In yesterday's Pokémon Direct broadcast, Game Freak announced a new cloud-based service that will allow Pokémon fans to store their pocket monster collections and send them from game to game. This Pokémon Bank application will be available for purchase on the 3DS eShop and allows players to store up to three thousand Pokémon.

As per the diagram below, players who own the Pokémon Bank app will be able to download a Pokémon Transporter app that allows them to transfer Pokémon from the current generation of games into the bank. Starting with Pokémon X/Y, players will be able to freely deposit and withdraw Pokémon. There will be an unspecified annual fee for using the Pokémon Bank service.

The broadcast contained a few other Pokémon news pieces of interest. First, the player character will not only receive a Generation VI starter Pokémon (Chespin, Fennekin, or Froakie) at the beginning of X/Y, he or she will also be able to pick up a Generation I starter (Squirtle, Charmander, or Bulbasaur) from the Pokémon Professor. All three have been given Mega forms.

Second, North America and Europe will be receiving red and blue versions of a special Pokémon 3DS XL, which will be available for purchase starting September 27. They will not be bundled with the new games.