Expert or novice fans can play all day with their portable POKeMON ELECTRONIC V-TRAINERS unit, as they increase their trainer points and battle for badges to become a Master Trainer. Kids begin by collecting basic figure packs, which allow them to compete against other POKeMON rivals to earn badges using the ELECTRONIC V-TRAINERS hand-held unit. The hand-held ELECTRONIC V-TRAINERS unit lets you obtain all eight Gold, Silver and Crystal badges by battling other trainers and increasing trainer points. Kids can also collect CAPTURE PACKS that allow them to battle and capture POKeMON, which helps tie the V-TRAINERS back to the fantasy. And for the ultimate in POKeMON action, kids can connect two V-TRAINERS units together for head to head battle with a friend.

"POKeMON continues to captivate millions of kids around the world," said Greg Leeds, General Manager of Hasbro's boys toys group. "Through unique technology and product innovation, Hasbro is thrilled to continually offer POKeMON fans exciting product that brings the fantasy to life in new and fun ways."

To support the introduction of the ELECTRONIC V-TRAINERS segment, Hasbro will launch a consumer promotion, "Where's that Ditto?", in early summer. "Ditto" is a character from the POKeMON television series that can transform and disguise itself by taking on the appearance and powers of any POKeMON character. In the "instant win" promotion, ELECTRONIC V-TRAINERS basic figure packs will contain game pieces, and kids will be challenged to find one of the 10,000 randomly placed winning pieces "disguised" as "Ditto" characters. Game pieces will also be available by mail-in request. Kids will know they've won if a winning "Ditto" game piece is placed on a V-TRAINERS unit and the "Ditto" alert is triggered, or if a game piece received by mail is disclosed to be a winner. The instant win prize is an exclusive Mewtwo V-TRAINERS figure. In addition, instant winners will be eligible to participate in a sweepstakes drawing to win a one-of-a-kind V-TRAINERS figure created in his or her likeness and a $500 shopping spree to the POKeMON web site store. Only one sweepstakes prize will be awarded. The drawing will take place in March 2003, to determine the sweepstakes winner, who will be notified by mail. No purchase will be necessary to enter the promotion. Official rules of entry and related information will be available on V-TRAINERS basic figure packs, while supplies last, and at www.pokemoncenter.com.

The ELECTRONIC V-TRAINERS unit is expected to retail for approximately $16.99 and the ELECTRONIC V-TRAINERS figure packs are expected to retail for approximately $7.99.

Nintendo originally launched Pokemon in Japan in 1996 for the world's best-selling Game Boy® hand-held video game system, and watched the 150 creatures evolve into a cultural phenomenon. The franchise arrived in North America in September 1998 with the release of the Pokemon Blue and Red Game Boy games, and has grown into a $15 billion dollar (in retail sales) industry worldwide. Nintendo and its licensing agency, 4Kids Entertainment, have licensed the franchise to more than 90 U.S.-based companies, whose products entertain millions of fans all over North America.

The original creators of Pokemon, Nintendo Co., Ltd., Creatures, Inc., and Game Freak, Inc., have formed The Pokemon Company and its subsidiary Pokemon USA, Inc. in NY to control and manage the rights to Pokemon throughout the world. Pokemon brand in North America is currently managed by Pokemon USA, Inc. and its licensing agency 4Kids Entertainment.

Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.