Toys "R" Us is getting a larger dose of Pokemon this year.

Bellevue, Wash.-based Pokemon USA said Monday it has expanded its presence at the toy and videogame retailer nationwide through 2009.

Dedicated areas in Toys "R" Us' "R Zone" will now feature Pokemon merchandise including videogames, collectible trading card games, TV and movies and an array of other products. The Toys "R" Us in Times Square will also have a dedicated boutique for the remainder of the year, while nationwide, stores will hold retail events revolving around Pokemon.

The next major North American release in the hugely popular videogame series is Pokemon Platinum for Nintendo DS. Released in Japan in mid-September, the game has sold over 2 million copies in the country, according to sales tracking firm Media Create.

Worldwide, Pokemon videogames have sold over 186 million units.

"Our partnership with Toys 'R' Us speaks volumes about the unwavering popularity of the Pokémon franchise," said Pokemon USA retail development director Caryl Liebmann.