Unlike the previously announced Flash game, this new Pokémon Trading Card Game Online will allow players to play the card game online with virtually anyone else at any time. Below are the full details.

Press Release

New Pokémon Trading Card Game Online Offers 24-Hour Battling, Sanctioned Tournaments, Customizable Features, and More for Players Worldwide

BELLEVUE, WA-March 10, 2011-Pokémon fans can soon play the Pokémon TCG with anyone, anytime, anywhere, simply by turning on their computers. Expanding on the recently introduced Pokémon Trainer Challenge, The Pokémon Company International announced today the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online, a player-versus-player TCG, launching in fall 2011 for anyone looking to battle 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from the convenience of their PC. Pokémon TCG Online is a fully immersive online game using virtual Pokémon TCG cards that players can collect, trade, and use to battle with others just like in the real world!

When Pokémon TCG Online launches later this year at www.pokemontcg.com, players will already have two ways to collect virtual Pokémon TCG cards, ensuring they are ready for battle online. The recently announced Pokémon Trainer Challenge, launching in April, will give players access to three free virtual Pokémon TCG pre-constructed decks that will be transferable into Pokémon TCG Online. New and seasoned Pokémon TCG players can also prepare for online battles against other players by purchasing physical cards -the three Pokémon TCG: Black & White theme decks, which are available April 6th, include a code that unlocks a virtual deck for play in the Pokémon Trainer Challenge and Pokémon TCG Online. The more virtual cards players collect, the easier it will be to create a strong deck for battle!

To help manage virtual Pokémon TCG cards for easy sorting, trading, and showcasing while ensuring a customizable, in-depth TCG play experience, a unique Collection Management Tool will provide players easy point-and-click access to their collections. Additionally, Pokémon TCG Online deck-building tools, including an innovative deck-building wizard, will help construct personalized decks that players of all skill levels can call into battle.

“We developed the Pokémon TCG Online to enable fans of the Pokémon TCG to play against opponents worldwide,” said Andrew Finch, senior director of Online & Community Development at The Pokémon Company International. “Everything Pokémon TCG players love about the game is replicated in a rich, customizable online environment, making it possible to battle when you want and how you want, from training for real-world events to simply battling other TCG players from across the globe.”

Some of the most popular elements of social and casual games are intertwined with the best of TCG game play in Pokémon TCG Online. Similar to the real-world Pokémon TCG community, the trading of digital TCG cards and items in real time will allow players to interact with others while building decks and collecting a wide variety of Pokémon TCG-related items online. Various customizable features and digital items will be available through a special currency system earned through numerous game play scenarios, including officially sanctioned online tournaments staged by The Pokémon Company International. Players can expect the introduction of new items and features frequently.

Individual and community game play statistics will be tracked with ease using three features, including Leveling, which gauges individual playtime to unlock certain features within the game; Ratings, which tracks a player’s games along with any online tournaments entered and won; and Leaderboards, which will post standings for players across various skill levels.

For more information about the upcoming launch of the multiplayer Pokémon TCG Online or to sign up for an opportunity to play the single-player Pokémon Trainer Challenge open beta, please visit www.pokemontcg.com.

Fans can play the single-player Pokémon Trainer Challenge at PAX East, March 11-13 in Boston, MA. To play at home, players need to create a free Pokémon Trainer Club account, easily obtained at www.pokemon.com/us/account/login.

Source: http://www.pokemon.com/us/news/tcg_tcgo_pvp-2011-03-10/

The official Japanese Pokémon website has revealed 6 new Pokémon UNIQLO T-Shirts that will be going on sale on March 14th. The t-shirts feature Tsutarja, Pokabu, Mijimaru, Zorua, Chillarmy, and the Zukan. The t-shirts also come with exclusive original Pokémon Trading Cards. The shirts will sell for 990yen each including tax.


Sources: http://store.uniqlo.com/jp/store/feature/ut/pokemoncard/ and http://www.pokemon-card.com/campaign/uniqlo/

The official Pokémon website has announced the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online. The Adobe Flash based game will allow people to play against 12 different computer opponents. Below is the full press release.

Press Release

Prepare for the Pokémon Trainer Challenge, a new online Pokémon Trading Card Game experience!

Announcing an awesome new way to play the Pokémon TCG: the Pokémon Trainer Challenge! The Pokémon Trainer Challenge is a totally free online game that you can play via a Flash-enabled Web browser. Whether you’re new to the Pokémon Trading Card Game or a regular member of your local Pokémon League, you won’t want to miss the fun of the Pokémon Trainer Challenge!

In the Pokémon Trainer Challenge, you’ll face off against a host of computer opponents in intense battles. There are 12 opponents for you to defeat, each with different personalities and strategies to challenge even the best players. Choose from several pre-constructed decks to play with as you have fun and hone your Pokémon TCG skills! You’ll also have the opportunity to take the theme decks from the new Pokémon TCG: Black & White expansion for a spin. When the theme decks hit stores in early April, they’ll contain codes that you can use to unlock and play their digital editions in the Trainer Challenge.

Coming in early 2011, the Pokémon Trainer Challenge will be the first time you’ll be able to play the Pokémon TCG online. It’s completely free for everyone—all you need is a Web browser with Flash enabled and a Pokémon Trainer Club account. Get ready to play by signing up for a Pokémon Trainer Club account today at Pokemon.com!

Source: http://www.pokemon.com/us/news/tcg_tcgo_announce-2011-02-15/

Pokémon Smash Episode 19, Purin's Song, Papa's Song! / Adding New Trainer Cards to the 'PokéSma! Original Card Battle' / Group Member Baba's Television Viewer Battle! (プリンの歌、パパの歌！ / トレーナーズのカードを追加してレベルアップした「ポケスマ！オリジナルカードバトル」／視聴者バトルには馬場隊員が登場！), aired on Sunday in Japan.

The episode begins with Shoko-tan mixing up some ingredients for a Valentine's Day treat. Robert and TIM both walk on and are quite scared by the fact that Shoko-tan was making some kind of food. They ask her what's in the 'treat' she is making. Shoko-tan replies that its chocolate and Squid Ink (イカスミ) which really gets the group even more disgusted than they already were. She explains that she is combining White Chocolate (ホワイトチョコ) and Squid Ink (イカスミ) to create Black White Chocolate (ブラックホワイトチョコ). Yamamoto quickly suggests they introduce the Pokémon Library episode for this week to avoid having to talk about Shoko-tan's disgusting treat.

Yamamoto introduces this weeks rerun episode as part of the Pokémon Library and he also announces this weeks theme, Good luck will lead you thought! (がんばれば想いは通じる！). This weeks Pokémon Library rerun episode was Purin's Song, Papa's Song! (プリンの歌、パパの歌！) from the Advanced Generation series. A full summary of that episode is available in the episode guide. Red said the go-to line 'OK! Pokémon Library!' to start the repeat episode.

After the Pokémon Library episode, the International Division girls show up each holding a gift box and they say "Happy Valentine". They brought the gifts to give to TIM and Robert which makes them happy as they all knew about Shoko-tan's gift. The girls put their gifts on the table but Shoko-tan decides to mix up her gift boxes that look the same so no one would know which box was hers. Everyone would have a random gift. Yamamoto is the first to pick a box and Professor Red tells him that 2 of the 5 boxes are actually Shoko-tan's Squid Ink Chocolate (イカスミチョコ). Yamamoto picks a box but then Shoko-tan takes it away and gives him a different one which he quickly objects to. All the other guys take a box. Yamamoto is the first to open his box and he unfortunately gets one of Shoko-tan's boxes. The other 4 guys each taste their chocolates and Baba, Golgo and Red all report that theirs taste good. Akiyama though has a strange look on his face as he continues chewing his chocolate. Unfortunately for him, he got the other Shoko-tan box.


Click on images for higher resolution
After Akiyama and Yamamoto recovered, the VTR segment 'Adding New Trainer Cards to the 'PokéSma! Original Card Battle' was introduced. The teams were the same as the last card battle. Hana, Misaki, and Yamamoto were on one team and Maria, Baba, and Akiyama were on the other team. The International Group and Adventure Group meet up with Teacher Takashima (タカシマ先生) who was once again their teacher for this segment of the show.

This time Teacher Takashima introduced Trainer cards to the mix from the Pokémon BW Boys and Girls Starter Kits and the first Black and White set. He starts off with a lecture to explain the different types of Trainer cards.

Supporter cards: Supporter cards are also cards to provide advantages to the player and the advantages can be significantly.

Pokémon Goods cards: Pokémon Tools are cards that assist Pokémon by giving them power-ups, for example in Hit Points or attack power.


Click on images for higher resolution
The card decks were premade this time and the battle started with Akiyama revealing that Maria's teams first Pokémon was Reshiram (BC BW1 013/053) and Yamamoto revealed that their team's first Pokémon was Mijumaru (HS 011/037). Hana's team was the first to go and she picked up a Monster ball card (HS 037/037). The card states: "Flip a coin. If heads, search your deck for a Pokémon, show it to your opponent, and put it into your hand. Shuffle your deck afterward." Hana flipped tails, but decided to use another Monster ball card from her hand.The chose Zekrom (WC BW1 020/053) put it on the bench and then gave Yamamoto Mijumaru a Water energy. Tackle (たいあたり) was used against Akiyama Reshiram and they ran Akiyama into a wall of tin cans. Reshiram is weak against Water attacks, so Akiyama Reshiram's HP was reduced from 130 to 110.

Maria's team went next and they picked up a Fire energy card, but she decided to use a Super Ball (スーパーボール) card (WC BW1 049/053). The card states: "Look at the top 7 cards from your deck, choose a Pokémon from those cards, show it to your opponent, and then put it into your hand. Shuffle the deck afterward." Maria chose Zorua (WC BW1 036/053) and put it on the bench. She then gave Akiyama Reshiram a Fire energy card but she needed two enery to use any attacks.

On second Hana's turn, she picked up a Lightning energy card and gave it to Misaki Zekrom on the bench. She then instructed Yamamoto Mijumaru to use Tackle again. This time Akiyama avoided the charging Yamamoto and he hit the tin can wall. The stunt double for Yamamoto then hit Akiyama on the head with one of the tin cans. Reshiram's HP dropped from 110 to 90.

Maria picked up a Fire energy and then applied it to Reshiram giving it enough energy to use Outrage (げきりん). The attack does 20 damage plus 10 more damage for each damage counter on Reshiram. Since Reshiram already had 4 damage counters on it, Outrage could deal 60 damage. A 6 girls showed up with bouncing red balls and threw them at Yamamoto Mijumaru which was enough to knock him out.


Click on images for higher resolution
Hana picked up a Futachimaru (WC BW1 012/053) and then applied another Lightning energy card to Misaki Zekrom. She then instructed Misaki Zekrom to use Outrage (げきりん) as it now had enough energy to use it. 2 of the girls returned with red bouncing balls and dealt 2 more damage to Akiyama Reshiram lowering its hit points to 70.

Maria picked up another Fire energy card but instead of giving it to Akiyama Reshiram which only needed one more energy card to use Blue Fire (あおいほのお) which is an attack that can deal 120 damage, she decided to apply it to Baba Zorua on the bench. She then used the Potion (きずぐすり) (HS 033/037) to restore 30 damage from Akiyama Reshiram to increase its HP back to 100. Outrage (げきりん) was used again and 5 girls showed up this time and dealt 50 damage lowering Zekrom's HP to 80.


Click on images for higher resolution
Hana picked up a Water energy card and applied it to Misaki Zekrom. She then instructed Zekrom to use Lightning Strike (らいげき). Akiyama was put into a box that had a glass panel at the front so they could see what was happening. A yellow balloon began inflating behind Akiyama until it got so big that it exploded and a ton of small balls were dropped from above. Misaki Zekrom was dealt 40 damage from the recoil of using Lightning Strike which was represented by her getting hit on the head by a falling tin can. The attack was enough to knock out Akiyama Reshiram.


Click on images for higher resolution
Maria picked up the Supporter card Cheren (チェレン) (WC BW1 053/053) which allows the player to draw 3 extra cards. She used the card and picked up Zoroark (WC BW1 037/053), another Potion card and a Fire energy card. She evolved Baba Zorua to the Zoroark card and applied another Fire energy card. She then instructed Zoroark to use Foul Play (イカサマ) which states: "Choose an attack that your opponent's Active Pokémon knows. Zoroark uses that attack." Misaki Zekrom was out and it knows Outrage (げきりん) and Lightning Strike (らいげき). Maria then chose to use Lightning Strike (らいげき). She was put into the same box room that Akiyama was in earlier. Zoroark Baba was dealt 40 damage from the recoil of using Lightning Strike which was represented once again by getting hit on the head by a falling tin can. Maria's team ended up winning as they knocked out Misaki Zekrom. This was Maria Team's third straight PokéSma! Original Card Battle victory. Teacher Takashima finishes off by saying that the Supporter card Cheren was the reason the battle changed in favor of Maria's team which highlights the importance of those Trainer cards.


Click on images for higher resolution
10 year old Kouta-kun was this weeks in-studio Television Viewer Battler and he asked to battle against Group Member Baba. Baba ended up loosing the battle and had to trade his Burungel (ブルンゲル) for Kouta-kun's Washibon (ワシボン).


Click on images for higher resolution
After the battle, Shoko-tan announced the PokéSma! Bark Out Zoroark Wi-Fi distribution. On Pokémon Smash #14, Zoroark learned Bark Out. The Zoroark will be available via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection from February 15th, 2011 until March 14th, 2011. Below are the full details.

Pokémon	Info
Zoroark (ゾロアー ク)	Level: 50
	OT: PokéSma! (ポケスマ！)
	ID: 01161
	Poké ball: Cherish Ball
	Ribbon: Classic Ribbon
	Ability: Illusion
	Attack 1: Agility (こうそくいどう)
	Attack 2: Embargo (さしおさえ)
	Attack 3: Punishment (おしおき)
	Attack 4: Bark Out (バークアウト)

Characters and Pictures from this episode have been added to the episode guide. You can also comment and discuss this episode on the forum. Also be sure to rate this and other episodes in the episode guide.

The Pokémon TCG: Black & White expansion was released on April 25th, 2011. Press release pictures from this set have been added to an Imageboard thread.

Black & White

An exciting new Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion has arrived! With the Pokémon TCG: Black & White expansion, you can discover a legion of over 70 never-before-seen Pokémon from the newly explored Unova region, including new starter Pokémon Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, as well as powerful new Pokémon like Zoroark, Galvantula, Reuniclus, plus many more! The new Pokémon TCG: Black & White expansion comes battle-ready with over 110 cards, including the Legendary Reshiram and Zekrom, both featuring never-before-seen art that covers the entire card! Best of all, only Pokémon from the Unova region appear in the expansion! Enter a bigger Pokémon world with Pokémon TCG: Black & White!


Three Pokémon TCG: Black & White theme decks are at major retail stores across the country. Each theme deck—Green Tornado, Red Frenzy, and Blue Assault—will include a special code to unlock an identical digital deck for play in the recently announced Pokémon TCGO: Trainer Challenge online game! Use any of the three brand-new Pokémon TCG: Black & White theme decks to battle against fourteen virtual TCG players in three exciting Leagues.

The Pokémon TCG: Black & White expansion 10-card booster packs are now available in major retail stores nationwide. The four boosters feature brand-new Pokémon on their packaging—Reshiram, Zekrom, Zoroark and, Zebstrika—with each booster pack including one guaranteed parallel foil card!

Features of the new Pokémon TCG: Black & White expansion:

• Over 70 never-before-seen Pokémon from the brand-new Unova region
• Reshiram and Zekrom cards feature a unique foil, and for the first time are given a "full art" treatment covering the entire card
• Three new theme decks—Green Tornado, Red Frenzy, and Blue Assault—include a special code to unlock an identical digital deck ready for battle in Pokémon TCGO: Trainer Challenge online game

Ability to Win
Some Pokémon have all-new special skills called Abilities, and cards with these Abilities are extra valuable. Abilities have a wide range of uses, so you can take advantage of them in almost any deck.

For instance, you’ll get a huge advantage with Serperior's Royal Heal Ability, which heals 10 damage from each of your Pokémon between turns. Or use Klinklang's Shift Gear Ability to move Metal Energy from one of your Pokémon to another during your turn. These benefits definitely make Abilities worth seeking out and adding to your next deck!

All in the Numbers
The Pokémon TCG: Black & White expansion introduces a new approach to card numbering that helps you find exactly the card you're looking for. Under the new system, the cards are organized by type first—so all the Grass-type Pokémon are grouped together, for example. Then, the cards are arranged in Pokédex order. This means you’ll always find Lillipup, Herdier, and Stoutland next to each other in the numbering order. With your cards sorted and easier to find, building your next winning deck will be even easier!

Trainer Talk Non-Pokémon cards such as Trainer, Supporter, and Stadium cards used to be hard to classify, but the Black & White expansion makes it simpler. Now all of these cards are called Trainer cards, and they’re divided into three types—Supporter cards, Stadium cards, and Item cards (the new name for the old Trainer cards, such as Poké Ball and PlusPower). Since all three groups are part of the Trainer class of cards, it’s much easier for you to talk about these cards with other players!

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/black-white

Pokémon TCG Black & White: Sneak-Peek Tins

Are you ready to catch the next generation of Pokémon? Each Pokémon Trading Card Game: Sneak-Peek Tin contains 1 of 3 NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN basic Pokémon preview cards from the Pokémon TCG: Black & White expansion - the Grass Pokémon Snivy, the Fire Pokémon Tepig, or the Water Pokémon Oshawott - but that's not all!

You also get Snivy, Tepig, or Oshawott as a collectible figure! Want more? Each tin also contains a special Black & White preview pack with 5 more NEW Pokémon!

On top of all this, you get 4 MORE Pokémon TCG booster packs from Call of Legends, the HS Series, or the Platinum Series!

Each Pokémon TCG: Sneak-Peek Tin contains:

• 1 of 3 never-before-seen Pokémon - Snivy, Tepig, or Oshawatt - as both a TCG card and a fantastic figure!
• A special preview pack for the Pokémon TCG: Black & White expansion - five Pokémon chosen just for this sneak peek!
• 4 more Pokémon TCG 10-card booster packs from previous releases!

Pokémon Trading Card Game: Reshiram Box or Zekrom Box

You Can Choose the Vast White Pokémon as Your Legendary Ally or Summon the Legendary Power of the Deep Black Pokémon in the Pokémon TCG: Reshiram Box or Zekrom Box!

The depth of black, the vastness of white…the skills of YOU! In the Pokémon Trading Card Game: Reshiram Box or Zekrom Box, you’ll find either the amazing Reshiram or the outstanding Zekrom as a spectacular collectible figure that brings legendary force to your training! Plus, you’ll get four booster packs from the Pokémon TCG: Black & White Series expansions and a specially selected foil promo card of Reshiram or Zekrom to add depth to your vast collection!

Each Pokémon TCG: Reshiram Box or Zekrom Box includes:

• The Vast White Pokémon Reshiram or the Deep Black Pokémon Zekrom as a fantastic figure!
• 4 Pokémon TCG: Black & White Series booster packs
• A cool Pokémon TCG Black & White foil card of Reshiram or Zekrom!
• Special code cards that unlock boosters for the Pokémon TCG Online

Pokémon TCG: Reshiram Box/Zekrom Box
Product code: 290-10627
EAN: 0-820650-10627-9
Dimensions: 9 3/32” H x 12 1/8” W x 2 3/4” D, 1.66 lbs.
MSRP: $19.99 USD each. In stores October 2011

Pokémon Trading Card Game: Black & White Trainer Kit

The Pokémon Trading Card Game: Black & White Trainer Kit— Your Step-by-Step Guide to Learning and Playing! Your favorite Pokémon will show you how to battle—one card at a time! The Pokémon TCG: Black & White Trainer Kit gets you playing from the very first card you draw. And with powerful Pokémon like Excadrill and Zoroark at your side, you’ll be a Pokémon Trainer in no time!

The Pokémon TCG: Black & White Trainer Kit contains everything you need to learn, train, and win! Play each deck against the other, then combine them to build one powerful deck. Then test your deck at a Pokémon League near you or online in the Pokémon TCG Online: Trainer Challenge for free!

Each step-by-step Trainer Kit includes:

• Two 30-card decks, each with a specially selected holographic foil card
• Two guided game booklets to teach you how to play card by card, battle by battle!
• 2-player playmat with great game tips and rules on the reverse side!
• Damage counters and Special Condition markers
• Game coin with cool Pokémon design
• Illustrated deck box to keep your new cards in
• One special code card for the Pokémon TCG Online!
• BONUS booster pack with even more cards!

Pokémon TCG: Black& White Trainer Kit
Product code: 290-10655
UPC: 0-820650-106552
Dimensions: 7" H x 7 1/2" W x 1 ¹⁄₃" D, .54 lbs.
MSRP: $12.99 USD each. In stores August 3rd, 2011

Pokémon TCG Black & White Character Boxes

Press Release

It's the More the Merrier in the Pokemon TCG: B&W Starter Figure Box! Make the most of the great grass snake Pokemon Snivy in this box! Inside, you'll find a special foil promo card, an amazing 3D oversized card, and an awesome figure! But that's not all! Also included are 3 Black & White - Emerging Powers booster packs, and a special supplemental code card that will unlock all of this and more in the Pokemon TCG Online!

Each box contains:

• 1 x BW Character Starter Figure
• 1 Character Promo Card
• 1 3D Oversized Character Card
• 3 BW Series Boosters
• 1 TCGO Unlock Code Card

Pokémon TCG Black & White: Victini Box

Victini Makes Every Victory Sweeter with the Pokémon TCG: Victini Box! Every battle has a victor... Will it be you? With Victini by your side, it could be! In the Pokémon TCG: Victini Box, you’ll find the Victory Pokémon Victini as a spectacular collectible figure to watch over all of your games! Plus, you get five booster packs from the latest Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, Black & White, and a specially selected foil promo card as a foil card to add to your collection, giving you even more Pokémon to take with you to your next victory!

This Pokémon TCG: Victini Box includes:

• The Victory Pokémon Victini as a fantastic figure!
• 5 Pokémon TCG: Black & White expansion booster packs
• A cool Pokémon TCG: Black & White foil card to add to your collection

Pokémon TCG: Victini Box
Product code: 290-10611
Configuration: 1 figure, 5 boosters, 1 foil card
EAN: 0-820650-106118
83 ⁄ 16" H x 11" W x 115 ⁄ 16" D, 1.16 lbs
MSRP: $19.99 USD each

Pokémon TCG: Black & White Theme Decks

Play the Green Tornado theme deck to blow away the opposition while sheltering your own Pokémon with Serperior's Leaf Storm attack! Then, bring Sawsbuck into the action and overwhelm your opponent's Pokémon with its "the greener, the meaner" Nature Power attack! And if your opponent can weather the storm with tough Pokémon, let them ride it out in peaceful slumbers with Musharna's Hypnotic Ray attack! With the Green Tornado theme deck, will you whirl your way to victory?

Unleash a firestorm in the Red Frenzy theme deck with the mighty Mega Fire Pig Pokémon Emboar! Feeling burned out after its tremendous Flare Blitz attack? Well, fan the flames with the Energy Retrieval Trainer card and reignite with Emboar's Heat Crash attack! Then, add fuel to the fire and insult to injury with Stoutland's Giga Impact attack! Let your opponents feel the heat when you play the Red Frenzy theme deck!

Your opponents will soon find themselves in troubled waters with the Blue Assault theme deck, especially when you unleash Galvantula! Its Electroweb attack is sure to leave them in sticky situations, and its Leech Life attack will keep your own Pokémon going strong! Use Basculin's Crunch attack to leave your opponent's Pokémon high and dry while Professor Juniper brings you calm waters. Will you be able to batter the opposition with the Blue Assault theme deck?

Pokémon TCG: Black & White Theme Decks
Green Tornado, Red Frenzy & Blue Assault
Product code: 133-10614
Configuration: 60-card decks
EAN: 0-820650-106149
MSRP: $11.99 USD each
In stores April 6th, 2011

Pokémon TCG Black & White: Collector’s Album Box

You’ve Caught Them…and Now You Have a Place to Keep Them in the Pokémon TCG: Collector’s Album Box! Now you can have a brand-new place to keep your favorite new Pokémon! In the Pokémon TCG: Collector’s Album Box, you get a Black & White mini-collector’s album to store up to 60 of your latest and greatest Pokémon cards! Even better, you get two booster packs from the new Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, Black & White, plus a specially selected foil promo card to start filling up your new album right away!

This Pokémon TCG: Collector’s Album Box includes:

• A mini-collector’s album to hold 60 of your favorite Pokémon cards!
• 2 Pokémon TCG: Black & White expansion booster packs
• A cool Pokémon TCG: Black & White foil card to add to your collection!

The Pokémon Company International has published a press release indicating their plans for the upcoming year. Merchandise related to the new Pokémon: Black and White franchise will be released throughout the year. The Pokémon: Black and White anime will also premiere on February 12th, 2011 at 9am as two episodes will be shown. Below is the full press release.

Press Release

Pokémon Plans Blockbuster Year With Extensive Offerings Tied to Release of Pokemon Black Version and Pokemon White Version Video Games. National Mall Tour, New Animated Series, Feature-Length Film, Trading Card Game Expansion, and Toy Line, Competitive Gaming Tournaments and an All-Encompassing Marketing Program Highlight Landmark Year for Entertainment Franchise.

Pokémon™, one of the most successful entertainment properties in the world and the second-largest video game franchise of all-time, is celebrating a blockbuster year in 2011. Led by the release of the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems, The Pokémon Company International will roll out an all-new animated television series and feature-length film. A brand-new trading card game (TCG) expansion, Pokémon TCG: Black & White, and merchandise, including an innovative new toy line, round out an exciting year of offerings from the company. A comprehensive, multi-million dollar marketing campaign supports the brand's initiatives, in addition to video game marketing from Nintendo of America Inc. This multi-pronged strategy will thrust Pokémon into the spotlight across its many entertainment offerings.

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version launches in the U.S. on March 6th as one of the most anticipated video game releases of the year, introducing players to a brand-new world with more than 150 never-before-seen Pokémon featured in an all new adventure. The games' release in Japan last September shattered all existing sales records in that country, making them the fastest-selling Nintendo DS games in history with 5 million units sold (Famitsu, Jan. 2011).

"The release of Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version gives us the opportunity to launch brand-new entertainment that our existing and new fans will love," said J.C. Smith, director of Consumer Marketing for The Pokémon Company International. "Every major pillar of the brand -- including video games, TV animation, feature films, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game -- will see exciting changes throughout the year."

Pokémon kicks off the year with a new animated series and full-length feature film set to air on Cartoon Network, Pokémon's national broadcast partner. The year's animation entertainment begins with the film debut of Pokémon -- Zoroark: Master of Illusions on February 5th at 7:00 p.m., to be followed just one week later by the special premiere of two episodes of the new animated series -- Pokémon: Black and White -- on February 12th beginning at 9:00 a.m., starring an entirely new cast of Pokémon characters who join Ash and Pikachu on their continuing adventures.

In April, Pokémon will launch the Pokémon Trading Card Game: Black & White expansion, an all-new set of Pokémon TCG cards featuring new Pokémon, Trainers, and environments inspired by the video games. Pokémon TCG collectors and players will discover new expansions of Pokémon TCG: Black & White throughout the year. This latest installment of the TCG will add to a franchise that boasts more than 15 billion cards sold in over 60 countries.

The franchise's year will be kick-started by an extensive, multi-million dollar marketing campaign beginning with the nationwide Pokémon Black Version & White Version Tour, arriving at major malls beginning February 5th. The tour will hit 14 key markets over a seven-week schedule offering fans a first-look at the new video games and a slate of activities designed to heighten awareness and create a groundswell of anticipation around the franchise. The itinerary will include immersive Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video game demonstrations, free screenings of the new Pokémon movie, Pokémon -- Zoroark: Master of Illusions, photo opportunities with Pokémon characters, and various games and prize-winning opportunities for fans. A Pokémon Center store offering a variety of merchandise will also be on-site.

The Pokémon Company International will extend its grassroots marketing strategy with special character distributions throughout the year for the Pokémon video games at select retailers across the country. These character distributions offer Pokémon video game players the chance to receive, via Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection, specific Pokémon that will not be available through regular gameplay.

Pokémon fans interested in playing the new video games and trading card game competitively can do so through Play! Pokémon events. These gaming tournaments, held throughout North America, Europe and Asia, culminate in the highly anticipated Pokémon World Championships in San Diego, California in August 2011, which hosts thousands of Pokémon players from around the world.

At retail, all-new Pokémon licensed merchandise is slated to roll-out throughout 2011, including a full line-up of toys from JAKKS Pacific. JAKKS plans to launch an all new Skill & Action line of toys for older kids which allows them to "Catch," "Train," & "Battle" their Pokémon in unique, interactive and competitive toy-based experiences. JAKKS will also launch new collectible figures and plush featuring all-new Pokémon characters, playsets that emulate the new region, and "Trainer" role play items inspired by the TV animation series.

Croftminster has posted the press release and pictures for the upcoming Pokémon TCG Black & White set that is to be released in March of 2011. The UPC Code is 0-820650-10625-5.

Press Release

Are you ready to catch the next generation of Pokémon? Each Pokémon Trading Card Game: Sneak-Peek Tin contains 1 of 3 NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN basic Pokémon preview cards from the Pokémon TCG: Black & White expansion - the Grass Pokémon Snivy, the Fire Pokémon Tepig, or the Water Pokémon Oshawott - but that's not all!

You also get Snivy, Tepig, or Oshawott as a collectible figure! Want more? Each tin also contains a special Black & White preview pack with 5 more NEW Pokémon!

On top of all this, you get 4 MORE Pokémon TCG booster packs from Call of Legends, the HS Series, or the Platinum Series!

Each Pokémon TCG: Sneak-Peek Tin contains:

• 1 of 3 never-before-seen Pokémon - Snivy, Tepig, or Oshawatt - as both a TCG card and a fantastic figure!
• A special preview pack for the Pokémon TCG: Black & White expansion - five Pokémon chosen just for this sneak peek!
• 4 more Pokémon TCG 10-card booster packs from previous releases!

Source: http://www.croftminster.com.au/products/Pokemon/Pokemon-tcg-black-white-sneak-peek-tin

With over 100 cards in all, including an incredible roster of Legendary Pokémon cards, this expansion is the stuff legends are made of. Mark your calendars for February 9th, 2011, when the Pokémon TCG: Call of Legends expansion arrives in stores! Below is a list of the newest featured revealed cards that are in the new set. The cards have been added to the TCG dex.

Houndoom

Turn weakness into strength with Houndoom (10/95)! The Dark-type Houndoom has a Weakness to Fighting-type Pokémon, but that shouldn’t slow you down too much. Fight back with Fire Counterattack, which does 20 damage but 60 more damage if your opponent has a Fighting-type Pokémon anywhere in play! Better still, this attack costs only 1 Darkness Energy to use. If you want to keep things simple, switch to Dark Roar, a 50-damage attack that also forces your opponent to discard a card of his or her choice from his or her hand. With two powerful attacks and a reasonable 90 HP, Houndoom won’t have a hard time finding a home in your deck!


Click on images for higher resolution

Lucario

An impressive number of cards from the Pokémon TCG: HS—Triumphant expansion dealt with the Lost Zone, and Lucario (14/95) keeps the ball rolling in the Call of Legends expansion! If you find that a surprising number of your Pokémon are entering the Lost Zone, take advantage of that by using Lucario’s Dimension Sphere attack—it does 30 damage,plus 20 more damage for each of your Pokémon that has been put in the Lost Zone, and all for only 2 Colorless Energy! Lucario makes a perfect partner for Absol Prime (HS—Triumphant, 91/102) or Mew Prime (HS—Triumphant, 97/102). If you want to try another tactic with your deck, Lucario can do a hefty 70 damage to your opponent with its Sky Uppercut attack. Additionally, this attack will ignore the Resistance of the Defending Pokémon! Lost Zone or not, Lucario is a force to be reckoned with.

Zangoose

If you're looking for ways to pad out your Lost Zone-themed deck, look no further than Zangoose (39/95)! With plenty of HP, and attacks that have only Colorless Energy costs, it's easy to find a home for this Basic Pokémon. Zangoose’s most notable feature is its Lost Claw attack, which does 30 damage and lets you choose one of your opponent's cards (without looking) and send it straight to the Lost Zone! You can also use the Swords Dance attack to power up Lost Claw—using it will cause Lost Claw to double its impact and do 60 damage on your next turn. Whether you're setting up your Mew Prime or just disrupting your opponent's plans, let the powerful Zangoose lead the way!


Click on images for higher resolution

Ho-Oh

For the first time in the Pokémon TCG, you can get hold of a Shiny Ho-Oh (SL5)! With 100 HP and two fearsome attacks, Shiny Ho-Oh is an outstanding Basic Pokémon. Let Shiny Ho-Oh torch the Defending Pokémon for 100 damage with Scorching Wing, one of the most powerful attacks you’ll see coming from a Basic Pokémon. The Energy requirements are steep—3 Fire Energy and 2 Colorless Energy (and a coin flip will tell you if you have to discard all the attached Fire Energy)—but the Knock Out power of Scorching Wing is worth the effort. If you’re looking for something more lightweight but still very impressive, use Shiny Ho-Oh’s Combustion attack. The Combustion attack does only 50 damage but requires only 1 Fire Energy and 2 Colorless Energy to use. Also, there’s no risk of having to discard Energy from Shiny Ho-Oh for this one. Regardless of its attacks, Shiny Ho-Oh’s incredible artwork and unique place in the Pokémon TCG make this card a must-have!

Lugia

Cool down your opponents with the stunning Shiny Lugia (SL7), the first Shiny Lugia to be found in a Pokémon TCG expansion! No Pokémon is safe when Shiny Lugia is in play—it can hit any of your opponent’s Pokémon in play for 30 damage with its far-reaching Linear Attack. Then, load up more Energy and unleash the Hydro Splash attack on the Defending Pokémon. For 3 Water Energy and 2 Colorless Energy, you can do 80 damage and take out the Defending Pokémon... Not bad for a Basic Pokémon! Regardless of your strategy, when your opponent sees the awesome image of Shiny Lugia rising from the briny depths, you’re guaranteed to take the upper hand!

Source: http://www.pokemon.com/us/trading-cards/col_series/col1/featured/

Pokémon Smash Episode 12, Pokémon the Movie! / The International Division and the Adventure Division's Pokémon Card Searching Showdown! / Director Shoko-tan's Pokémon Battle / Goods Present Project! (ポケモン・ザ・ムービー！ / インターナショナル部とアドベンチャー部がポケモンのカード探しで対決！／ポケモンバトルはしょこたん部長／グッズプレゼント企画), aired today in Japan.

The episode begins Shoko-tan holding a present and Zoroark and Mijumaru looking on. TIM and Robert walk in and notice that Shoko-tan is attempting to deliver a present. They ask her about the present and she says that she cooked it herself. This brings back bad memories of the previous food she has cooked.

Golgo decides to quickly change the topic of conversation and introduces this weeks rerun episode as part of the Pokémon Library and Yamamoto announces this weeks theme 'Put your mind to it!' （みんなちゃんと寝ろよ）. This weeks rerun episode was Pokémon the Movie! (ポケモン・ザ・ムービー！) from the original Japanese series. A full summary is available in the episode guide. Red said the go-to line 'Okay! Pokémon Library!' to start the repeat episode.


Click on image for higher resolution
After the repeat episode, the International girls show up and say 'PokéMorning!" to everyone. Shoko-tan had hidden the present and Misaki manages to find it behind the cardboard cutout of the President of Pokémon Enterprise. They open the present to find out that it is Carrot Jelly (にんじんぜりー). Misaki is the first to try it thinking that it would be good but she quickly realizes that it doesn't taste very good. Hana tries it and almost faints and says 'Oh my god!". As they take Hana back to her seat Yamamoto notices that Mijumaru got a present from Shoko and Yamamoto wanted to protect Mijumaru so he quickly took the present, opened it and began eating it so that Mijumaru would be spared. It turned out that it was a Wasabi Rolls (わさびたっぷり チュロス) and it caused Yamamoto to faint onto the floor.

Baba introduced the Video tape recording of the International and Adventure Division's Pokémon Card Searching Showdown. The two teams were sent into the house to find hidden cards from the newest Pokémon Card Game BW set. The cards were hidden throughout the house. The teams were trying to find cards that had a lot of hit points and were related to get double the points from the combined HP.


Click on image for higher resolution
At the end of the searching, the International Division found 25 cards for a total of 3130 points with 8 pairs of cards. The Adventure Division found 23 cards for a total of 2400 points and 4 pairs of cards.

The next round, the two teams played the game Concentration with Pokémon Cards. The teams needed to match 3 evolution cards to collect them. The Adventure Division did quite well matching up the cards and increased their score to 3560 points whereas the International group only increased to 3140 points.

During Mijumaru's Tweet Corner, the ANA Darkrai was announced. Even though it's winter, the Phantom Pokémon Darkrai will be distributed as a special gift! Participating stores and shops which includes: Aeon Group Shopping Malls (Jusco, Aeon SuperCenter, Saty, Posful), Apita, Piago, Ito Yokado, Toys 'R US, Daiei, Al Plaza, and Heiwado will be distributing the Darkrai from December 27th, 2010 until January 11th, 2011.


Click on image for higher resolution
At the same time, Darkrai will also be distributed at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 to celebrate the renovation of the International terminal that opened at the end of October. This Darkrai is exactly the same as the one distributed at shops except for the OT name. The OT is (ＡＮＡ) for the Terminal 2 Darkrai and the shop Darkrai's OT is (ふゆやすみ) but both Darkrai's will have the ID No: 12270. The Darkrai are level 50 and it is stored in a Cherish Ball. They know the following moves: Ominous Wind, Dark Void, Faint Attack and Nightmare. The ANA Darkrai will be distributing from December 27th, 2010 until January 10th, 2011, one day less than the shop Darkrai.

During the Marketing Department segment, Director Shoko-tan had a Pokémon Battle with 9 year old Seiya Shishido. His parents and 8 siblings were in the audience to cheer him on. It was a 4-on-4 double battle. In the end, Seiya won against Shoko-tan and he traded his Muhland (ムーランド) for her Ononokus (オノノクス)


Click on image for higher resolution
Characters and Pictures from this episode have been added to the episode guide. You can also comment and discuss this episode on the forum. Also be sure to rate this and other episodes in the episode guide.

The Pokémon TCG: Call of Legends expansion was released on February 9th, 2011. Press release pictures from this set have been added to an Imageboard thread.

Pokémon TCG: Call of Legends

Their names are legend: Raikou. Entei. Suicune. Lugia. Ho-Oh. Kyogre. Groudon. Rayquaza. Deoxys. Dialga. Palkia. And when Legendary Pokémon come together, only the greatest Trainers can control their might. In the Pokémon TCG: Call of Legends expansion, not only will you discover incredibly powerful Pokémon—including very rare “Shiny” versions of some of them—but you’ll also find exciting new Lost Zone effects to expand your gameplay choices. The Legendary Pokémon have gathered—are you ready to answer the call?


With over 100 cards in all, including an incredible roster of Legendary Pokémon cards, this expansion is the stuff legends are made of. Pick up theme decks and booster packs of the Pokémon TCG: Call of Legends expansion in stores today!


Three of a Kind!
Track down Shiny versions of the Legendary Trio—Entei, Raikou, and Suicune! The amazing artwork on these cards is enough reason to keep an eye out for them as you open your next booster pack. But these three Pokémon are also potent additions to your decks: all feature the Extreme Speed Poké-Body, which enables them to retreat for less than their usual costs. All three Basic Pokémon are capable of extraordinary damage and come with high HP to make them last longer into battle!

Turn the Lost Zone into Wins!
Discover a new way to win with the Lost World Stadium card! When Lost World is in play, if your opponent has six Pokémon in his or her Lost Zone, you can declare yourself the instant victor! But be careful: since it’s a Stadium card, your opponent has the same opportunity as you when the Lost World is in play and there are six Pokémon in your Lost Zone. Combined with many potent cards from the HS Series that help you put your opponent’s Pokémon into the Lost Zone, you can design an entire deck that will open a new path to victory!

A Legacy of Power
In case you missed your chance to get some of the excellent cards from the HS Series, the Call of Legends expansion features some of its greatest hits. Look for potent Pokémon such as Jirachi, which originally appeared in HS—Unleashed, or Espeon and Smeargle from HS—Undaunted, all of which have amazing strategic potential in your deck. Don't skip this opportunity to pick up some of the more powerful cards you may have missed from recent expansions!

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/call-of-legends