The new season for the special battle for both "Pokémon Omega Ruby" and "Pokémon Alpha Sapphire" has been announced, running from March 17 to May 15. The season also includes "Pokémon X and Y." 

The rules for the upcoming Season 9 Special Battle have also been laid out. According to Serebii, a trusted Pokémon events source, the ninth season will still be following standard league rules for game battles. Game sets for the Special Battle Season 9 will last for 10 minutes per set, and the selection of battle Pokémon will last for up to 30 seconds. Meanwhile, Turn selection will take 15 seconds. 

As with standard league tournaments, any Pokémon available from the Pokédex can be selected by the players. Pokémon need to be at least Level 50, and no two Pokemon can hold the same item. Also, the ninth season will commence with Pokémon restrictions. According to Serebii, Pokémon restrictions will include Arceus, Celebi, Darkrai, Deoxys, Dialga, Diancie, Genesect, Giratina, Groudon, Ho-Oh, Jirachi, Keldeo, Kyogre, Kyurem, Lugia, Manaphy, Meloetta, Mew, Mewtwo, Palkia, Phione, Rayquaza, Reshiram, Shaymin, Victini, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zekrom, and Zygarde. 

In other news, gamers that play Pokémon Shuffle will have more free-to-play titles. This will come with the update 1.1.2, adding Kyogre from "Pokémon Alpha Sapphire." 

Kyogre Challenge items will include a Jewel for first time players, and completion of the challenge will give players a chance to cash in 1,000 coins. The challenge will require an upgraded Poké Ball and will run until March 23. 

There is also a newly-released passcode that players can use to receive a gift worth 4,000 in-game coins. Players can go to the Passcodes menu and enter 20150007. Once done, the player will receive two Mega Start power ups, and one of these can be used in conjunction with a Pokémon with an evolution stone item to make the Pokémon start the match with full buffs. This code is valid until April 30.