Q:  When will the next ‘series’ of Pokémon-e TCG cards be available, and who will market and distribute the product?

A:  The first Pokémon-e TCG release with Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire characters will be available in the North American market in June 2003. Nintendo of America will market and distribute the product. Pokémon USA and Creatures Inc. (the TCG designers) will support Nintendo of America.

Q:  Is the Pokémon-e TCG compatible with the game product released by Wizards of the Coast?

A:  The cards will feature the same card back, and the game itself is 100% compatible with previous releases. (Editor's Note: No word on if older cards will be legal in organized play)

Q:  Will the new TCG products continue to be available where they are currently being sold?

A:  In general, you should continue to be able to purchase the product where you have in the past.

Q:  What will happen to leagues and tournaments?

A:  Pokémon USA and Nintendo of America are committed to these programs. Our plan is to expand them throughout the year.

Q:  Who will run Organized Play?

A:  Pokémon USA, in conjunction with Nintendo of America, will run Organized Play.

Q:  Where does one obtain information about leagues and tournaments?

A:  An announcement will be made soon about the Organized Play programs starting with Pokémon-e Ruby and Sapphire TCG in June 2003. New programs will start with the release of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Keep checking www.pokemon-tcg.com for updates.

Q:  Who should retailers and Tournament Organizers contact for future organized play plans?

A: Please direct all comments and questions concerning organized play to organizedplay@pokémon-usa.com.

Q:  How do retailers obtain information about new product releases?

A:  Product updates will be distributed by Nintendo Sales team. To request further information, e-mail pokemon-tcg@noa.nintendo.com.

Q:  Who will distribute and market Pokémon-e TCG products outside of North America?

A:  Pokémon USA will announce its international partners shortly.

Q:  Why is The Pokémon Company switching marketing and distribution partners?

A:  We are proud of the successes Wizards of the Coast and The Pokémon Company achieved working as close partners on the Pokémon TCG.  As we move forward over the next few years, we want to expand the game play experience for Pokémon fans by using the e-Reader dot code technology to more closely connect the Pokémon-e TCG with the Pokémon video games.  Working closely with Nintendo allows us to move the TCG game play experience in this direction.