POKÉMON ANNOUNCES REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Players to Compete in Free Event for Regional Champion Title and a Chance to Compete at Nationals

BELLEVUE, Wash.—March 1, 2006—Pokémon USA, Inc., a worldwide leader in trading card games, today announced the Regional Pokémon® Trading Card Game (TCG) Championships, which will be held in thirteen locations in April. Regional Championships provide TCG players the opportunity to advance to the Pokémon TCG National Championships™ in Columbus, Ohio, on July 1^st and 2^nd. Pokémon TCG tournaments and leagues test a player’s Pokémon TCG skill, strategy, and creativity.

Pokémon TCG Regional Championships are held in 13 regions across the U.S. and are open to all eligible players. Competitors are divided into three age categories: 10 and younger, 11 to 14, and 15 and older. First-place winners in each age category receive a Travel Award to the 2006 Pokémon TCG National Championships and a scholarship of $2000. Second-place winners receive a scholarship award of $1000, while third- and fourth-place winners receive a scholarship award of $750. Prizes are awarded to the top eight players in each age category and include Pokémon TCG expansion booster packs and a Regional Championship promo card.