon’s 20th anniversary. Nintendo has rolled out a long list of promotions to commemorate the anniversary, including a Pokémon-themed New 3DS console, and upcoming ports of Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow coming the 3DS eShop Saturday, Feburary 27.

Rumors that Nintendo would announce new Pokémon sequels in 2016 intensified earlier this month when the design for a new Pokémon called Magiana was published in Japanese magazine Coro Coro. According to Eurogamer, the magazine article said Magiana would appear in an upcoming Pokémon film, Volcanion and the Exquisite Magiana, but would not appear as DLC in the latest Pokémon games, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. While past reports have referred to the upcoming sequel as “Pokémon Z,” a presumptive sequel to 2013 game Pokémon X and Y, the new trademarks make Sun and Moon a more viable possibility.

We’ll find out what the new Pokémon games are called when (and if) they’re announced at the February, 2016, Nintendo Direct, which begins Friday at 10am Eastern. You can check out the livestream on the Nintendo website.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Michael is a New York-based tech and culture reporter, and a graduate of Northwestwern University’s Medill School of…

Gaming

Wordle Today: Wordle answer and hints for May 2

Someone playing Wordle on a smartphone.

We have the solution to Wordle on May 2, as well as some helpful hints to help you figure out the answer yourself, right here. We've placed the answer at the bottom of the page, so we don't ruin the surprise before you've had a chance to work through the clues. So let's dive in, starting with a reminder of yesterday's answer.
Yesterday's Wordle answer
Let's start by first reminding ourselves of yesterday's Wordle answer for those new to the game or who don't play it daily, which was "DIARY." So we can say that the Wordle answer today definitely isn't that. Now, with that in mind, perhaps take another stab at it using one of these Wordle starting words and circle back if you have no luck.
Hints for today's Wordle
Still can't figure it out? We have today's Wordle answer right here, below. But first, one more thing: Let's take a look at three hints that could help you find the solution, without giving it away, so there's no need to feel guilty about keeping your streak alive -- you put in some work, after all! Or just keep scrolling for the answer.

Today’s Wordle starts with the letter S.
Today’s Wordle uses two vowels.
Today's Wordle refers to a thin, flat piece of food that has been cut from a larger portion.

Gaming

NYT Connections: hints and answers for Thursday, May 2

Connections is the latest puzzle game from the New York Times. The game tasks you with categorizing a pool of 16 words into four secret (for now) groups by figuring out how the words relate to each other. The puzzle resets every night at midnight and each new puzzle has a varying degree of difficulty. Just like Wordle, you can keep track of your winning streak and compare your scores with friends.

Some days are trickier than others. If you're having a little trouble solving today's Connections puzzle, check out our tips and hints below. And if you still can't get it, we'll tell you today's answers at the very end.
How to play Connections
In Connections, you'll be shown a grid containing 16 words — your objective is to organize these words into four sets of four by identifying the connections that link them. These sets could encompass concepts like titles of video game franchises, book series sequels, shades of red, names of chain restaurants, etc.

Gaming

NYT Mini Crossword today: puzzle answers for Thursday, May 2

Love crossword puzzles but don't have all day to sit and solve a full-sized puzzle in your daily newspaper? That's what The Mini is for!

A bite-sized version of the New York Times' well-known crossword puzzle, The Mini is a quick and easy way to test your crossword skills daily in a lot less time (the average puzzle takes most players just over a minute to solve). While The Mini is smaller and simpler than a normal crossword, it isn't always easy. Tripping up on one clue can be the difference between a personal best completion time and an embarrassing solve attempt.