Neopets (R), the Leading Virtual World for Tweens, Showcases New Collectible Plush Toys, Fun Paks and Trading Cards at Toy Fair

Limited Spring Retail Launch of JAKKS Pacific (R) and Enterplay (R) Products Followed by a Full Launch Slated for Fall 2008

Neopets Key Quest(TM) Collectors' Case Kicks Off New Multiplayer Gaming & Collecting Experience Linking Products to Neopia(R) - Products Include Virtual Prize Codes to Unlock Added Play Experiences on Neopets.com

Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products announced today that the first wave of a new line of products based on Neopets(R), the largest global youth-focused virtual world, is now available at Target(R) stores and target.com and it is expected to expand to full retail distribution for Fall 2008.

The new products will be showcased next week at Toy Fair 2008. The line includes Series 1 of collector plush from JAKKS Pacific, as well as Fun Paks and Trading Cards created by Enterplay (R). The products feature an online component that ties to Neopets.com with exclusive virtual prize codes.

 

While Neopets.com membership and wealth of content is free and open to all, the exclusive virtual prize codes provide premium play experiences for members who purchase Neopets toys. Neopets.com has more than 44 million global registered users, and it is the 'stickiest' kids entertainment site on the internet with an average of 2 hours and 45 minutes spent on the site, per visitor per month, according to Comscore(R).

"We're bringing the successful digital-first world of Neopets to the real world with an amazing range of collectible products," said Leigh Ann Brodsky, President, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products. "JAKKS has created an irresistible line of collectible plush that kids will love, and Fun Paks from Enterplay are filled with trading cards, mini-games and prizes -- both at an amazingly enticing prices. Best of all, each and every Neopets product comes with exclusive virtual prize codes."

"We're excited to launch Neopets Key Quest(TM) in conjunction with the new collectible products hitting retail this month for the first time," said Kyra Reppen, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Neopets. "It's a natural step for us to take the digital-first brand into the consumer products arena, and the multiplayer game and Collectors' Case will offer both new and old fans a unique, convergent play experience within the world of Neopets."

The JAKKS collectible plush line focuses on the extensive variety of Neopets species and characters featured throughout the world of Neopia(R). The product plans include multiple plush series with both limited and retired editions, which will make the plush line both collectible and coveted. Series 1 plush are now available at Target stores and target.com and include: Pink Bruce(R), Yellow Kacheek(TM), Red Scorchio(R), Brown Uni(TM), Speckled Acara(R), Striped Cybunny(R), Starry Grundo(TM), Cloud Kougra(R), Plushie Jub Jub(TM), Plushie Mynci(R) and Plushie Wocky(TM). Limited Editions include: Gold Aisha(R), Gold Gelert(R) and Gold Shoyru(R).

All the products will converge and tie into a new multiplayer gaming and collecting experience, called "Neopets Key Quest." The product packaging contains codes that allow kids to unlock virtual game pieces representing both plush and trading card characters as part of their Neopets Key Quest play experience. Kids can collect and show-off their Key Quest virtual game pieces in the Key Quest Collectors' Case on www.neopets.com/keyquest.

Members are also rewarded with special virtual game pieces for collecting an entire series of plush toys. NeoCash(TM) cards, which launched in 2007 are another form of cash payment for Neopets' virtual items and tie into Key Quest by unlocking special Collector Case decorative themes.

Fun Paks from Enterplay offer a high level of entertainment and an exceptional value. For a suggested retail price of $1.99, consumers get a mix of trading cards, tattoos, stickers, pop-up cards, mini-games and trivia-cards. In addition to the basic pak, multi-paks will also be available. Enterplay is a leader in trading cards and packs with licenses that include Nickelodeon(R), Nintendo(R) of America, Major League Baseball(R), National Hockey League(R) and others.

On Neopets.com, players create a Neopet to be their companion who they can dress and take care of while exploring the fantasy world of Neopia, which rich with 54 species of Neopets, 16 lands, and hundreds of characters, stories and plotlines. With more than 44 million global memberships, 200 games, an active virtual economy based on Neopoints(R), daily and weekly creativity contests, Neovision(TM) video player, discussion boards, quests, and thousands of virtual items to collect, Neopets.com offers its audience an almost endless array of engaging activities. The site's recently launched its NC Mall(TM), where users can buy premium items for their pets. Neopets.com is a global community, available in 11 languages.

Neopets is part of the Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group community of digital sites, which also includes Nick.com, NickJr.com, The-N.com, Shockwave,com, AddictingGames.com, ParentsConnect.com, Nicktropolis.com, NickatNite.com, Noggin.com, NickArcade.com, and myNOGGIN.com, among others.

About Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products
Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products manages the world's third largest licensing business, representing leading properties such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer, and managing merchandising for Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTVN International, and Spike TV.
Nickelodeon, in its 28th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 96 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for more than 13 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) .

About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ:JAKK) is a multi-brand company that designs and markets a broad range of toys and consumer products. The product categories include: Action Figures, Art Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush, Construction Toys, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, and Pet Toys and Accessories. The products are sold under various brand names including JAKKS Pacific(R), Play Along(R), Flying Colors(R), Creative Designs International(TM), Road Champs(R), Child Guidance(R), Pentech(R), Trendmasters(R), Toymax(R), Funnoodle(R), Go Fly a Kite(R), Color Workshop(R), JAKKS Pets(TM) and Plug It In & Play TV Games(TM). JAKKS and THQ Inc. participate in a joint venture that has worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Entertainment video games. For further information, visit www.jakks.com.

About Enterplay LLC.
Founded in 2006, Enterplay is the innovator of the new Fun Pak and Fan Pak product lines, promising "Fun in Every Pak." Enterplay holds merchandise licenses with Nintendo of America, Nickelodeon, Major League Baseball, Major League Baseball Players Association, National Hockey League, and National Hockey League Players Association. Enterplay LLC is located in Guilford, CT and distributes products through major retailers and distribution partners worldwide.

Source: Nickelodeon
NEW YORK, Feb. 14, 2008 /PRNewswire/ --

 


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