Hasbro Arrives at 2002 Toy Fair with Some of the Hottest Toys

PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 5, 2002-- Celebrating the "birthdays" of two classics, MR. POTATO HEAD and TRIVIAL PURSUIT, Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) will unveil its 2002 product line-up at the American International Toy Fair in New York City on February 11th. Also among Hasbro's line are new items from this past holiday season's hottest brands including G.I. JOE, HITCLIPS and TRANSFORMERS. Plus, exciting new toys and games that lead today's hottest trends such as music and "wacky" toys, along with the entertainment industry's most popular properties.

Highlights of Hasbro's 2002 toy and games lines include:

HASBRO TOY

50th BIRTHDAY EDITION MR. POTATO HEAD: In 1952, the first toy ever advertised on television encouraged kids to turn a bag of parts and a potato into a "funny face man." Since then, MR. POTATO HEAD'S status as an American icon has been no small potatoes. As he celebrates this "golden" year, MR. POTATO HEAD is more beloved today than ever -- he started as a real potato and grew into a famous toy, movie star, comic strip and so much more. The 50th BIRTHDAY EDITION MR. POTATO HEAD includes all the parts needed to make an original-looking MR. POTATO HEAD! Packaged in a special commemorative storage tin, this MR. POTATO HEAD features retro styling and original-looking parts including a real potato-like body, three pairs of eyes, three noses, three mouths, four ears, three hats and one pair of glasses. (Approximate retail price: $14.99; recommended ages: 2 & up; available in March.)

BOYS

G.I. JOE: G.I. JOE was one of the 2001 holiday season's hottest toy brands and Hasbro will unveil a new line-up of action figures and vehicles for both kids and collectors at Toy Fair. A new generation of kids has clearly discovered the fantasy and action that only the G.I. JOE brand can offer. The 2002 roster of G.I. JOE action figures and vehicles features the return of the legendary "G.I. JOE vs. COBRA" theme that launched the popular 3-3/4-inch figures in the 1980s; a "COMBAT CONTROL" G.I. JOE figure that can move in ways never seen in a G.I. JOE action figure before; and a line of figures to commemorate D-Day, the Army Rangers, Jimmy Doolittle, and Ernie Pyle, the famous World War II news correspondent. (Approximate retail price: $7.99-29.99; recommended ages: 8 & up; available now-May.)

TRANSFORMERS: There are robots... and then there are ROBOTS IN DISGUISE! When Hasbro introduced the TRANSFORMERS brand in the U.S. nearly 20 years ago, it popularized a unique concept -- vehicles that kids can change to robots and back again. This fall, Hasbro will introduce a new segment called TRANSFORMERS ARMADA. In addition to change and combination, the TRANSFORMERS ARMADA line features a new way to play for the TRANSFORMERS brand -- "integration." The line and television show will feature a new breed of TRANSFORMERS robots called MINI-CON TRANSFORMERS. These MINI-CON TRANSFORMERS robots "plug" into larger TRANSFORMERS robots from the different assortments to enhance battle features and unlock hidden features, bringing more exciting elements of play and discovery for kids and collectors. (Approximate retail price: $6.99-39.99; recommended ages: 5 & up; available in August)

BEYBLADE: Following strong holiday launches in Los Angeles, Chicago and on Toysrus.com, Hasbro has introduced nationally, Japan's highly popular sports entertainment brand -- BEYBLADE. Through d-rights, Inc. and Corus Entertainment's Nelvana, worldwide licensing and merchandising agent(a), Hasbro has the rights to manufacture tops and other toys based on the BEYBLADE brand. Hasbro's BEYBLADE line is all about custom-building high-performance tops that battle against other BEYBLADE tops. Each BEYBLADE top comes unassembled and ready for customization. Kids can interchange parts from various tops in their collection for ultimate performance and battle, then launch them into action in the BEYSTADIUM, a self-contained arena. LET IT RIP! (the ripcord, that is), and the last BEYBLADE top spinning gets the glory. Hasbro's introductory BEYBLADE line includes BEYBLADE Starter Sets, nine different customizable tops, each sold separately; Deluxe Launchers for ultimate spin power and BEYSTADIUMS. BEYSTADIUMS with different slopes will be available later this spring and additional items are slated for fall. (Approximate retail price: $6.99-8.99; recommended ages: 8 & up; available now.)

POWER AIR SURFER RADIO CONTROL (R/C) AIRPLANE: This spring, WowWee takes radio-controlled airplay to new heights with the launch of its radical POWER AIR SURFER RADIO CONTROL (R/C) AIRPLANE. Easy to assemble, you will be ready to take off in no time. Simply snap the parts into place, charge up your battery (included), attach your RC controller antenna and you are ready for lift off! Available in two impressive styles. (Approximate retail price: $60.00; recommended ages: 8 & up; Available: Fall)

"WACKY" HUMOR

WALLY GETSA WEDGIE leads off Tiger's new line of distinct characters with unique, edgy personalities. Wally, the cute but nagging little brother you just "love to hate," has boundless energy and an even faster mouth. His mind races with information and his lips stumble over as he tries to tell you the latest happenings, jokes with punch lines you saw coming from a mile a way, absurd facts and the tallest of stories. In sum, exaggerated nonsense that generally will leave you no choice but to get him to stop the only way you can... WEDGIE!!! The art of yanking the struggling victim's underpants up out of their pants to the point of ripping or in Wally's case, physically suspending him in mid-air. (Ages 6 & up; Approximate retail: $29.99.

Available: Fall

QUEASY BAKE: Hungry for some OLDY MOLDY CAKE? How about a few LARVA-LICIOUS COCOON COOKIES? Boys are in for a real treat as Hasbro combines two of their favorite things -- gross stuff and sweets! It's a case of good food gone nasty with the QUEASY BAKE product line. This boy-friendly version of the ever-popular EASY-BAKE OVEN makes its debut allowing boys the chance to create ooey, gooey, gross looking treats that are nothing short of delicious. The QUEASY BAKE product line includes the QUEASY BAKE COOKERATOR, in which kids can make tasty treats such as DIP 'N DROOL DOG BONES, OLDY MOLDY CAKE, LARVA-LICIOUS COCOON COOKIES and MUD 'N CRUD CAKE. In the QUEASY BAKE MIXERATOR, boys can mix up a SWAMP SNACK, BLEND-A-BOOGER DRINK, SEWER SLUDGE SHAKE and FIZZ 'N FOAM ALIEN DRINK. (Approximate retail price: $4.99-$24.99; recommended ages: 8 & up; available fall)

Ready... aim... SPLAT! Watch out, there is a new trend hitting stores -- and walls -- nationwide this spring and it is sure to stick around. SPLAT is a colorful compound that allows you to mold the product into any form or shape, throw it at the accompanying SPLAT MAT and watch it stick! Kids can mold, squeeze and stretch SPLAT into their favorite wacky shape then wind up and fling it at the SPLAT MAT target! Colors include blue, yellow, purple, orange, magenta and green and will be refreshed with four new containers and colors of compound to mold and throw. The DELUXE SPLAT `N SOUND MAT is an electronic target mat that responds with four different reward phrases when hit by Splat compound. (Approximate retail price: $4.99-$9.99; recommended ages: 8 & up; available now.)

MUSIC

HITCLIPS Micro Music System changed the way kids collect and listen to their favorite artists, such as Britney Spears, 'N Sync, Destiny's Child, Backstreet Boys, Dream and more. These postage-stamp sized chips are played on innovative players. HITCLIPS have become the rage and a new lifestyle product for kids and have some impressive facts:

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  To date over 12 million HITCLIPS have sold.

  
  
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  HITCLIPS consistently ranked number 1, 2 and 3 in unit and dollar sales in the Youth Electronics/Communications category according to NPD TRST Toys Tracking Service results.

  
  
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  Kids can currently choose from an extensive music library with over 70 different songs.

  
  
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  HITCLIPS features 23 out of the top 25 songs aired on Radio Disney.

  
  
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  HITCLIPS are the top selling portable digital music players behind CD's and are the fastest growing music medium in the world.

New for 2002: Hot new music, New HITCLIPS Personal Players, HITCLIPS VIDEO JOCKEY -- Create a short "video" that plays in time with any HITCLIPS Micro Music Clip, HITCLIPS Earbud Player -- This is the HITCLIPS player that you wear on your ear, HITCLIPS Sports Boombox, HITCLIPS Carabiner Player and more! (Ages 5 & up; Approximate retail: $3.99-14.99; Available now-fall)

KIDCLIPS Disney Tunes: Tiger has taken its HITCLIPS technology and created a new music brand for youngsters! Now preschoolers can listen to Disney music with their very own interchangeable music system. Recreate the magic of Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID, BEAUTY & THE BEAST, THE LION KING, JUNGLE BOOK, SNOW WHITE, SLEEPING BEAUTY and more right in your own home.

Tiger's KIDCLIPS Disney Tunes combines the breadth of the Disney music library with enchanting hardware. Each KIDCLIPS Disney Tunes Music Chips contains a 60-second edit of a Disney classic tune that is played on adorable, easy to use players. The line includes KIDCLIPS Disney Tunes Basic Player that is sculpted to look like a retro-radio, has a chunky handle, which is perfect for preschoolers on-the-go; KIDCLIPS Disney Tunes Deluxe Player which looks like a jukebox and is a great desk top player for private listening or for sharing music with friends; and KIDCLIPS Disney Tunes Music Chips which are an assortment of thirty 60-second play classic Disney songs such as "Hakuna Matata" and "Under the Sea." The oversized music chips are perfect for small hands. (Ages 3 & up; Approximate retail: $9.99-14.99; Available in June)

e-kara REAL KARAOKE: Girls who once dreamed of being their favorite pop star brought the fantasy -- and fun -- to life in 2001 when they took center stage with e-kara REAL KARAOKE. The party continues in 2002 with the e-kara PRO HEADSET SYSTEM that allows you to sing and dance like your favorite pop stars, without holding a microphone! Plug the headset into the new, lightweight main e-kara unit that hooks onto your belt or waistband. The e-kara DUET HEADSET allows for group karaoke. Just plug in the e-kara DUET HEADSET into your friend's e-kara PRO HEADSET and you can sing -- and dance -- hands-free. New e-kara HIT MIX ASSORTMENT includes cartridges each with 10 songs made popular my today's hottest singing stars. (Approximate retail price: $19.99-59.99; recommended ages: 6 & up; available in Fall.)

GIRLS

Only FURREAL FRIENDS offer high tech electronics in an amazingly lifelike form. FURREAL FRIENDS is Tiger's magical line of electronic plush cats that, when stimulated by touch, convincingly duplicate and mimic mannerisms unique to a "real" cat through life-like organic movements and sounds. FURREAL FRIENDS have intelligent sensors located on its upper back, lower back, tail, one on each side of the head and one between the ears that detects light and dark. Each of the sensors is strategically placed to induce a natural interaction between owner and cat. FURREAL FRIENDS Cats are animated from top of head to tip of tail, including mouth and neck, and feature three different mood modes: cuddly, playful and irritable. The Cats enter these modes depending on how the owner interacts with them. (Ages 6 and up. Approximate retail: $34.99; Available: Fall)

DAZZLIN' DANCERS are Tiger's new sassy and hip dancing dolls that bust a groove on your command! These girls are decked out to dance their feet off! DAZZLIN' DANCERS are available four different styles and each doll has its own unique style and individual fashion flare. All dolls include three exclusive one-minute songs that each dances to: Hip Hop, Latin, Dance and Pop. DAZZLIN' DANCERS dance to two speeds, fast and normal and with rollers on their feet, they are able to dance on low pile carpet or table top. The best part is that you control their every funky dance move with the included IR controller. (Ages 6 & Up; Approximate retail: $29.99; Available: Fall)

OUTDOOR/LARAMI

MAX-D5000 and MAX-D6000: Just when you thought they couldn't blast any farther, Larami unleashes one of the longest-launching water soakers on the market. The new MAX-D5000 and MAX-D6000 are the newest additions to OFFICIAL SUPER SOAKER MAX-D (Maximum Distance) line from the Hasbro's Larami division. For serious soakage and a point-and- blast solid stream of water, the new MAX-D5000 is the optimum choice. If you're looking for a more diverse water spray, try the new MAX-D6000, which has four powerful nozzle settings -- so you can go from a light stream to a forceful blast. A Power Gauge tracks your blasting pressure so you can make sure you're ready to go and on the mark. (Ages 5 & Up; Approximate retail: $9.99-14.99; Available now)

NERF VORTEX MIKE PIAZZA POWER HITTER: When it comes to sports toys and activities, the NERF brand name has come to symbolize power and performance. This year, seven-time National League All-Star catcher Mike Piazza adds his name and endorsement to a new line of NERF branded sports toys from Larami. The NERF VORTEX MIKE PIAZZA POWER HITTER PITCHING MACHINE throws fastballs and curveballs to help wanna-be big leaguers be ready for whatever pitch crosses the plate. The POWER HITTER features speed control and adjusts the angle of delivery so it hits the strike zone. Six soft-foam NERF balls are included. (Ages 5 & Up; Approximate retail: $24.99; Available now)

NERF VORTEX FIRE STRIKE: Now, the farthest flying football lights up the sky! From dusk to dawn, you can add excitement to your pick-up football game with the new NERF VORTEX FIRE STRIKE from Larami. Toss the FIRE STRIKE and watch as it lights up in two different hot colors: red and green. The FIRE STRIKE has two light modes: continuous and strobe effect -- you make the call! Its lightweight design, coupled with its patented aerodynamic tail, propels the ball over ultimate distances at maximum speed -- and you won't lose sight of the ball. Endorsed by All-Pro QB Peyton Manning, the VORTEX FIRE STRIKE is the ultimate coaching tool for beginners. (Ages 5 & Up; Approximate retail: $9.99; Available now)

HASBRO GAMES

PARKER BROTHERS/MILTON BRADLEY

TRIVIAL PURSUIT 20th ANNIVERSARY EDITION: In 1982, the TRIVIAL PURSUIT game started a revolution, creating a phenomenon of adults playing games socially together. Twenty years later, the game that continues to bring adults together celebrates its heritage with the TRIVIAL PURSUIT 20th ANNIVERSARY EDITION game that captures subject matter from 1982 to 2002. The 4,800 new questions will be divided into six new categories: Global View, Sound & Screen, News, The Written Word, Innovations and Game Time. The game play remains the same with players vying to collect all six pie wedges and answer the final question first. (Approximate retail price: $39.99; recommended ages: Adult; available in Fall.)

The NU JAM GUITAR electronic game combines kids' two favorite activities -- music and games -- into one all-out, game-play jam session. This stylish guitar-inspired, action-reaction game incorporates real music styles, random sequencing commands, and four game-play options. Each new game creates a unique play experience and a different piece of music. Through sequences of lights and sounds, the game unit directs the next move. Players respond to the game's visual and audio commands by moving the sliding handle, strumming the strum bar or twisting the guitar-shaped neck. As the game progresses, the jamming intensifies, prompting the player to respond quickly and correctly to keep up with the tempo and keep the game -- and the music -- going. (Approximate retail price: $24.99; recommended ages: 7 & up; available in summer.)

The classic nursery rhyme "This Little Piggy Went to Market" is the theme for WEE LITTLE PIGGIES, an engaging, solve-the-sequence, recollection game that builds listening, recall and sequencing skills while providing preschoolers with a fun and familiar play experience. (Ages: 4 to 6; Players: 2 to 4; Approximate retail: $19.99; Available: Now).

WIZARDS OF THE COAST

STAR WARS TRADING CARD GAME: ATTACK OF THE CLONES: This game's innovative game mechanic enhances the rich Star Wars experience by allowing players to plan and execute the high-stakes gambits and intense action of a climactic Star Wars battle. Card sets (one Light side, one Dark side) for the Star Wars TCG will draw content from every Star Wars era, including the Star Wars movies and the Star Wars expanded universe. The first Star Wars trading card game release, which includes content from the highly anticipated Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones, is designed by Richard Garfield. (Available:April 23, 2002; Approximate retail: 2-player Starter -- $6.99; 5-card booster - $1.49, Ages: 10 & up)

POKeMON TRADING CARD GAME: CARD-E will deliver a new generation of cards to the millions of POKeMON TRADING CARD GAME players and fans by combining the traditional trading card game play with the handheld technology of GAME BOY advance. The POKeMON TRADING CARD GAME CARD-E game cards maintain their playability in the existing trading card game format, but the cards are revolutionized with electronic strips that give the game an added dimension. With a swipe of a game card, sound effects, graphics or data will appear on the GAME BOY Advance screen. Select cards will produce a simple game when scanned with a series of other cards. A special reader will be available exclusively for the GAME BOY ADVANCE and CARD-E cards, allowing players to experience the added bonus of electronic gaming. CARD-E releases will offer creature game cards featuring familiar and popular POKeMON with brand attacks; new trainer cards, which give players more options in the game; and, a new mechanic called Supporters designed to aid POKeMON. (Available: May 2002; Approximate retail: Starter Set -- $7.99; Booster pack - $2.99; Ages: 9 & up.)

In the HARRY POTTER TRADING CARD GAME: DIAGON ALLEY, players are apprentice wizards and witches as they test their wizardry skills at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Each player tries to win the game by being the first to eliminate his or her opponents cards. The Diagon Alley expansion features a new type of card called Location cards; which illustrate popular settings from Diagon Alley; new magical Item and Character cards; and new game strategies. (Available: March 2002; Approximate retail: Starter Set -- $9.99; Booster -- $3.29, Ages: 8 & up)

ENTERTAINMENT

Hasbro continues to lead the toy industry with the hottest licensed entertainment properties, including:

STAR WARS: The legendary saga continues when Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones hits the screen on May 16, 2002. Just as it has since Star Wars debuted 25 years ago, Hasbro's Star Wars line is designed to ignite the imaginations of kids and fans everywhere, putting "The Force" right in their hands. On April 23rd, retailers nationwide will introduce Hasbro's exclusive Attack of the Clones product line. Action figures and vehicles equipped with innovative features, and games from hand-held to trading card games are only the beginning of a universe that lets every fan young and old re-live the experience again and again.

DISNEY: Hasbro continues to bring the magic of Disney's classic and new brands into kids' hands through its toy and game line. This year's line-up includes toys and games based on LILO & STITCH, Walt Disney Pictures' summer feature, which will debut on June 21st, and TREASURE PLANET, which premieres on November 27th. In addition, Hasbro will unveil DISNEY WILD RACERS, an all-new line of miniature cars that take on the personalities of favorite Disney and Disney/Pixar's characters such as Buzz Lightyear from TOY STORY and Scar from LION KING. Plus, Hasbro has tapped into Disney and Disney/Pixar's vast collection of endearing classic properties for enchanting product lines based on Disney Princesses and TOY STORY. Every little girl's dream will come true with a magical line of playsets and miniature figures based on CINDERELLA and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

HARRY POTTER: HARRY POTTER continues to excite fans with the latest magical offerings from Wizards of the Coast - DIAGON ALLEY; ADVENTURES AT HOGWARTS: and CHAMBER OF SECRETS based on the book and MOVIE 2 cards based on the upcoming movie. CAP Candy introduces the highly anticipated HARRY POTTER CHOCOLATE FROGS as well as two new taste sensations of BERTIE BOTT'S EVERY FLAVOR BEANS candy: SPINACH and EARWAX.

BUTT UGLY MARTIANS: Watch out this winter, as Hasbro turns loose its BUTT-UGLY MARTIAN toys. COMMANDER B. BOP, TECH OFFICER 2-T, and CORPORAL DO-WAH have been sent to invade Earth. Instead of conquering the planet, they end up loving the place. Befriending three teenagers, they spend their time saving the planet, as well as enjoying fast food, playing video games, and watching TV! Already a staple on Nickelodeon, the BUTT-UGLY MARTIANS toys will be landing on U.S. store shelves this winter. An assortment of collectible action figures, interactive clip-ons, electronic games, and walkie talkies are just part of the BUTT-UGLY MARTIANS collection.

BOB THE BUILDER: Hasbro will delight fans of the HIT Entertainment Bob the Builder television series with its expanded product line of toys and games designed just for preschoolers. One of NICK JR.'s highest-rated series, the show is now part of CBS's Saturday morning roster. Bob and his crew work together to solve problems and tackle everyday adventures with their can-do attitude and motto: "CAN WE FIX IT? YES, WE CAN!" The PLAYSKOOL line includes all new plush, vehicles and playsets based on the show's popular characters. Highlights include BOB THE BUILDER JACKHAMMERING BOB, BOB THE BUILDER ADVENTURE MUCK and BOB THE BUILDER ADVENTURE BOB CONSTRUCTION SITE . (Recommended Age: 2 & up; Approximate Retail Price: $7.99 - $29.99). In addition, Hasbro Games will introduce the BOB THE BUILDER BRICKLAYING GAME. (Recommended Age: 4 & up; Approximate Retail Price: $12.99 available: June)

Hasbro (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.