'Pokemon Sun and Moon' news: First footage to be revealed on April 3

Fans are now anticipating the release of "Pokémon Sun and Moon" games, a joint endeavor between game developer Game Freak and the Pokémon Company as the publisher. It is scheduled for release in 2016, celebrating the Pokemon franchise's 20th anniversary. The game will be available for the handheld game console, Nintendo 3DS.

Nintendo keeps from divulging too much details with regards to their Pokemon games scheduled for release this year. As noted by Cinemablend, the electronics and software company seems to be mysterious, as they have not been showing a lot of promotional material or footages for the upcoming games. However, fans are in luck because the first gameplay footage for "Pokemon Sun and Moon" is slated to be unveiled very soon. To be more specific, it will be on April 3 this year.

A report from Serebii.net noted that the footage will be shown during a weekly variety show in Japan called "Gathering at the Pokémon House." Some of the few special guests expected to make an appearance are series director Junichi Masuda, battle director Shigeki Morimoto and Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire director Shigeru Ohmori.

For the uninitiated, the first Pokemon game was released 20 years ago. Satoshi Tajiri thought of the concept around 1989 or 1990, following the debut of handheld video game device "Game Boy." During its early years, the Pokemon games were known for its strategic element brought about by its role-playing nature. However, what made the game franchise a bigger hit is because the "players were fascinated with the fictional creatures they had to collect, train and send to battle," according to Neurogadget.

Recent reports mention of another game offering from the Pokemon Company. Known as the Pokemon Z, the game will serve as a continuation to Pokemon X and Y. Rumors claim that the Pokemon Z will arrive after "Pokemon Sun and Moon" makes its official launch.