According to National Sales Manager Dean Irwin, Nintendo's first Pokemon release under its own brand, the EX Ruby and Sapphire series, has sold out two printings since its release last month.  The second, sold-out printing is shipping now.  A third printing will be available in August. 

 

Five weeks of television advertising, heavy enough to reach 55% of all boys 6-11 at least four times, supported the Nintendo launch.  Promo card inserts in Nintendo Power magazine also stimulated demand.

 

EX Sandstorm, the second Nintendo series, will follow EX Ruby and Sapphire.  It will introduce another forty new Pokemon. 

 

Nintendo recently took over its own CCG production after Wizards of the Coast ended its long relationship with the brand (see 'Nintendo To Do Pokemon CCG').