Hinted and teased at for the last couple of years, Nintendo finally opens the floodgates on the latest Pokemon...

Nintendo has today unveiled the first screens and information from Pokemon's true debut on the Nintendo DS, in the shape of Pokemon Pearl and Pokemon Diamond.

Once again the game will find players uniting with a scientist at the start of the game, Dr. Nanakamando, who will provide the player's character with their very first Pokemon, before acquainting them with the latest Pokedex to collect and study the creatures of Shinou.

Both Pokemon Pearl and Diamond utilise the touch and dual screen capabilities of the DS, resulting in a more complex Pokedex for players to study, comparing the size and weight of themselves with captured Pokemon and adjusting the sound of their voices using various sliders.

The main character will also have a Poketchi to use throughout the adventure, an abbreviation of the Pokemon Watch, with multiple features such as presenting the evolution of the Pokemon according to their gender and the various elementary abilities that they can harness.

Using the DS internal clock to present an authentic day/night cycle with five different stages (Morning, Noon, Afternoon, Evening and Dust), Pokemon players will have to use the different times to catch different creatures in a similar fashion to Pokemon Gold and Silver.

Although neither Pokemon Pearl or Diamond introduces any new types of Pokemon, both games will focus on the differences between genders, with such examples as a female Wooper having a smaller antennae than its male equivalent.

With the suggestion of the traditionally mysterious basement areas in the Pokemon Centre, speculation has already begun that the game will mark the series entry into online with full support for the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service and connectivity to the recently confirmed Wii title, Pokemon Battle Revolution.

Pokemon Pearl and Pokemon Diamond are scheduled for a Japanese release in Autumn 2006, followed by a Europe at some stage in 2007; look out for more information soon...