The Pokemon Company surprised everyone today with the release of a new fighter and a US release date for Pokken Tournament.  Along with the three leaked fighters, the ghost fire-type Chandelure is joining the roster of Pokken Tournament.  No gameplay footage has been released yet, but Nintendo announced they will release a trailer for the new fighter during a special tournament event on January 31st.  A US release date was also announced, and fans can expect to play the Wii U exclusive on March 18th.

Chandelure is certainly an interesting and unexpected choice for the roster.  Most of the characters on the roster have at least two arms and legs, so it will be interesting to see how a floating chandelier will fight.  Chandelure is also the first representative from the Black and White series, and while I personally would’ve preferred someone like Golurk or Hydreigon, it’s nice to see the 5th generation get some love.  Chandelure is probably one of the more notable entries in the 5th generation thanks to it’s popularity in the competitive scene and even it’s appearance as a Smash-Run enemy in Smash Bros.

It looks like Pokken Tournament is going to be one of the Wii U’s biggest releases.  A Japanese Wii U bundle including the game, the Shadow Mewtwo Amiibo card, and a special controller have already been announced.  While no console bundle has been announced for the states, people who buy the game early in the US and Europe will get the Shadow Mewtwo Amiibo card along with the game.  Much like Smash Bros and Splatoon, Pokken Tournament might become a new system seller for the Wii U.

The Pokemon Company is really pulling out all the stops for Pokemon’s 20th anniversary.  Along with Pokken Tournament, we have the re-release of the original Gameboy games on Feburary 27th, as well as the limited edition New 3DS bundle releasing on the same date.  Let’s not also forget the highly anticipated mobile game Pokemon Go!, which is also slated for release this year.  It’s never been a better time to be a Pokemon fan and I’m sure we will get more big announcements for the franchises 20th anniversary.