MEDIA / PRESS
Posted: 07.07.2005
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Cliff Jin/Nerissa Silao Rogers & Associates (310) 552-4105/552-4168 cjin@rogersassoc.com nsilao@rogersassoc.com |
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Tamagotchi Connection Version 2 Makes its Much-Anticipated Retail Debut in the United States & Canada
America’s Favorite Virtual Pet Emerges as One of the Must-Have Toys of 2004 & 2005; Version 2 Offers New Gotchi Points, Secret Codes & Shopping Features
CYPRESS, Calif., July 7, 2005 – After sell-out performances at retail over the past year in both the U.S. and Canada, Bandai America Incorporated recently debuted at retail its new and highly anticipated Tamagotchi Connection Version 2. Version 2, which offers more bonus features and increased interactivity, began hitting stores in mid-June in a variety of fun design styles and colors.
The egg-shaped toy that simulates the life cycle of a real pet, Tamagotchi lets kids experience the fun and responsibility of feeding, tending to and caring for their virtual pet. Now with Tamagotchi Connection Version 2, kids can earn “Gotchi” points to shop for special items, toys and food, such as rollerskates, hair gel and pizza. In addition, they can unlock secret codes to shop ‘til they drop for even more fun treats. And with more designs and colors to play with, fans will be able to find the exact Tamagotchi that matches their personal style. New themed collections include Tropical Fun, Camouflage, Makeup Fun, Sweet Candy and Spring Time.
The re-launch of Tamagotchi Connection in August 2004 spurred a re-birth of the virtual pet craze. After just five months on shelf, Tamagotchi Connection sold nearly one million units and emerged as the hottest toy of the holiday season. Swift sales have created high demand for product and increased consumer anticipation for the release of Version 2.
“We know that fans, consumers and retailers have been anxiously awaiting the release of Tamagotchi Connection Version 2,” said Bill Beebe, senior vice president, sales and marketing for Bandai America Incorporated. “With the sales success of Tamagotchi Connection in 2004 and the first half of 2005, combined with the escalating interest in the new features and interactivity, we know that Version 2 will continue to be a must-have toy for kids.”
The new Gotchi points system lets owners earn points to shop for special items and food. Gotchi points are earned by playing games or getting special item awards points. Kids can choose to feed their Tamagotchi a “Meal,” “Snack” or the new “Treat” feature. A treat can be purchased with Gotchi points and can raise or lower a Tamagotchi’s Happy meter. In addition, owners can now choose a treat to give to their virtual friends as a gift once they connect via the infrared technology.
Also new to Tamagotchi Connection Version 2 are secret codes – unlocked by pushing a special sequence of buttons – letting the player open more shopping areas to purchase a unique item not available anywhere else. After collecting all five codes, the owner can collect a unique sixth item. All secret codes will be revealed to fans through events, online, advertising and in packaging. Version 2 also includes four new games, a variety of fun new characters and is compatible with Tamagotchi Connection Version 1.
For fans wanting to purchase two Tamagotchis at once, Bandai America will also offer the “True Friends Collection” later this month – a pack of two Version 2 virtual pets with complimentary designs. The True Friends Collection allows best friends to show off their matching virtual pets and immediately have fun sharing and communicating, playing games with each other and even buying special treats for their friends.
Tamagotchi Connection Version 2 still features interactive technology that allows owners to “connect,” play games, give gifts and become friends with other Tamagotchi owners while storing a “friend list” of up to 50 friends. Once an adult, the Tamagotchi can connect with a compatible friend and create a second-generation character that the owner can care for and nurture into an adult to create more generations to come.
To welcome Version 2 prior to its retail debut, Bandai America held a special eBay auction in June benefiting the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Major celebrities including George Lucas, Mark Hamill, Seth Green, Jamie Lynn Spears and more autographed Tamagotchis and other merchandise to raise hundreds of dollars for the Foundation. In fact, George Lucas’ signed Tamagotchi sold for more than $200 as the highest priced item in the auction.
Suggested retail price is $14.99 for Tamagotchi Connection Version 2. The True Friends Collection suggested retail price is $24.99.
About Bandai America Incorporated
Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of Bandai Co. Ltd., the third largest toy company in the world, with 30 subsidiaries in 13 countries worldwide. Global interests include toys and children’s entertainment, video game software, multimedia, music, full-length feature films, vending machines, trading cards, candies and licensed apparel.
Bandai America Incorporated is the master toy licensee of some of the most popular properties and brands in children’s toys and entertainment, including the Power Rangers, D.I.C.E., Teen Titans, Strawberry Shortcake and Tamagotchi product lines. Bandai America is headquartered in Cypress, California and company information is available at www.Bandai.com.
