Feb. 1, 2002
CONTACT: Rome Jetté, Vice President SmartCard Development .
(630) 852-5600

Downers Grove, IL - Versatile Card Technology, Inc.  (VCT) is leading the way in SmartCard Development and Trends.  VCT just finished producing cards for launch of "Smart Trading Cards" to Toys R Us and will debut this week at their Times Square store in New York City. The nationwide release of the novel collectables is scheduled for the remaining 700-plus TRU stores late next month.

Rome Jetté Vice President of SmartCard Development says he worked closely with StatCard Entertainment, Inc. to produce 40 different cards with 40 different personalization requirements.  "We provided readers and balance checkers that produce scrolling text which is different from the balance readers that normally read numeric balances".  "These cards are collectible", said Jetté, "and they had to be produced in such a way that minimum damage, scratches and wear and tear would not occur; these cards are tough."

The first group of cards, is billed as the XAction Skate series. The card set features pro skateboarders in action, much as other more traditional trading cards depict athletes participating in their chosen sport.
Jetté, says "this card differs from other Plastic Cards.  The smart chip implanted in the card, enables the user to access additional digital content. By putting the card in the reader hardware connected to a PC, customized software will connect the user to an exclusive interactive entertainment Web site. Versatile Card also purchased booster cards that further enhance the online aspects.   Now it won't be long when card traders are selling their premium stat-rich SmartCards".

Pricing is set at $7.99 for each XAction Skate trading card, while booster packs provide a trio of cards for $8.99. The main StatCard Reader is priced at $19.99.