Mar 7, 2011 3:45 PM

Gallery: Pokémon NYC Launch Party Rocks 'Em All

01
giant-pikachu
NEW YORK -- Fans came out in droves to the Nintendo World Store in Rockefeller Center Saturday, eager to get their paws on early copies of [Pokémon Black and White](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/gamelife/2011/03/pokemon-black-and-white-review/). According to a Nintendo representative, this year's Pokémon launch party was the biggest event that the company has thrown so far at its flagship New York City retail store. Gamers of all ages attended the party, where they could collect T-shirts and rock out to an original Pokémon song, as performed by The Presidents of the United States of America. Nintendo has [released the song, "Can't Stop (Catchin' Em All)" as a free-to-download MP3](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/images_blogs/gamelife/2011/03/Cant-Stop-Catchin-Em-All.mp3). __Listen:__ <audio controls=""><source src="http://stag-komodo.wired.com/images_blogs/gamelife/2011/03/Cant-Stop-Catchin-Em-All.ogg"></source><source src="http://stag-komodo.wired.com/images_blogs/gamelife/2011/03/Cant-Stop-Catchin-Em-All.mp3"></source>\[dewplayer: http://stag-komodo.wired.com/images\_blogs/gamelife/2011/03/Cant-Stop-Catchin-Em-All.mp3\]</audio> __Above:__ A giant Pikachu terrorized children with its cuteness and danced with anyone who passed by.
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pokemon-line
Hordes of Pokémon fans lined up for the chance to buy the new game early.

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pokemon-waiting
Though the line spanned several blocks, these Pokémon fans were able to perch up front. That's because some of them had arrived at 8 a.m., seven hours before the event started.
04
snivy-and-tepig
Blown-up depictions of starter Pokémon Snivy, Tepig and Oshawott (not pictured) greeted fans as they walked through the plaza.

05
reshiram
A huge blow-up doll depicting Reshiram, who lends his face to the cover of Pokémon Black, leered down at event attendees.
06
pokemon-players
Nintendo DS demo units allowed gamers to test out Pokémon Black and White before deciding whether to buy the latest series entries.

07
ash-2
Jordan Depinto, 20, dressed up as Pokémon protagonist Ash so he, too, could catch 'em all.
08
presidents-of-the-united-states
Grammy-nominated rock band The Presidents of the United States of America played several songs. An original song called "Can't Stop (Catchin' Em All)" listed the names and descriptions of over 50 Pokémon from the new games.

The back of this photo reads “When Charles came down in the sea with Folkestone. Stationed at H_ at the time.” © Brigid Ashwood 2013
09
rockin-out
Fans danced their Poké-pants off as The Presidents of the United States of America performed.
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chris-ballew
Presidents of the United States of America lead singer Chris Ballew rocked out, Pokémon-style.

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