Hasbro Press Release wrote:Hasbro Delivers Must-Have Products and Entertainment Experiences for the Holiday Season
Global Branded Play Company Names Top Holiday Offerings and Celebrates Retailer Accolades
PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) kicks off the holiday season by delivering consumers an unmatched line-up of toy, game and entertainment offerings based on the Company’s extensive brand portfolio. With powerful and classic brands such as TRANSFORMERS, MONOPOLY, PLAY-DOH, MY LITTLE PONY and NERF and strategic relationships covering Sesame Workshop, Marvel and Star Wars, Hasbro is home to some of the most recognizable and trusted names in toys and games that have topped families’ holiday wish-lists for generations.
“Hasbro is thrilled to be acknowledged by our retailers for providing kids and families with innovative ways to enjoy our beloved brands”
Key retailers Walmart, Target, Toys“R”Us, and Kmart agree, and have highlighted multiple Hasbro toys and games on their own “hot lists” for the season.
Walmart named nine Hasbro toys and games to its Top 20 Holiday Toys List, including the BEYBLADE: METAL MASTERS TRIPLE BATTLE Set, the FURREAL FRIENDS COOKIE, MY PLAYFUL PUP and the EASY-BAKE Ultimate Oven.
Target announced that it expects the NERF VORTEX NITRON Blaster, the STAR WARS ULTIMATE FX LIGHTSABERS, the LET’S ROCK! ELMO toy, the SIMON, SCRABBLE and YAHTZEE FLASH games as well as BOP IT! XT to top wish holiday wish lists this year.
The 2011 Toys“R”Us Holiday Hot Toy List included the LET’S ROCK! ELMO, ELEFUN BUSY BALL POPPER toys and the NERF VORTEX VIGILON Blaster among its “Fabulous 15” selections of the best of the best toys available this holiday season. Additionally, The World’s Greatest Toy Store® named the TRANSFORMERS MECHTECH ULTIMATE OPTIMUS PRIME Action Figure among its overall list of 36 hot toys.
Kmart’s third annual Fab 15 Toy List named LET’S ROCK! ELMO, FURREAL FRIENDS COOKIE, MY PLAYFUL PUP, SIMON FLASH and NERF VORTEX NITRON Blaster as must-haves for the holiday season.
“Hasbro is thrilled to be acknowledged by our retailers for providing kids and families with innovative ways to enjoy our beloved brands,” said John Frascotti, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Hasbro, Inc.
Highlights this holiday season include the LET’S ROCK! ELMO toy, which headlines a variety of all new toys and games from the PLAYSKOOL brand in conjunction with Sesame Workshop. Hasbro also introduced a completely new NERF experience with the NERF VORTEX lineup of disc launching blasters, offering fans the latest in blaster technology and performance, and a greater blaster variety to create the ultimate NERF collection.
The TRANSFORMERS brand celebrated the theatrical release of TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON in June 2011 and captured the excitement of the film through an innovative product line that included the new MECHTECH and CYBERVERSE action figure segments. The KRE-O construction toy line also launched this year with twelve sets based on classic TRANSFORMERS characters including OPTIMUS PRIME and BUMBLEBEE - just in time for the holidays.
Hasbro’s games category continues to re-imagine its offerings with the new CONNECT 4: Launchers Edition, which features a new, horizontal game unit that offers head-to-head action as players try to aim, launch and connect their way to victory. Fans can also enjoy SIMON FLASH, a fast and frantic version of the of the iconic electronic memory skill game that combines the excitement of SIMON with Hasbro’s innovative FLASH form.
This fall also marked the first anniversary of The HUB TV Network, a multi-platform joint venture between Discovery Communications and Hasbro with brand-inspired original programming such as "My Little Pony Friendship is Magic," “Transformers Prime,” “Family Game Night,” and "The Adventures of Chuck and Friends.”
Highlights of Hasbro’s new toy and game offerings for 2011 include:
BOYS:
BEYBLADE: METAL MASTERS TRIPLE BATTLE Set
Selected for the Walmart Top 20 Holiday Toys List
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Available: Now)
Keep your opponents on their toes with the BEYBLADE: METAL MASTERS TRIPLE BATTLE set. Inspired by the BEYBLADE: METAL MASTERS television series, this epic arena features three customizable cores that add a whole new surprise element to your battles and lets you customize your arena for intense battles! The set also comes with two exclusive high performance tops and multiple other elements to get you started playing and enable you to hold your own tournament! Enter the codes found in the BEYBLADE: METAL MASTERS TRIPLE BATTLE SET package at BeybladeBattles.com for online competition against other Beybladers.
KRE-O TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME Construction Set
(Ages 8 years & up /Approx. Retail Price: $59.99/Available: Now)
‘Roll out’ and get hands on with the biggest building set in the KRE-O line up: the KRE-O TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME construction set. Complete with more than 500 pieces, the largest amount featured in any of the 2011 KRE-O sets, builders can assemble the popular OPTIMUS PRIME character in vehicle mode as the notable semi-hauler or in robot mode to create the leader of the AUTOBOTS. When in vehicle mode, the truck’s removable cab converts into a mini-command station and the trailer opens to fit the two motorcycles and four unique KREON figures included with the set. The trailer can also be disassembled and built into a command center playset for the KREON figures. When in robot mode, builders can blast into action with a projectile launching brick! The KRE-O TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME set includes orange traffic cones and cool decorative decals.
MARVEL CAPTAIN AMERICA DISC LAUNCHING SHIELD
(Ages 5 & up/Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Available: Now)
Very few Super Hero symbols have transcended time like CAPTAIN AMERICA’S shield, his signature battle accessory. And now kids can have their very own! The CAPTAIN AMERICA DISC LAUNCHING SHIELD is the premiere role-play item for every CAPTAIN AMERICA fan. It fires miniature foam disks to defend against combatants! The shield has a diameter of 15 inches and comes with five foam discs. Requires four “AA” batteries, not included.
NERF VORTEX NITRON Blaster
Selected for the Walmart Top 20 Holiday Toys List, the Target Top Toys for Boys List and the Kmart Fab 15 Toy List
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $39.99/Available: Now)
The first fully automatic, clip fed disc blaster in the NERF VORTEX line, the VORTEX NITRON blaster takes NERF blasters to the next level! Featuring a removable clip that can hold up to 20 discs, an Electronic Targeting Scope accessory, a front handle to help steady your shots, and the Tactical Rail System compatible with most VORTEX and NERF N-STRIKE Mission Kit accessories (each sold separately), the VORTEX NITRON blaster embodies the ultimate in innovation and technology within the VORTEX series. The NERF VORTEX NITRON blaster requires six “C” batteries, not included. Electronic Targeting Scope accessory requires two “AA” batteries, not included.
STAR WARS ULTIMATE FX LIGHTSABERS
Selected for the Walmart Top 20 Holiday Toys List and the Target Top Toys for Boys List
(Ages: 4 & up/Approximate retail price: $34.99; Available: Now)
Arriving from a galaxy far, far away, the all-new ULTIMATE FX LIGHTSABER provide one of the most authentic JEDI experiences ever for kids! The toy features a progressive light-up blade with vibrant LED lighting, allowing kids to experience the FORCE in a whole new way. Available in ANAKIN SKYWALKER and DARTH VADER models; each sold separately.
TRANSFORMERS MECHTECH ULTIMATE OPTIMUS PRIME Action Figure
Selected for the Walmart Top 20 Holiday Toys List and the 2011 Toys“R”Us Holiday Hot Toy List
(Ages: 5 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $79.99/Available: Now)
In the TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON movie, one of the most iconic characters in the TRANSFORMERS lore captured the spotlight as his heroic story became the focus of the first-ever 3D TRANSFORMERS movie. Now, an action figure befitting such an icon is available with the new TRANSFORMERS MECHTECH ULTIMATE OPTIMUS PRIME action figure. The figure includes the AUTOBOT leader’s classic trailer that doubles as a weapons arsenal and is an integral part of the figure’s converting play pattern. The TRANSFORMERS MECHTECH ULTIMATE OPTIMUS PRIME figure features three modes of conversion – vehicle, robot, and robot with “mech suit.” –The trailer, which serves as a weapons depot and command center, also converts into a “mech suit” that OPTIMUS PRIME shows off when it’s time to rumble. Featuring lights, launching projectiles, electronic battle sounds and OPTIMUS PRIME phrases, this is the must-have item for kids and fans alike. 3 AA batteries included.
GIRLS:
EASY-BAKE Ultimate Oven
Selected for the Walmart Top 20 Holiday Toys List
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/Available: Now)
Girls will love to spend time in the kitchen as the beloved EASY-BAKE brand introduces the EASY-BAKE Ultimate Oven. This brand new oven has a stylish look and modern functions perfect for today’s tweens! Girls will love to gather with their friends to create and decorate sweet and savory snacks in this new oven which features a heating element, similar to a conventional oven and that does not require a light bulb. Easy to use, the oven features a larger cooking chamber and bigger baking pan giving tweens the opportunity to bake more delectable treats than the EASY-BAKE Oven & Snack Center. In addition, the new oven bakes an extended menu that includes cookies, red velvet cupcakes, checker cakes, pizza, pretzels, cinnamon twists and brownie sticks (refills sold separately). The new EASY-BAKE Ultimate Oven comes complete with all the tools tweens will need including a baking pan, cupcake pan, pan pusher/spatula, storage drawer, and mixes to make 12 mini cookies and 12 mini red velvet cupcakes complete with frosting and sprinkles. Adult participation and electricity required.
FURREAL FRIENDS COOKIE, MY PLAYFUL PUP
Selected for the Walmart Top 20 Holiday Toys List and the Kmart Fab 15 Toy List
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $59.99/Available: Now)
Puppy love is in the air with the introduction of COOKIE, MY PLAYFUL PUP pet, the newest, softest, most huggable dog to join the FURREAL FRIENDS family. Kids will love to interact with the adorable pint-sized golden retriever – through voice recognition technology, this loveable pup will respond when spoken to by moving her head, blinking, and barking, just like a “real” dog! The loveable pup will also respond to touch; kids simply pet their new best friend on the sensors located on her head and cheeks and their new pal will make happy puppy sounds to show her delight. Additionally, COOKIE, MY PLAYFUL PUP loves to play with her squeaky toy, she will track it with her eyes and head as it’s moved in front of her. The FURREAL FRIENDS COOKIE, MY PLAYFUL PUP pet comes complete with her very own collar and dog “bone.” Requires four “C” batteries, included.
LITTLEST PET SHOP WALKABLES Pets Assortment
(Ages 4 & up/Approx. Retail Price $7.99/Available: Now)
Add some motion to any LITTLEST PET SHOP collection with the WALKABLES Pets Assortment! These quirky pets are full of spunk and ready to get up and go. At the touch of a button these pets get going, moving across any smooth surface. Girls can collect up to 12 LITTLEST PET SHOP WALKABLES Pets including a dog, seal, snail, fish, cat, spider and more. Each sold separately.
MY LITTLE PONY RARITY’S CAROUSEL BOUTIQUE Playset
(Ages 3 & up/Approx. Retail Price $29.99 /Available: Now)
RARITY pony and her MY LITTLE PONY friends will love taking a whimsical whirl around the MY LITTLE PONY RARITY’S CAROUSEL BOUTIQUE playset! Step inside the grand front doors to get a ticket to the most magnificent merry-go-round in PONYVILLE, fit for a princess with diamond-shaped décor. Pull the heart-shaped lever to set the ride in motion for the ponies. A rotating balcony atop the carousel is the perfect play place for a pony’s animal friends. Girls will be enchanted as the MY LITTLE PONY CAROUSEL “comes to life” with playful sounds, spinning round and round. No carnival is complete without a few delicious treats, and RARITY is serving up “popcorn,” “French fries,” “ice cream” and a “lollipop” inside her concession stand. Playset includes one RARITY figure, a unicorn friend, mouse friend, 2 carousel pony seats for animal friends to ride and has room for up to five pony friends (sold separately). Requires 2 "AA" batteries, included.
GAMES:
BOP IT! XT
Selected for the Target Top Toys and Games for All List
(Approximate Retail Price: $29.99; Recommended Age: 8 & up; Available: Now; Players: 1 or more)
As a follow up to the global phenomenon of BOP IT!, this active, think-fast on-your-feet game is back and better than ever! BOP IT! XT is BOP IT! to the max with six commands including “Shake it,” “Bop it,” “Spin it,” “Flick it,” “Pull it” and “Twist it.” The game features play modes including Single Player, Pass It, and Party, and four levels of play for ranging abilities. A headphone jack is also included in the BOP IT! XT unit to allow kids to fine tune their skills quietly, or hook up to speakers for group play. Secure the highest score and become the envy of all your friends at school.
CONNECT 4: Launchers Edition
(Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Recommended Age: 5 & up; Available: Now; Players: 2 to 4)
This classic game of four-in-a-row takes on a frenetic pace in the new CONNECT 4: Launchers Edition. Players take part in head-to-head action as they try to aim, launch and connect their way to victory with a new, horizontal game unit that catches the launched checkers.
SIMON FLASH
Selected for the Target Top Toys and Games for All List and the Kmart Fab 15 Toy List
(Approximate Retail Price: $29.99; Recommended Age: 8 & up; Available: Now; Players: 1 or more)
The electronic memory skill game of SIMON made popular in the ‘80s has been brought back in FLASH form in SIMON FLASH! The fast, frantic and intuitive play known to the Hasbro FLASH line continues with this cool new edition as players swap and switch the four electronic, colored tiles to match the SIMON color sequence order called out by the game. Can you conquer the SIMON FLASH colors and show off in front of friends? SIMON FLASH features four games that challenge games of memory and logic, extending beyond the traditional SIMON memory game. Enjoy solo SIMON FLASH play while traveling, or bring to Family Game Night to play with friends and family, with the storage case included for on-the-go play.
SCRABBLE ALPHABET SCOOP
(Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Recommended Age: 5 and up; Players: 2 or more)
Roll up your sleeves and dive into SCRABBLE ALPHABET SCOOP! The first word game for players as young as five-years-old, this game will have younger wordsmiths out of their seats in a frenzied word-building race. On the count of three, players rush to scoop letters out of the bowl to spell one of the words on their playing card. Watch out for flies in the soup! If a player scoops a fly, they have to return their letters to the bowl and start over again.
PRESCHOOL:
ELEFUN BUSY BALL POPPER
Selected for the 2011 Toys“R”Us Holiday Hot Toy List
(Ages 9 months & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Available: Now)
Our favorite ELEFUN character joins the unpredictable ball popping fun from the popular BUSY BALL POPPER toy! Drop the five colorful balls into the adorable ELEFUN character’s ears, and they could pop out the trunk or roll into the belly for a giggling good time. The elephant’s trunk rotates 360 degrees so mom can control the ball popping action. Features ten poppin’ droppin’ tunes. Requires four "D" batteries, not included.
LET’S ROCK! ELMO
Selected for the Walmart Top 20 Holiday Toys List, the Target Top Toys and Games for All List, the 2011 Toys“R”Us Holiday Hot Toy List and the Kmart Fab 15 Toy List
(Ages 18 months & up/Approx. Retail Price: $69.99/Available: Now)
It’s music time! Rock out with the new LET’S ROCK! ELMO toy! Dressed in a concert style tee, Elmo takes the stage singing and making music- and preschoolers can too! Elmo comes with his very own microphone and two instruments – a tambourine and a drum set. Preschoolers can choose which instrument Elmo plays, and he magically recognizes which one you give him. Kids can also play along on Elmo’s instruments- they’re perfectly sized for little hands! For even more rockin’ fun, Elmo also interacts with other LET’S ROCK! instruments (each sold separately); he knows when you’re playing the LET’S ROCK! Guitar, Keyboard or Microphone and plays along with you! The LET’S ROCK! ELMO toy sings six rockin’ songs, so grab an instrument and join Elmo’s band! Requires six “AA” batteries, included.
PLAY-DOH TWIRL ‘N TOP PIZZA SHOP Playset
(Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $16.99/Available: Now)
“Cook” up some fun with this PLAY-DOH pizza parlor playset! Create the perfect PLAY-DOH pizza crust in the “brick oven,” crank out realistic looking grated “cheese,” add favorite toppings like pretend pepperoni, mushrooms and peppers, and then use the handy tools to cut and serve to friends. Kids will be clamoring for a PLAY-DOH pizza playdate! Set includes one 5-ounce can and three 2-ounce cans of PLAY-DOH compound.
TONKA CHUCK & FRIENDS RACE ALONG CHUCK Vehicle
Selected for the Walmart Top 20 Holiday Toys List
(Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $39.99/Available: Now)
Get ready to race along with the adventuresome CHUCK THE DUMP TRUCK character! This lively and energetic vehicle encourages preschoolers to play six active and fun games, including tag and red light/green light, with the press of the cab lights. The RACE ALONG CHUCK vehicle features working red and green lights, says over 50 upbeat phrases, and inspires preschoolers to play along. Requires four "C" batteries, included.
TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS FIRE STATION PRIME Playset
(Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/Available: Now)
This playset is the ultimate hero headquarters where TRANSFORMERS toys and humans can work together! While the set may look like a standard firehouse equipped with fire pole, ladder, and training tower, when the call comes in, the station façade converts into OPTIMUS PRIME robot’s face, complete with lights, sounds and twelve fun phrases! Playset folds up for quick and easy storage and transport. Includes HEATWAVE the Fire-Bot vehicle, one human fire rescue hero figure, and story book. Requires three “AAA” batteries, included.
Hasbro is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company's world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, video games and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its customers through the strategic leveraging of well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Hub, Hasbro's multi-platform joint venture with Discovery Communications launched on October 10, 2010. The online home of The Hub is
http://www.hubworld.com . The Hub logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at
http://www.hasbro.com . (C) 2011 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Sesame Workshop ®, Sesame Street ® and associated characters, trademarks and design elements are owned and licensed by Sesame Workshop. © 2011 Sesame Workshop. All Rights Reserved.
HAS-PR
Contacts
Hasbro, Inc.
Nicole Agnello, 401-727-5947
nicole.agnello@hasbro.com 
