Let’s start off with the weekly dose of the Pokémon news. The game has already sold one million copies... before it’s even out (via pre-orders in Japan). Yes, Pokémon is still a force to be reckoned with after all these years. Early in the week, Nintendo Australia announced three new DSi XL colors which are due out later next month - they’re very bright. Do these new colours mean there’s now no chance at all for the 3DS this year?

The developer of Wii Party, NdCube, is now an in-house developer at Nintendo after being snapped up by the big N. Wii Party has sold very, very well in Japan and we’re sure it’ll pull big numbers everywhere else. The UK is even receiving it in a special bundle that includes a free Wii Remote.

Telltale Games also put out this crazy trailer... it appears to have characters from all sorts of franchises. It’s some sort of crossover. What do you think it is?

Around the forums

Think you’re super-skilled in New Super Mario Bros. Wii? We’ve got a new set of challenges for you try and if you’re good enough, a custom-made userbar could be yours!

Lastly, a little plug for one of my own articles. If you haven’t read my "Hype Club - Avoiding hype to better enjoy games" feature, then check it out and then join in the discussion and see if you agree.

This week’s releases

This week sees the rush of titles that begin the annual lead-up to Christmas. It’s been quiet for months but now it’s about to kick off. The big game of course this week is Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore. Can’t wait for that one. Or perhaps you’re hankering for Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem? We Sing Encore? What, there is no game out this week that interests you? What about this one, Metroid: Other M?

Jokes aside, look for our review (hopefully) before it’s out and a full bargain round-up tonight.