MEDIA / PRESS
Posted: 01.31.2006
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Gaming press contacts: Rannie Yoo Kohnke Communications 415-777-4000 rannie@kohnkecomm.com |
Robert Cogburn NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. 408-235-2138 rcogburn@namcobandaigames.com |
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Tamagotchi® Connection™: Corner Shop™ Celebrates Grand Opening in Retail Stores
Popular Tamagotchi® Characters Now Available on Nintendo DS™
SANTA CLARA, Calif., (January 31, 2006) – Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that Tamagotchi® Connection™: Corner Shop™, a shopping simulation set in the virtual world of Tamagotchi® for the Nintendo DS™, has shipped to retail outlets in North America. Based on the wildly popular Tamagotchi® virtual pet that has sold more than 40 million units worldwide since its 1996 debut, this playful simulation allows aspiring shop owners to open and run their very own boutique stores.
"Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop offers the same charming characters and tongue-in-cheek humor that was the hallmark of the original Tamagotchi toys," said Yoshi Niki, business director at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. "By optimizing the use of Nintendo DS' touch-screen functionality, this title offers a variety of fun, accessible mini-games that appeals to gamers and non-gamers alike."
In Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop, players help primary characters like Mametchi, Memetchi or Kuchipatchi set up a shop, with the ultimate goal of creating a "royal" shop that is a favorite of Princess Tamako. Players can select from a variety of different stores, including a bakery, beauty salon, dental office, flower shop and more. Once the shop is open, players will help their customers by completing mini games with the Nintendo DS stylus. Players apply makeup, treat cavities and decorate cakes to earn "Gotchi" points, the Tamagotchi money unit, and progress towards "royal" shop status. Shop interiors can be customized and cute Tamagotchi characters will make appearances throughout the game.
Fans of the egg-shaped toy that simulates the life cycle of a real pet can currently purchase the new Tamagotchi Connection Version 2. The toy allows tweens and teens to collect "Gotchi" points, which can be used to shop for treats and toys, and to use secret codes to unlock special shopping areas not available anywhere else in the programming. In addition, wireless technology allows Tamagotchi owners to "connect" with others, allowing their pets to become friends, trade gifts and mate to create future generations.
For more information on Tamagotchi products, please visit www.tamagotchi.com
About NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. is an interactive entertainment software publisher and developer based in Santa Clara, CA. The company is a subsidiary of the newly formed NAMCO BANDAI Holdings (USA) Inc. based in Cypress, CA.
On September 29, 2005, Bandai Co., Ltd. and NAMCO LIMITED implemented a management integration to form NAMCO BANDAI Holdings Inc. This step was taken to compete more effectively on the global stage in the fast-changing entertainment industry and to deliver further growth.
The resulting BANDAI NAMCO Group is a global entertainment group involved in business fields ranging from toys, amusement facilities, video game software and visual software, to apparel, sundries and network content.
As previous separate entities (NAMCO HOMETEK INC. and Bandai Games Inc.) the companies were each known for creating some of the industry’s top franchises including: Tamagotchi®, Tekken®, Power Rangers, SOULCALIBUR®, Teen Titans, Dead to Rights®, Pac-Man World™, Inuyasha, Digimon, Ridge Racer®, Time Crisis® and ACECOMBAT®. For more information about NAMCO BANDAI America Inc. and its products log onto www.namcobandaigames.com.
About Bandai America Incorporated
A leader in introducing Japanese trends to the United States, 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 and miniature collectible games, and candies. Bandai America is the master toy licensee of some of the most popular properties and brands in children’s toys and entertainment, including Power Rangers, Teen Titans, Tamagotchi and Magical DoReMi. The company is headquartered in Cypress, California and information is available at www.Bandai.com.
NEW - TM & © 2004-2006 Bandai, WiZ. © 2006 Bandai. TAMAGOTCHI, TAMAGOTCHI CONNECTION, CORNER SHOP and all related logos, characters, names and distinctive likenesses thereof are the exclusive property of Bandai. BANDAI logo is a registered trademark of Bandai. All rights reserved.
