February 11^th, 2003 (12:00am) - The Japanese version of Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire in their first six weeks of availability sold nearly 4 million copies combined, and in preparation for a similar onslaught, Nintendo of America has begun its pre-order campaign. If you pre-order a copy of Pokemon Ruby or Sapphire you receive a limited-edition holographic Pokemon collector’s coin. Unfortunately, you will only be able to receive the coin while supplies last, and seeing how the Pokemon craze is still as strong as ever, I suggest running to the local game retailer NOW. Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire go on sale March 17th, The Darkness Comes…

"The phenomenal sales of Pokemon Ruby and Pokemon Sapphire in Japan illustrate the continuing popularity of the Pokemon franchise," says George Harrison, senior vice president, marketing and corporate communications, Nintendo of America Inc. "After five years, kids are watching the Pokemon cartoon in record numbers, buying the video games and collecting Pokemon Trading Cards -- and we have every reason to believe these two Pokemon games will be as huge in North America as they are in Japan."

"We are anxiously awaiting the launch of Pokemon Ruby and Pokemon Sapphire in the U.S. because these games will usher in a new phase for the Pokemon brand," says Akira Chiba, president of Pokemon USA, Inc. "Pokemon Ruby and Pokemon Sapphire will be the starting point for a whole new Pokemon world in regard to the trading card game, merchandise, the animated TV series and theatrical releases."