Pokemon Black and White: New details on US release date

Nintendo reveals the US release date for Pokemon Black and White, plus the exclusive legendary dragons.

Update: For the latest Pokemon Black and White news, check out our new article here.

We knew the name. We knew the main characters. We knew the starter creatures. But until recently, Nintendo had not revealed the US release date for "Pokemon Black" and "White." Now we know – and it's a long time to wait.

These twin titles will hit stores in the Spring of 2011. That's about 6 months after they arrive in Japan.

The Pokemon team also announced the two legendary monsters that will be exclusive to one version of the game. Reshiram, an ivory-colored colossus with claws on its wings, will only be available in "Pokemon Black." Zekrom, a dark-metal behemoth with horned nose and bulbous posterior, will lurk in "Pokemon White." Reports from Nintendo suggest that they're both dragon-type Pokemon. If you want the pair, you better trade with a friend – or buy both versions of the game.

Expect to learn many more reasons to pick up both "Pokemon Black" and "White." The game's developers hinted at major differences between the two – more than with past pairings. They promised to elaborate soon.

In the meantime, join the 600-plus comments in our massive Pokemon discussion thread, share your thoughts on the new starter Pokemon, or kick off a new conversation in the comments section below. Are you buying "Pokemon Black" or "White"? How do you think the two titles will differ? Which legendary do you prefer?

Update: For the latest Pokemon Black and White news, check out our new article here.