11/30/05 - Cypress Ca. - Bandai Collectible Games has announced its release schedule and marketing plans for 2006, which will include several key licenses not the least of which is the highly anticipated Naruto CCG.

Bandai Collectible Games will launch the Naruto CCG with starters and booster exclusively into the hobby in late March of 2006, simultaneously offering casual play league kits and organized play through their "Meijin" program. Two more expansions will follow in July and October 2006 with a special gift set in November.

Zatch Bell the Card Battle will receive vigorous attention in the new year as well as an expanded release schedule; going from three planned releases to four. In February, The Gathering Storm, (series #3) will introduce new theme decks and collectable page shields. At the same time, Bandai will launch a unique and exciting league program for hobby retail stores. More releases for Zatch follow in May, August and November with another collector's box planned for the holidays. Two more new configurations of spell books will also be released. Sanctioned tournament will continue as well with exclusive tournament cards available through the Meijin program.

Navia Dratp, the collectible strategy game, has seen a resurgence from the Series #2 release. In an effort to bring this game to more players, and make new players aware of the new lower price and great gameplay of Navia Dratp, a nationally advertised "new player" weekend is scheduled for March. Series #3 of Navia Dratp is planned for September.

The Gundam War CCG will be enhanced by a series #3 release entitled: Binding Fate in February and will feature characters and units from the incredible "Char's Counterattack" Gundam movie. It will also introduce new game mechanics that have been popular with players in Japan. Series #4 for the game is planned for September as well.

The One Piece CCG will also see a new booster only release in March of 2006 entitled: Passage to the Grand Line. Two more expansions are planned for June and October.

In anticipation of the new Digimon movie and growing popularity among fans, the Digimon CCG will continue with series #5 release in April introducing android and machine Digimon to the American version of the game. Two more releases are planned for August and December.

Bandai Collectible Games will also be attending more that double last year's conventions, with a strong focus on the anime cons, where the fan base and strength of these licenses are most prevalent.

With its strong licenses, the Gateway hobby retailer program, casual play league kits, Meijin Organized play program and growing fan base, Bandai Collectible Games will be investing heavily in gaining new players and fans for its products lines, supporting the hobby with exclusive launches and promotions, and bringing a new level of entertainment to the American Hobby market.