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Detective Pikachu gets worldwide release and a huge amiibo

Shock!

Detective Pikachu, the bizarre crime-solving Pokémon spin-off for 3DS, is getting a worldwide release and a giant amiibo.

The episodic game will finally see its second episode launch in Japan in March - and a Western release with both episodes included at the same time.

Here's the game's talkative star in his new amiibo form, sat next to the original Smash Bros. series Pika:

And here's the first English-language footage:

Cover image for YouTube videoSolve Mysteries with Detective Pikachu!

It's been nearly two years since the first Detective Pikachu episode arrived in Japan. Until last month there was no word of an English-language release - when it was rated by the European ratings board PEGI.

Those intervening two years have seen the game lock down a Hollywood live-action film deal, with Ryan Reynolds (yes, really) voicing and providing mo-cap for the loud-mouthed crime-solving rat.