The Pokémon TCG Online closed beta is now over and all users accounts have been reset for the Open Beta. The Open Beta is open to any player that signs up. Below is the press release.

Press Release

BELLEVUE, WA – August 25, 2011 – The highly anticipated player-versus-player Pokémon™ Trading Card Game Online is now in open beta, and seasoned and new Pokémon TCG players can learn, practice, and play the popular trading card game anytime, anywhere at no cost, simply by turning on their computers and creating a Pokémon Trainer Club account. Coming on the heels of the game’s open beta, the newest Pokémon TCG expansion, Pokémon TCG: Black & White-Emerging Powers features in-pack codes in its theme decks and booster packs that unlock playable virtual cards for Pokémon TCG Online. The two English version theme decks are in stores now and booster packs hit shelves nationwide August 31st. This is the first Pokémon TCG expansion to feature booster packs broadly available with in-pack codes for the Pokémon TCG Online.

Pokémon TCG players who log into www.pokemon.com/tcgo have the freedom to learn, practice, and battle against opponents from around the world that features on-demand player matching whenever you want. The competition intensifies when players purchase Pokémon TCG: Black & White-Emerging Powers theme decks and booster packs and begin building customized decks online with virtual cards. Packs include codes that when entered into the online game unlock virtual cards players can use to enhance their decks for battle. The new expansion is one of seven that are now accessible in Pokémon TCG Online, including one complementary deck when players join and up to three decks players can earn at no additional cost to mix and match to create their own play experience without having to purchase cards right away.

“Fans of Pokémon TCG now have the freedom to battle against one another regardless of location, and that’s exciting for the entire Pokémon community,” said J.C. Smith, director of Consumer Marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “Everything Pokémon TCG players love about the game is replicated in a rich, customizable online environment, and our hope is that Pokémon TCG Online makes the game even more accessible to anyone who wants to play.”

Pokémon TCG Online makes it simple and fun to organize cards and trade with others quickly and easily. A unique Collection Management Tool provides players easy point-and-click access to their ever-growing virtual card collection. You will never have to search long for a card to put into battle. Additionally, for players just learning how to build their decks, Pokémon TCG Online features deck-building tools, including an innovative deck-building wizard, to help construct personalized decks that players of all skill levels can call into battle. Trading of virtual TCG cards and items is a breeze as players can trade directly with one another or offer public trades on the spot. Players can expect the introduction of new items and features frequently.

For more information about Pokémon TCG Online and the new Pokémon TCG: Black & White-Emerging Powers expansion, please visit www.pokemon.com/tcg.