It’s official– Pokémon has undergone its greatest mixup yet, with the very first direct sequel ever in Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2. 3-on-3 battles? So 2011. Metal- and Dark-types? So 2001. 2012, my friends, is all about “new surprises” in Pokémon Black and White Version 2. And it’s definitely going to be on the 3DS, right?

Oh, actually, we’re hearing from our correspondent embedded in Game Freak, Inc. that the game’s actually gonna be for Nintendo DS, like its predecessors from Generation IV and V. That’s interesting considering that Nintendo DS is well on its way out (requiescat in pace, old friend)– but Version 2 just might keep it alive for another few years, which sounds counterintuitive but we’re no Miyamoto. And really, these games are no Pokémon Grey, but considering Pokémon Black and White are among the most story-based games of its series, they might just actually merit direct sequels on account of everybody likes N and the however many Sages there are.

In fact, it’d probably be really interesting to some people— so long as Game Freak, Inc. properly explores the narrative possibilities. If it’s just another Pokémon expansion pack, though … well, people are still gonna buy it anyway.

What does everyone think? Full press release below as always.

Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 Announced

Two New Highly Anticipated Pokémon Video Games Coming This Fall

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Coming off the record-breaking popularity of the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games, Nintendo of America Inc. announced today that two new Pokémon titles, Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2, are coming to North America in 2012. Fans can anticipate plenty of new surprises when the games launch this fall.

Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 will be available for the Nintendo DS family of systems. The games can also be played in 2D on Nintendo 3DS systems. More game details will be announced throughout the year. For more information and a first look at new character art of Black Kyurem and White Kyurem from Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2, visit www.pokemon.com.