Since the first Skylanders debuted, we've been wondering when Nintendo would apply that approach to Pokemon. It just seems so obvious. Now with the third Skylanders and Disney Infinity on the way, it seems Nintendo is finally jumping into the figure-collecting pool with Pokemon Scramble U. But its approach is slightly different than its competition.

Kotaku reports that the company unveiled its first batch of collectible toys today, following a game reveal from Japanese magazine CoroCoro. As the name implies, Pokemon Scramble U is a Wii U game, which will mark the first use of the GamePad's "Near Field Communication" reading functionality. The downloadable game is hitting Japan on April 24, at a price of 1,800 yen (approximately $20).

The figurines themselves are only 200 yen ($2), which is significantly cheaper than Skylanders toys that average around $8-10. But the toys will be sold in capsule toy vending machines. That means fans won't know what they're getting, and will probably have to keep plunking down their money to find the one they want. Nintendo will also be selling a carrying case in Japan. The first set includes Bulbasaur, Pikachu, Torchic, Piplup, Lucario, Victini, and one remaining mystery Pokemon.

No North American announcement has been given, but we assume the company will make one eventually, since it likes money.