Pokémon Stadium update

[02.08.00] » Full details on the expanded one-player mode.

   Nintendo has been busy tuning up Pokémon Stadium for its North American release next month. In addition to adding the new photography mode, NOA has modified the game's central Stadium mode. While the mode's focus remains on two-player combat, the one-player mode has been augmented with a new Cup to challenge.

   In the English version of PokéSta, the Stadium mode will consist of four Cups: the Pika Cup, the Petit Cup, the Poké Cup, and the Prime Cup. Each Cup has its own entrance requirements. The Pika Cup is only open to Pokémon with a level between 15 and 20; the total level of the three Pokémon you fight with cannot exceed 50. The Petit Cup allows unevolved Pokémon between levels 25 and 30 who weigh less than 44 pounds. The Poké Cup features Pokémon of levels 50 to 55, with no other special restrictions. Finally, the Prime Cup is open to all Pokémon; expect to see level 100 hardhitters here.

   In the first two Cups (Pika and Petit), players will battle a series of eight trainers, earning one of the eight badges after each battle. (Battles are conducted according to the Gym Leader Castle's three Pokémon rule.) No continues are alloted initially, but if you win a battle without any of your Pokémon fainting, you'll earn a continue that allows you to replay a battle without restarting the entire Cup.

   The latter two Cups up the ante by requiring you to earn all eight badges four times -- once in the Poké Ball class, once in the Great Ball, once in Ultra Ball, and Master Ball. Again, continues must be earned; lose a battle without any continues in stock and you'll have to start the Cup all over.

   What do you get for winning all four Cups? We're not telling (okay, so we actually don't know), but you can find out when Pokémon Stadium ships on March 6th.