Pokémon Bank now available on 3DS eShop

The long-awaited Pokémon Bank has finally been released on the North American eShop for Nintendo 3DS. Announced back in October of last year, the 3DS application and service was supposed to release by the end of December; however, due to issues with the Nintendo Network caused by the app's launch in Japan, its global release was temporarily delayed. Last month, the app released in certain Asian countries and yesterday it made its European debut. Now, it's our turn in America.

As its name suggests, Pokémon Bank is a 3DS application and service that allows Pokémon X and Pokémon Y players to conveniently store up to 3,000 of their Pokémon on the Internet (in addition to the Boxes found within the games). Perhaps more importantly, the Bank also brings Pokémon Transporter functionality, which allows you to transfer Pokémon caught in previous Pokémon games into Pokémon X and Y.

Although the Pokémon Bank download is free, you'll have to pay a yearly fee of $4.99 to use the service. This annual fee will suppor tthe maintenance needed to ensure a smooth and successful service that will remain compatibile with future Pokémon games. The good news is that if you download the application prior to March 14, you'll receive a free 30-day trial.