February 9, 2009 - Bellevue, WA -- February 9, 2009 - Today, Pokemon USA, Inc. announced that it has expanded its retail presence for Pokemon in Toys"R"Us stores nationwide through 2009. Dedicated areas at the entrance of the "R" Zone video game departments now showcase a variety of Pokemon merchandise, including the top-selling video games, the Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG), TV and movie DVDs, select TOMY products that are making their U.S. debut, and a full range of Pokemon toys from JAKKS Pacific, Inc. Starting in April, Toys"R"Us Times Square, the company's International Flagship store, will highlight the Pokemon brand in a dedicated boutique through the remainder of the year. Toys"R"Us stores nationwide will also host retail events throughout 2009.

The expanded Pokemon area within Toys"R"Us stores spotlights several popular Pokemon video game titles, leading up to one of the most anticipated titles of the year-Pokemon Platinum Version for the Nintendo DS system. The dedicated area also features a wide selection of TCG expansion sets for the Pokemon: Diamond & Pearl Series and the newest Pokemon TCG: Platinum expansion. Additionally, the section includes a broad assortment of DVDs, strategy guides, and other toys from JAKKS Pacific.

The dedicated area establishes Toys"R"Us as the premier destination for fans looking for a wide selection of Pokemon products. Toys"R"Us will host video game events featuring character distributions for Pokemon Diamond Version & Pokemon Pearl Version (each sold separately), with the first event taking place from February 8 - February 14. A second event will take place in the spring. Toys"R"Us will also be the first retailer in the U.S. to carry select Pokemon toys by TOMY.

"Our partnership with Toys"R"Us speaks volumes about the unwavering popularity of the Pokemon franchise," said Caryl Liebmann, director, retail development and promotions, Pokemon USA, Inc. "We're excited that Toys"R"Us is offering our fans this first-class retail destination."

Pokemon is one of the most successful children's franchises in history and the #1 collectible trading card game of all time. The record-breaking TCG boasts 374 percent sales growth in the U.S. alone since 2005 and is sold in more than 30 countries around the globe. The Pokemon video game series has sold more than 186 million units worldwide through September 2008, with many more sales expected with the release of this spring's Pokemon Platinum Version. Other successful extensions of the property include eleven seasons on U.S. television with the debut of the series' 12th season this spring. Pokemon films and DVDs continue to reach fans in amazing numbers, often ranking at the top of the box office in Japan.

Some pretty interesting information in the press release but once again it sounds like Canada and other countries will get the back end of this. It\'s almost impossible to find Pokemon merchandise here. It also sounds like the next season of the anime will air right after Pokemon Battle Dimension finishes.