Confirmation of a sequel to the Nintendo DS’ Pokemon Ranger first appeared in CoroCoro magazine last week. Today we’ve managed to uncover further details of the action RPG follow-up as well as the first batch of screenshots.

Pokemon Ranger: Ranger Batonnage will be set in the new region of Arumia, a place where many of the fourth generation of Pokemon reside. We’re promised that the title will include several side quests in which you help the people of several towns, as well as missions that involve surfing.

It is also reported that there will be 17 possible support Pokemon, including the following: Munchlax, Kricketot, Mime Jr., Cranidos, Croagunk, Machop, Shieldon, Chimchar, Piplup, Turtwig, Pachirisu, Starly, Snover, Misdreavus, Hippopotas, Sneasel, Gible.

One of the original’s biggest criticisms was a lack of multiplayer. It has been confirmed that Battonage will support the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection, but as yet it is unclear how the function will be used.

Pokemon Ranger: Ranger Batonnage will be released in Japan on March 20. We’ll keep you posted when we hear news of a translation for the west.