Jakks Pacific sent out a press release today annoucing that they’re teaming up with Nintendo to offer both toys and costumes from Nintendo’s huge catalog of iconic characters. This new licensing deal allows Jakks Pacific to make and distribute toys, games, plush, costumes and more. Halloween costumes and accessories will be available this year with the remainder of the product lines launching in Spring 2014. Guess we have something to look forward to seeing at the next Toy Fair!
The complete press release is after the jump.
GAME ON: JAKKS PACIFIC TO BRING ICONIC NINTENDO® CHARACTERS TO LIFE WITH TOY AND COSTUME LINE
Malibu, Calif. – February 25, 2013 – Leading U.S. toymaker JAKKS Pacific, Inc., (Nasdaq: JAKK) announced today that it has been granted rights in major toy categories by Nintendo of America Inc. to manufacture, market and distribute a line of toys and related consumer products based on a robust library of iconic Nintendo characters that generations have come to love. In addition, JAKKS’ Halloween costume division, Disguise Inc., has been given rights to offer Halloween costumes and accessories based on these Nintendo properties. With this licensing agreement, fans of all ages will be able to engage with their favorite Nintendo video game characters, from Mario and Luigi®, to Donkey Kong® and Princess Peach™, to Game Link® and Zelda®.
“Nintendo is a classic brand rich in content that appeals to today’s kids, parents and collectors alike and we are excited to partner together to bring their video game heritage to life in the toy aisle,” said Jack McGrath, COO, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. “We are looking forward to expanding our top-tier roster of properties through this comprehensive licensing deal, which covers a wide array of category rights for almost all Nintendo properties, and for nearly all worldwide territories.”
“We are eager to offer, a robust and comprehensive line up of products to satisfy our fan base and generations of Nintendo enthusiasts,” said Steve Singer, Nintendo of America’s Vice President, Licensing. “This partnership with JAKKS Pacific affords us tremendous opportunity to grow the presence of our iconic brands at retail.”
The licensing agreement allows JAKKS Pacific to manufacture, distribute and market toys, games, playthings, novelties, plush, key chains, and costumes worldwide (excluding Japan and Korea). JAKKS Pacific is expected to launch this new product line at retailers nationwide in Spring 2014. Disguise plans to launch Halloween costumes and accessories for the 2013 Halloween season.
About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) is a leading designer and marketer of toys and consumer products with a wide range of products that feature popular brands and children’s toy licenses. JAKKS’ diverse portfolio includes Action Figures, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, Halloween Costumes, Kids Furniture, Vehicles, Plush, Art Activity Kits, Seasonal Products, Infant/Pre-School, Construction Toys, Ride-On Vehicles, Wagons, Inflatable Environments and Tents, Impulse Toys and Pet Products sold under various proprietary brands including JAKKS Pacific®, Creative Designs International™, Road Champs®, Funnoodle®, JAKKS Pets™, Plug It In & Play TV Games™, Kids Only!®, Tollytots®, Disguise®, Moose Mountain® and Maui®. JAKKS is also the creator of the underlying Monsuno® property and toy line. JAKKS is an award-winning licensee of several hundred nationally and internationally known trademarks including Nickelodeon®, Warner Bros.®, Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Hello Kitty®, Graco® and Cabbage Patch Kids®.www.jakks.com
