First to hit shelves in December 2003 will be games based on the popular Superior Defender (SD) toy line and Cartoon Network hit animated series of the same name. Also appearing in January will be Knights of the Zodiac - another animated property with a loyal following. CCGs for Bandai powerhouses Gundam and Digimon will debut in June.

"Bandai has a unique understanding of these popular Japanese properties that has helped sustain their success for so many years," said Bill Beebe, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Bandai America. "We are taking that knowledge and translating it to the design and game play of these cards. Fans will now be able to explore the fantastic worlds of these properties in ways they have not been able to before."

To aid in accomplishing this goal, an entirely new division and design team has been created at Bandai to make a unique gaming experience for fans and collectors. Distinct game play has been created for each property, rather than simply recycling the same game with new graphics for different brands - a complaint often heard in the gaming community. Dedicated websites for each individual game will also be accessible online with rules, tactics, tips and even upcoming tournament information.

"Bandai is going to be a major player in this category," noted Danny Satyapan, marketing manager for Bandai America's new Cards and Collectibles division. "We have assembled a top-notch team of designers and game developers dedicated to bringing Bandai's coolest properties to life in the CCG arena."

2004 will also mark Bandai's entry in the Collectible Miniature Game (CMG) category. Set for release in June is an original CMG entitled Navia Drapt, which combines minor game play elements of chess with unique magical qualities, offering a multitude of strategic possibilities. Gamers will use a unique flip-dial system to attribute different strengths and values to incredibly detailed miniature pieces.

Initial assortments for all games will include main starter sets and assortments of booster packs to increase gaming options. To keep players and collectors engaged, new booster sets will be released every three months throughout the year, ensuring the games remain fresh and unpredictable.

Bandai also plans to offer an assortment of trading cards based on the popular Power Rangers property. These cards, with their sleek, eye-catching designs, will mark the first time trading cards for the popular boys brand have been available since the first season of the television show nearly a decade ago.

About Bandai America

Bandai America Inc. is a subsidiary of Bandai Co. Ltd., the third largest toy company in the world, with 27 subsidiaries in 8 countries worldwide. Global interests include toys and children's entertainment, video game software, multimedia, music, full-length feature films, vending machines, trading cards, candies and licensed apparel.

Bandai America Inc. is celebrating its 25th anniversary as the master toy licensee of some of the most popular properties and brands in children's toys and entertainment, including the Power Rangers, Gundam, Strawberry Shortcake and Astro Boy product lines. Bandai America is headquartered in Cypress, California and company information is available at Bandai.com.