Pokémon fans can head over to to register, get their free pack, and start challenging other players around the world. Also, starting August 31st, decks and booster packs of the physical Pokémon TGC will start to include downloadable codes and scan-able images that will allow players to import the actual cards they buy straight into the virtual game. That means every card you buy (from now on) is already paid for online -- which is actually pretty cool.

And don't fret if you haven't bought a Pokémon card in years. Each new player will get free basic decks when they log in with an account on the Pokémon website. We'll be checking the game out ourselves during the beta, and will let you know what we think.

Given that this is a beta, the Pokémon Company says that some elements of the interface and gameplay could (and likely would) be changed, tweaked, or adjusted, so make sure to leave feedback at .

Pokémon Trading Card Game Online will also feature the new Pokémon Black and White expansion pack, "Emerging Powers."

From the press release: