Nintendo announced today that beginning this Sunday, folks who place a pre-order on Pokemon Platinum at any participating retailers will receive a free Giratina Origin figurine. Crafted by Kaiyodo, the figurine stands at 2.75 inches tall.

Due out March 22 in North America, Pokemon Platinum is a remake of Diamond and Pearl, featuring enhanced visuals and WiFi connection capabilities.

NINTENDO OFFERS PLATINUM TO CONSUMERS – RESERVE YOUR PRECIOUS COPY NOW

Limited Giratina Origin Forme Figure Available to Fans who Pre-Order Pokémon Platinum Version

REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 11, 2009 – Pokémon® games have always required players to have a sense of timing and good strategy. So here’s one move that’s sure to produce awesome results. Beginning Feb. 15, Pokémon fans who reserve a copy of the upcoming Pokémon Platinum Version game for the Nintendo DS™ system will receive a Giratina™ Origin Forme figure, while supplies last.

The Giratina Origin Forme has never been seen before and appears for the first time in the Pokémon Platinum Version video game, which launches in the United States on March 22. The figure will be available nationwide through participating retailers, which might require a deposit to reserve the game. Most retailers will provide the figure when a reservation is made, though consumers are advised to check with their preferred retailer for details.

Pokémon Platinum Version is the latest epic Pokémon adventure. With new features, Pokémon formes and online options, it expands on the best elements from previous Pokémon titles to reach new levels of fun and adventure. Pokémon Platinum Version follows on the heels of the very popular Pokémon Diamond Version and Pokémon Pearl Version, which launched in the United States in April 2007. According to independent data from the NPD Group, more than 5.3 million copies of those two games have been sold in the United States alone.

“Pokémon fans know all about one-of-a-kind characters, and this figure is sure to get them fired up for Pokémon Platinum Version,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “More than 186 million Pokémon games have been sold around the world, making it one of consumers’ favorite video game franchises. Pokémon Platinum Version builds on that strong tradition of great games.”

The sculpted Giratina Origin Forme figure strikes a dramatic pose and stands about 2.75 inches tall. It is crafted by Kaiyodo, an internationally renowned figure-making company. In Pokémon Platinum Version, Giratina appears in its Origin Forme in the mysterious new Distortion World. Giratina is classified as a Renegade Pokémon of the Ghost/Dragon type. Giratina Origin Forme has the special Ability to Levitate, which makes Giratina immune to Ground-type attacks. Giratina will revert to its “Altered Forme” (seen in Pokémon Diamond Version and Pokémon Pearl Version, each sold separately) once a player encounters and catches it in Pokémon Platinum Version. Players may transform Giratina back into its Origin Forme by having it hold a special item found in the game.

Read more: Pokemon Platinum Hits Japan This Fall, DSi First Week Sales Total 435,000 In U.S., Nintendo Responsible For 60 Percent Of Industry Growth In 2007, Pokemon Launch Event Photos, Japan Goes Crazy Over Pokemon Platinum, Game Sells Over 900K Units In Two Days