Pokemon Ranger: Released!

-10/30/06-

Pokemon Ranger for the Nintendo DS has been released today!

Official Game Summary
- Experience a whole new way to capture Pokemon! Circle Pokemon using the Capture Styler with Nintendo DS stylus control.
- Use each Pokemon's special abilities to clear obstacles and to help capture other Pokemon.
- Capture and interact with more than 200 of your favorite Pokemon.
- Work your way up the Pokemon Ranger ranks by succeeding at official missions throughout the Fiore region.

Pokemon Ranger is unlike any Pokemon game you've played before. You control your character using the stylus, and all Pokemon are captured using a Capture Styler instead of a Poke Ball. Since you're a Pokemon Ranger and not a trainer, you must release each captured Pokemon back into the wild after they help you. It's a whole new way to explore the Pokemon universe!

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To learn more about Pokemon Ranger, visit the official Pokemon Ranger website: www.pokemonranger.com

Related Links

Pokemon Ranger

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Pokemon Announces City Championships!

-10/30/06-

Press Release

Pokemon Announces City Championships

Free Event Open to Local Pokemon Trading Card Game Players

Pokemon USA, Inc., a worldwide leader in trading card games, today announced the Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) City Championships for players of all ages. City Championships provide players the opportunity to succeed at an intellectual sport and test a player's Pokemon TCG skill, strategy, and creativity.

Players are divided into three divisions: Junior Division (born in 1996 or later), Senior Division (born in 1992, 1993, 1994, or 1995), and Masters Division (born in 1991 or earlier). The winner in each category will earn the title of City Champion. City Championships players also have the opportunity to earn Pokemon prizes including booster card packs and exclusive merchandise. The City Championships are the first played in the premier event series including the Battle Road tournaments, and State, Regional, and National Championships, all leading up to the Pokemon TCG World Championships in August 2007.

WHO: Pokemon Trading Card Game players and the general public

WHAT: Pokemon TCG City Championship; FREE admission, open to the public

WHEN: November 18, 2006 - January 21, 2007

WHERE: Cities all across the U.S.

For more information, please visit http://op.pokemon-tcg.com/

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Pokemon Battle Revolution: Three New Videos!

-10/30/06-

The official Japanese Pokemon website revealed three new videos of Pokemon Battle Revolution. The video shows the evolved forms of the Diamond/Pearl starters battling it out. You can view the videos here: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/game/ds/pbr_sp/

Pokemon Battle Revolution will be released in Japan on December 14, 2006. There is currently no official US release date yet.

Related Links

Pokemon Battle Revolution

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EX Dragon Frontiers Prerelease: PE2K Recap!

-10/29/06-

PE2K was at the EX Dragon Frontiers Prerelease today at the Game Kastle in Santa Clara, California. The prerelease tournament is one of many that are going on across the US and in other countries. At this particular location I was at, the place was packed with over 82 players participating in the event. 27 players were in the Masters Division (Born in 1991 or earlier), 31 players in the Senior Division (Born in 1992, 1993, 1994 or 1995), and 24 players in the Junior Division (Born in 1996 or later).

For more pictures from the event, go here: EX Dragon Frontiers Prerelease

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PE2K: Now Hiring!

-10/28/06-

Now Hiring!

Pokemon Elite 2000 (PE2K), has been around since August 2000. Over six years later, PE2K continues to provide information and help to Pokemon fans all over the world. As Pokemon continues to grow, PE2K will also grow and we look forward to the new challenges ahead.

PE2K is looking for talented individuals to join the PE2K staff. This is a great volunteer opportunity for any Pokemon fan looking to gain valuable experience and help out the Pokemon community. Currently, we're looking to fill the follow positions:

Pokemon Video Game - Strategy Editor

Pokemon Video Game - Information/Guides Editor

Pokemon Video Game - Reviews Editor

Pokemon TCG - Strategy Editor

Graphics - Artist

Graphics - Fan Artist

Pokemon Fan Fiction - Fan Fiction Writer

Administration - Assistant Webmaster

Translator - Japanese/English

Events - Reporter/Photographer

Check the available job listings here with instructions on how to apply: PE2K Staff - Now Hiring

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"Pokemon Ranger! Deoxys Crisis!" Airs Tomorrow on Cartoon Network!

-10/27/06-

To celebrate the upcoming release of Pokemon Ranger (which will be released on October 30, 2006), "Pokemon Ranger! Deoxys Crisis" will air tomorrow on the Cartoon Network on 5PM Eastern Time. To check your local listings, go here: Cartoon Network Schedule

Official Episode Description

Ash and friends may have thought that their adventure with the Legendary Celebi was pretty exciting, but it's nothing compared to their next encounter with the lovely Solana, her Plusle, and that amazing Capture Styler!

There have been reports of a troubled Deoxys wandering the area, and of course, the kids are eager to help, especially after their previous Deoxys encounter in Pokemon: Destiny Deoxys! This isn't the same Deoxys they met before - but that doesn't stop the mysterious space Pokemon from needing their help! Luckily Solana has returned to help them out and do what Pokemon Rangers do best - rescue troubled Pokemon!

Pokemon Diamond/Pearl TCG Released in Japan! Card Pictures!

-10/27/06-

The Pokemon Diamond/Pearl TCG are released in Japan today. The official Japanese Pokemon TCG website also released new pictures of cards from the new set. You can view those cards below:

(Click to Enlarge)

Related News

Pictures of the Diamond/Pearl starters and evolutions can be found in the News Archive, in the October 2006 news (10/15/06 news): News Archive - October 2006

Pokemon Help Kids Learn In Delhi, India!

-10/27/06-

The Hindustan Times reports that using Pokemon in Delhi, India, has helped kids learn in school. The Pokemon program was initially introduced in 200 schools, and will now be expanded to an additional 300 schools.

From the Hindustan Times:

"There is only one constant to learning in schools - innovation in teaching. It works wonders if adopted properly, said an analysis on innovations in teaching under Sarva Siksha Abhiyan.

Pokemon, an animated character, helped students in Delhi government schools to grasp what they learnt till primary level, before graduating to the upper primary level.

"It helps students to understand the lessons as they can relate with Pokemon easily than with a character in a book," said Siksha Sangam, a compilation of the unique learning models.

The Delhi model has been indigenously prepared by State Council for Education Research and Training (SCERT) and was initially introduced in 200 schools and is now being expanded to another 300 schools. A similar programme for classes till X is also being developed."

To read the entire article, go here: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1828934,000600010001.htm

Pokemon Elite 2000 at EX Dragon Frontiers Prerelease!

-10/23/06-

Pokemon Elite 2000 will be at one of the EX Dragon Frontiers Prerelease tournaments that begin this weekend! I'll be covering the event this Sunday at the Game Kastle in Santa Clara, California. So if you're going there, I'll see you there!

To find a EX Dragon Frontiers Prerelease tournament near you, check the dates and locations here: http://op.pokemon-tcg.com/events/locator/?event_type=37&location=north_america

EX Dragon Frontiers Prerelease Tournaments

WHO: Pokemon TCG players and the public

WHAT: Pokemon TCG EX Dragon Frontiers Prerelease tournament

WHEN: October 28 – November 5

WHERE: Cities all across the U.S.

For more information, please visit http://op.pokemon-tcg.com/.

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Pokemon Ranger: Pre-Order Offer!

-10/20/06-

Pokemon Ranger will be released soon, on October 30, 2006. Pre-order the game at PokemonCenter.com and you'll receive two free Pokemon pins. Pokemon Ranger is available for $34.95. You can view the product page here: http://www.pokemoncenter.com/invt/4625

There's also other Pokemon Ranger related bundles: Pokemon Ranger plus Strategy Guide and Nintendo DS Lite Bundle ($179.99), Pokemon Ranger and Strategy Guide Bundle ($49.95), and Pokemon Ranger plus Strategy Guide and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon plus Strategy Guide Bundle ($89.95). You will also get the two free Pokemon pins if you pre-order any of these bundles. You can view the bundle offers here: http://www.pokemoncenter.com/icat/ranger

Official Game Summary

With the help of Pokemon, set out on a fun-filled adventure! You play as a Pokemon Ranger in the Fiore Region, where you work to preserve nature and protect Pokemon.

Features:
- Experience a whole new way to capture Pokemon! Circle Pokemon using the Capture Styler with Nintendo DS stylus control.
- Use each Pokemon's special abilities to clear obstacles and to help capture other Pokemon.
- Capture and interact with more than 200 of your favorite Pokemon.
- Work your way up the Pokemon Ranger ranks by succeeding at official missions throughout the Fiore region.

Pokemon Ranger is unlike any Pokemon game you've played before. You control your character using the stylus, and all Pokemon are captured using a Capture Styler instead of a Poke Ball. Since you're a Pokemon Ranger and not a trainer, you must release each captured Pokemon back into the wild after they help you. It's a whole new way to explore the Pokemon universe!

Related Links

Pokemon Ranger

http://www.pokemonranger.com/ - Official Pokemon Ranger Website

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Pokemon Diamond/Pearl TCG: Video Ad!

-10/20/06-

The official Japanese Pokemon TCG website has been updated with a new video ad of the Pokemon Diamond/Pearl TCG. You can view the video here: http://www.pokemon-card.com/products/index.html#dpentry_cm

The Pokemon Diamond/Pearl TCG set will be released in Japan on October 27, 2006 (there is currently no US release date available).

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Pokemon Featured in The Science Museum in London!

-10/20/06-

Pokemon will be featured in the Science Museum in London as part of their new Game On exhibition.

About the Exhibition

From the PDP-1 of the 1960s to the latest must-have consoles Game On will examine the technologies that have revolutionized the gaming world. The exhibition will feature the ten most influential consoles of all time plus more than 100 playable games so you'll be transported back in time to play some of the defining games of the last forty years and reminisce over the classic games of your childhood. Meanwhile younger gamers will be introduced to the history of current gaming software and hardware and get their hands on the now retro games that their parents played in their youth.

Playable Pokemon Games

The playable Pokemon games at the exhibit include Pokemon Ruby and Hey You, Pikachu!

Exhibit Dates

The Game On exhibit will run from October 21, 2006 through February 25, 2007.

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For more information, visit the Science Museum's page on Game On: http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/gameon/

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Reminder: Pokemon 10th Anniversary Tour in the UK!

-10/20/06-

This is a reminder that the Pokemon 10th Anniversary tour will continue on to it's second location this weekend in Manchester, at the Trafford Centre. The Pokemon 10 Anniversary tour in the UK will visit 8 different locations.

Official Description

2006 marks the 10th anniversary since Pokemon was launched in Japan with Nintendo's Red and Green Game Boy games.

To celebrate the amazing phenomenon of Pokemon we are running a tour around the UK, visiting 8 major shopping centres between the 14th October and 19th November.

At each shopping centre you will be able to try the latest Pokemon games including the new Nintendo videogames (Pokemon Mystery Dungeon and Pokemon Link!), watch classic and new Pokemon TV episodes, enjoy the Pokemon Trading Card game, and try out the all new Trading Figure Game and take part in some great competitions!

Pokemon Downloads

Europe Top Ten Most Wanted Pokemon will be available for download to your Ruby/Sapphire, FireRed/LeafGreen, and Emerald game: Lugia, Ho-oh, Entei, Latios, Latias, Charizard, Artiuno, Raikou, Suicune, and Pikachu. So be sure to bring your Game Boy Advance or Game Boy Advance SP with your game pak!

Entire Schedule (Click on the shopping centre for their website)

Related Links

http://www.pokemon.co.uk/ - Official Pokemon 10th Anniversary Tour UK Site

http://pokemon.nintendo.co.uk/ - Official Pokemon UK Site

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Pokemon Battle Revolution: Updated Screenshots!

-10/17/06-

Pokemon Battle Revolution: Updated Screenshots (Click to Enlarge)

Here's some updated screenshots of Pokemon Battle Revolution. Most of these screenshots are from the Pokemon Battle Revolution video that was mentioned in the 10/15/06 news. These screenshots are larger and at a higher resolution (click the screenshot to enlarge). In case you missed it, you can view the Pokemon Battle Revolution video here: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/game/ds/pbr_sp/index.html

For more Pokemon Battle Revolution screenshots, go to the Pokemon Battle Revolution page: Pokemon Battle Revolution

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Pokemon Kicks Off The 2006-2007 Organized Play Season!

-10/16/06-

Press Release

Pokemon Kicks Off The 2006-2007 Organized Play Season

Title Events, TCG Leagues, and Championships Scheduled

Pokemon USA, Inc., a worldwide leader in the trading card game industry, today announced the beginning of the 2006-2007 Pokemon Organized Play (POP) Season. The Pokemon Championship series events begin in November 2006 with City Championships, followed by State Championships, Regional Championships, Battle Road tournaments, and National Championships, leading up to the 2007 Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) World Championships in August.

POP programs, events, tournaments, and leagues allow thousands of players across America and all around the world to compete in a fun environment while strengthening their Pokemon TCG strategies, math skills, and reading ability. POP leagues, events, and programs are held in more than 35 countries, giving players the opportunity to build social skills by fostering friendships with international peers and those in their own hometown leagues. By participating in select POP events, players can earn Pokemon trading cards and merchandise, as well as scholarships ranging from $500 to $7,500. Prizes vary from country to country.

To receive an invite to the Pokemon TCG World Championships event, players can compete and win in their National Championships, become a top player via their premier rating, or qualify through the Last-Chance Qualifier tournament.

Along with competitive tournaments, the ongoing Pokemon TCG league season spotlights the Kanto Region, featured in the Pokemon Game Boy Advance games. Pokemon TCG leagues are a great way for players of all ages to get together in a casual setting and perfect their playing skills while earning prizes. Players earn Organized Play exclusive promo cards, badges, and mini-posters.

2006-2007 Pokemon Events Schedule:

Prereleases

Prereleases are held quarterly with more than 400 total events planned for the 2006-2007 POP season.

City Championships: November 2006-January 2007

City Championships will take place in hundreds of cities across North America beginning November 18th.

State Championships: March 2007

State Championships will be held in many states, provinces, and territories. Winners in some markets receive a Travel Allowance to their National Championships.

Regional Championships: April 2007

Regionals will take place in 15 regions across the U. S. and Canada only. Winners will receive scholarships worth up to $2,000 and a Travel Award to the 2007 National Championships.

Battle Road tournaments: May 2007

Battle Road tournaments give players another opportunity to work on their premier ratings, potentially earning an invite and trip to Worlds. Hundreds of these special events begin in May.

National Championships: Spring through July 2007

The National Championships is the first Worlds qualifier. Winners receive scholarships worth up to $5,000 and an invite and Travel Award to the 2007 World Championships.

World Championships: August 2007

The Pokemon TCG World Championships is the premier Organized Play event of the year. The event will host top players from around the world competing for the title of Pokemon TCG World Champion and for scholarships worth up to $7,500.

For more information about Pokemon Organized Play or to locate a league near you, please visit http://op.pokemon-tcg.com/.

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Note that it was previously announced that there would be no Last-Chance Qualifier tournament for the World Championships event, however, the Last-Chance Qualifier is now restored back with this new announcement.

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"Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Detectives" Contest!

-10/16/06-

Nintendo of America and Smugmug (an online photo sharing site), are sponsoring a Pokemon Mystery Dungeon contest called "Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Detectives." You can view the contest page here: www.nintendo.smugmug.com

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Detectives Contest - Summary

What if you woke up one day, and you were a Pokemon? In Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team for Nintendo DS, for the first time, you will experience being an actual Pokemon! Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team will also be available for the Game Boy Advance SP system. The adventure begins with you awakening to find that you have been turned into a Pokemon and you'll get to talk with other Pokemon and make friends along the way as you try to uncover your true purpose and mission.

Why do you think you turned into a Pokemon? The “Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Detectives” contest is your chance to explain this incredible transformation. Submit your artwork to www.nintendo.smugmug.com depicting why you have turned into a Pokemon and what your life as a Pokemon is like and you could win a Pokemon Prize Pack!

One grand prize winner of the “Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Detectives” contest will receive two Pokemon Prize Packs featuring two Nintendo DS Lite systems, two copies of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team, two copies of the The Official Nintendo Power Player’s Guide for Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, and two Pokemon 10th Anniversary totes, hats and T-shirts--enough for you and a friend. Ten runner-ups will receive a Nintendo DS Lite, a copy of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and a copy of The Official Nintendo Power Player’s Guide for Pokemon Mystery Dungeon.

For complete the complete summary of the contest and information on how to submit your entry, go here: http://nintendo.smugmug.com/gallery/1774298

For official contest rules (note that promotion only open to US residents), go here: http://nintendo.smugmug.com/gallery/1662671

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Pokemon Battle Revolution: New Video!

-10/15/06-

The official Japanese Pokemon website released a new video of Pokemon Battle Revolution. You can view the video here: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/game/ds/pbr_sp/index.html

Japan Release Date

Pokemon Battle Revolution will be released in Japan on December 14, 2006, and the Nintendo Wii will be released in Japan on December 2, 2006.

US Release Date

Pokemon Battle Revolution currently does not have an official US release date. Since it makes use of the Pokemon Diamond/Pearl games, which will be released around Spring 2007, expect Pokemon Battle Revolution to be released soon after Pokemon Diamond/Pearl. The Nintendo Wii will be released in the US on November 19, 2006.

Related Links

Pokemon Battle Revolution

Pokemon Diamond/Pearl TCG: Evolutions of Starters!

-10/15/06-

Pokemon Diamond/Pearl TCG: Evolutions of Starters (Click to Enlarge)

The official Japanese Pokemon website revealed the card images of the evolutions of the starters (the cards of the starters were revealed last month). Click on the card to enlarge the image.

The Pokemon Diamond/Pearl TCG set will be released in Japan on October 27, 2006 (there is currently no US release date available).

Viz Media: New Pokemon Products in October and November!

-10/12/06-

Viz Media has announced the upcoming release of new Pokemon DVDs, manga, and 3D pop out activity books (for the younger fans). Here's the list of the upcoming products from Viz Media:

10th Anniversary Pokemon Series - October 2006

In celebration of Pokemon's 10th Anniversary, there are two new releases available in October that are part of the 10th Anniversary Pokemon series. Pokemon 10th Anniversary Vol. 6: Eevee and Pokemon 10th Anniversary Vol 7.: Bulbasaur. These two releases are part of the 10 volume series that commemorate the top Pokemon characters as selected by votes submitted by fans at Pokemon.com. Each disk has three classic episodes of the adventures of the featured Pokemon.

Pokemon: Advanced Battle - November 2006

Also newly released are Pokemon: Advanced Battle Vol. 3: Absolute Disaster and Pokemon: Advanced Battle Vol 4: Eight Ain't Enough. Each disk contains five episodes from Pokemon: Advanced Battle series and will be available in November.

Pokemon Season One Box Set - November 2006

This comprehensive set features the first 26 episodes of the hit series that started it all. Meet Ash in his hometown of Pallet Town where he meets Pikachu and his Pokemon adventures begin. Join his friends in this special box set containing the first episodes from Season 1! MSRP: $39.98.

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Viz Media further complements these animted series titles with a range of new manga offerings that include All That Pikachu! Ani-Manga, Pokemon Tales, Best of Pokemon Adventures, Pokemon 3D Pop-Outs, and Charmander and Friends 3D Pop-Outs.

All That Pikachu, Ani-Manga, Volume 1 - October 2006

A full-color Ani-Manga presentation of two complete Pikachu stories taken directly from Pokemon animation. In the main story, the ambitious Pokemon collector Jirarudan is trying to gather three Legendary Pokemon – Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres – in order to summon the fabled Pokemon called Lugia that is so powerful it chooses to seclude itself deep under the sea. If he can capture the Pokemon (sounds better than monster), Jirarudan will become the most powerful Pokemon Trainer on the planet. In Pikachu's Rescue Adventure, while the Pokemon enjoy a summer nap, Togepi wanders off and gets lost and Pikachu and Elekid must search for it. Along the way they meet a number of rare Pokemon, discover a secret garden and survive a freak lightning storm. Can they rescue their lost friend and also prevent a forest fire? MSRP: $7.99.

Best of Pokemon Adventures, Volume 1 - October 2006
Pokemon is more than a game or an animated TV show. It’s a cultural phenomenon that has won the hearts and minds of fans around the globe. This special volume is sure to delight young fans of the series, as well as older ones, and comes packed with new adventures featuring Ash and Pikachu and plenty of other Pokemon! MSRP: $7.99.
 

Pokemon Tales, Volume 1 - October 2006
Each of these mini-board books designed for early readers tells the story of a different Pokemon and the Trainers who love them. This volume introduces readers to a typical day for Pikachu as it eats, sleeps, plays and learns about the world. This is a wonderful offering for younger fans. MSRP: $4.95.
 

Pikachu & Friends 3D Pop-Outs - November 2006
A fun activity book for younger fans that features an easy-to-assemble 3D puzzle pack. Simply pop out the pieces and fit them together and within seconds assemble a special Pokemon toy. MSRP: $9.99.
 

Charmander & Friends 3D Pop-Outs - November 2006
A complement to the Pokemon & Friends 3D Pop-Out set, this one features Pikachu’s Fire-type friend, Charmander. Provides the same easy-to-assemble format and is sure to deliver hours of fun. MSRP: $9.99.

Related Links

http://www.viz.com/ - Official Viz Media Website

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Pokemon Announces EX Dragon Frontiers Prerelease Tournaments!

-10/11/06-

Press Release

Pokemon Announces EX Dragon Frontiers Prerelease Tournaments

Local Players to Participate in Exclusive Card Expansion Preview Tournament

Pokemon USA, Inc., a worldwide leader in the trading card game industry, today announced their upcoming Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) EX Dragon Frontiers Prerelease tournaments. Prerelease tournaments provide players the opportunity to preview and play with not-yet released cards from the upcoming EX Dragon Frontiers expansion. The Pokemon TCG EX Dragon Frontiers Prerelease tournaments will be held during the weekends of October 28 and 29 and November 4 and 5.

Players are divided into three categories: Junior Division (born in 1996 or later); Senior Division (born in 1992, 1993, 1994 or 1995) and Masters Division (born in 1991 or earlier). An admission fee is charged at the door, and varies depending on event location. The entry fee includes six booster packs of the Pokemon TCG EX Dragon Frontiers, from which each player will build his or her deck. Players may keep these cards at the end of the event. All participants will receive a Pokemon TCG EX Dragon Frontiers Prerelease promo card and an EX Dragon Frontiers pin, while supplies last. Players who complete the tournament will also receive two additional booster packs of EX Dragon Frontiers cards and other merchandise from the expansion.

WHO: Pokemon TCG players and the public

WHAT: Pokemon TCG EX Dragon Frontiers Prerelease tournament

WHEN: October 28 – November 5

WHERE: Cities all across the U.S.

For more information, please visit http://op.pokemon-tcg.com/.

Related Links

EX Dragon Frontiers Prerelease Tournament: Dates and Locations

EX Dragon Frontiers Prerelease Tournament: Fact Sheet

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Pokemon Learning League: Free Trial Through December 31!

-10/06/06-

Press Release

Kids Learn Math, Science, Language Arts with Their Favorite Pokemon Characters in Pokemon Learning League

Families can enjoy new online educational product from Pokemon USA at home through a free trial until the end of the year

Pokemon USA, Inc. launches Pokemon Learning League, www.PokemonLearningLeague.com, a web-based educational suite of animated, interactive lessons in language arts, math, science, and life skills for children ages 8-12. Parents can now embrace their children's enthusiasm for animation and interactive technology while motivating them to learn academic concepts and problem-solving skills.

Pokemon USA is offering the program as a free trial to families, as well as educators, through December 31. A yearly subscription of $95.00 per household will begin in January 2007. Because Pokemon Learning League is web-based, it's PC and Mac compatible, and the only requirement is a Flash player.

In today's technology-driven world, math and science achievement are critical to children's success in school and beyond. According to Yves Saada, vice president of interactive media, Pokemon USA, "Integrating a proven educational approach with Pokemon's popular characters, Pokemon Learning League offers a unique way for parents to engage and motivate their children in math, science and other skills they need to be successful."

The online program is based on the current education research and is aligned with curriculum standards, so parents can be assured that their children are learning the same material that is taught in school. Appealing animation and thought-provoking challenges help children visualize and understand concepts that they may not have grasped through other methods. Children can proceed at their own pace through the lessons and receive ongoing feedback to allow them to monitor and celebrate their progress.

Stephanie Pawlik, a fifth-grade teacher at Greenport Elementary School in Greenport, N.Y., witnessed this interaction first-hand as a participating teacher in the product's pilot study. "Because the curriculum lessons are based on current research and aligned with state and national standards, I was able to use Pokemon Learning League to reinforce concepts I was teaching in the classroom." She continues, "My students were more willing to get involved in the lessons since the characters were familiar to them and the story lines were engaging."

Pokemon Learning League leverages children's familiarity with Pokemon characters to draw them into subject matter that is crucial to their success in school and in life. The characters also serve as mentors to students, guiding them through the lessons and demonstrating life skills such as teamwork and perseverance.

In January 2007, Pokemon Learning League will also be available through a paid yearly subscription of $145.00 per classroom and $995.00 per school building.

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Pokemon Diamond/Pearl: Record Sales!

-10/03/06-

Pokemon Diamond/Pearl sold 1,586,360 units in the first week of sales (September 28th - October 1st), making it the fastest selling DS game ever in Japan. This shatters the record originally set by New Super Mario Bros, which sold 865,024 units in that game's first week. Pokemon Diamond/Pearl also broke the record for the fastest selling Pokemon game in Japan. The record was previously held by Pokemon Gold/Silver, which sold 1,425,768 units in their first week back in 1999.

*Figures from Famitsu: http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2006/10/03/103,1159869995,61194,0,0.html

Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl are scheduled to be released in the US in Spring 2007.

Related Links

Pokemon Diamond/Pearl

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2006 Pokemon TCG World Championships Decks: Images!

-10/01/06-

2006 Pokemon World Championship Decks (Click to Enlarge)

Here's some images of the 2006 Pokemon World Championship Decks.

The 2006 Pokemon World Championship Decks

Jason Klazynski (World Champion of the 15 and over age group) - Deck featuring Manectric ex.

Jimmy Ballard Ssecond-place finisher of the 15 and over age group) - Deck featuring Flareon ex.

Miska Saari (World Champion of the 11 to 14 age group) - Deck featuring Solrock.

Hiroyuki Yano (World Champion of the 10 and under age group) - Deck featuring Lugia ex.

Each 2006 Pokemon World Championship Decks includes 60 Pokemon cards (card-for-card replicas of the player's deck), and a 2006 World Championships booklet. The decks will be released on October 31, 2006.

Related Links

www.pokemon-tcg.com - Official Pokemon TCG Website

2006 Pokemon TCG World Championships

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Pokemon TCG EX Collector's Tin: Released!

-10/01/06-

Pokemon TCG EX Collector's Tin (Click to Enlarge)

The Pokemon TCG EX Collector's Tin are released!

Pokemon TCG EX Collector's Tin - Features

- 4 EX Series booster packs – 2 EX Emerald and 2 EX Crystal Guardians.

- 1 of 3 foil Pokemon-ex cards – Groudon-ex, Kygore-ex, or Rayquaza-ex.

- A great window design for displaying your favorite card!

The Pokemon TCG EX Collector's Tin are priced at $12.99 each.

Related Links

www.pokemon-tcg.com - Official Pokemon TCG Website

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Journey Across Oz Tour 2006: Recap!

-10/01/06-

The Pokemon 10th Anniversary - Journey Across Oz Tour 2006 visited three locations in Australia in the month of September, with four more locations left in the month of October. Here's a recap of the results of the first two locations in Victoria:

Chadstone Shopping Centre (Centre Court) - Victoria

Champion: Julia (Team: Mewtwo, Tyranitar, and Blissey)

Runner-Up: Stephen (Team: Rayquaza, Tyranitar, and Kyogre)

Westfield Fountain Gate (Centre Court) - Victoria

Champion: Ashley (Team: Kyogre, Umbreon, and Mewtwo)

Runner-Up: Stephen (Team: Kyogre, Tyranitar, and Mewtwo)

The champion of each location receives a prize package containing: Black Nintendo DS Lite, Pokemon 10th Anniversary Figurine, Pokemon 10th Anniversary watch, Pokemon 10th Anniversary hat, Pokemon 10th Anniversary plush, Pokemon Season One Wallet DVDs, Pokemon Season Two Wallet DVDs, Pokemon Movie 8: Lucario & The, Mystery of Mew and 1x Pokemon Advanced (Season 6) Box set, Pokemon small figure, Pokemon Double Action Figure, Pokemon Cyber Ball, Pokedex Dictionary, Pokemon medium plush, and Pokemon TFG Starters and Pokemon TFG Boosters.

Congratulations to Julia, the champion at the Chadstone Shopping Centre! And congratulations to Ashley the champion at Westfield Fountain Gate! Stephen, the runner-up at both locations, came up short twice  in a row, but his second place finish at both events is a definitely a huge accomplishment.

Remaining Schedule - Journey Across Oz Tour

For more information, visit the official Journey Across Oz Tour website: http://pokemontour.nintendo.com.au/

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