Pokemon Rumble U hits Japan on April 24 with NFC capabilities

Pokemon Rumble U, the latest installment in the Pokemon Rumble series, will launch in Japan on April 24 as the first Wii U title to utilize the console's near field communication capabilities, according to a listing on the official Pokemon website.

Pokémon Rumble U's near field communication feature will allow player to utilize real-world Pokémon figurines that will be "read" by the Wii U GamePad. These figurines will have in-game effects, in a play style similar to Activision's Skylanders franchise. The figures will be released alongside the title on launch day for 200 yen apiece.

According to Serebii.net, an article in the recent issue of CoroCoro Magazine states that Japan's Pokémon Center shops will sell the figures, which when used will make the Pokémon appear in-game.

Pokémon Rumble U will support up to four players and include all 649 numbered Pokémon, with 100 available on the battlefield at once.

The title will launch through the Nintendo Wii U eShop for 1,200 yen.

There is currently no information on an international release for Pokémon Rumble U.