The wait is finally over as the next installment of Pokémon is out now. Just what kind of reception did these games receive?

Union J become Union XY to celebrate Pokémon launch

Union J are today officially changing their name to Union XY – for one day only – to celebrate the launch of Pokémon X and Pokémon Y which is out now (October 12th) on Nintendo 3DS.

The band announced their intentions at a recent press conference during which they revealed that band member, George Shelley, a lifelong Pokémon fan had suggested the idea to the rest of the band. He was also instrumental in the design of the Union XY logo, which they created especially to mark the band’s renaming today.

During the filming of the last season of X Factor the Union J boys were noted for passing the time by playing Pokémon: band member Josh was even known to hide in the little boys’ room to extend his playing time.

“We all love Pokémon and are so excited that the wait for Pokémon X and Pokémon Y is finally over: we’re going to spend a lot of time battling each other when we go on tour,” said band member, Jaymi. George added: “We wanted to do something awesome to celebrate the game’s launch today, and changing our name to Union XY for the day was the ultimate tribute.”

The official Union J to Union XY name change will happen today, the same day as Pokémon X and Pokémon Y releases exclusively on Nintendo 3DS.

You can join the fun on Twitter by tweeting to @UnionJWorld.

Fans Gather at the Pokémon X and Y Launch Event in Rockefeller Plaza

Nintendo World in New York was packed with fans lined up to purchase Pokemon X and Y at the Launch event on Oct. 11. Check out these images capturing the excitement and fun that was being had.

Are you planning on picking up Pokémon X or Pokémon Y? Maybe you already have? Sound off in the comment section below!