This weekend, Japanese gamers will be treated to the Next Generation World Hobby Fair, and as part of the deal, they will get to see the unveiling of Dragon Quest Monsters 2. The fair, which has no admission charge, runs in Tokyo January 13th and 14th, and will be touring Japan throughout the next month, making stops in Fukuoka, Osaka and Nagoya. The Dragon Quest Monsters 2 unveiling will no doubt attract many people, but there are also other entertainment options ranging from stage shows to autograph sessions with popular manga writers. Some of the toys and games on exhibit will be for sale. For the athletically inclined, there's even mini-soccer lessons provided at no charge.

After the unveiling of Dragon Quest Monsters 2, both versions of the game will be available for public trial at several terminals. Adding to the monster catching fun will be a special Pokémon feature, which will see Nintendo install data for the first 20 010 gamers who applied in advance. Once they bring their Game Boys to the show, the data will allow them to get Celebi, the time-travelling Pokémon, for either Pokémon Gold, Pokémon Silver, or Pokémon Crystal.

Dragon Quest Monsters 2 is set for release on March 22nd, 2001. The game's unveiling at this show is sure to create more anticipation for what is already an eagerly awaited title. North American fans have yet to receive news of a release date, however.