Santa Monica, Calif., - February 15, 2019— Leading U.S. toymaker JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK), today announced it has entered into a multi-year, global toy licensing deal with SEGA of America, Inc. to manufacture, market, and distribute their iconic Sonic the Hedgehog video game brand. The entire line will be showcased at the International Toy Fair in New York February 16-19, 2019.
SEGA’s Sonic the Hedgehog franchise launched in 1991 and continues to be one of the most-popular gaming brands of all time with over 800M units sold or downloaded to date. With a methodical and organic approach, Sonic the Hedgehog has expanded its footprint across multiple platforms including games, mobile, TV, comics and other entertainment areas.
JAKKS will be showcasing its line of Sonic the Hedgehog action figures, playsets, plush, collectibles and novelty items. One item fans will speed to the store for is the Pinball Track Set. This set brings the iconic videogame to life with its customizable track. Fans simply pull the pinball launcher and shoot the Sonic Spheres through the loops and turns. The set comes with an exclusive Sonic Sphere and removable figure.
“We are incredibly excited to work with SEGA of America to bring this iconic property and character to life,” said Craig Drobis, SVP Marketing, JAKKS Pacific. “The JAKKS line of toys, role-play, and dress-up extends the ‘Sonic’ experience from screen-time to play-time.”
“As a best-in-class toy company that possesses an exemplary track record with legendary brands in the gaming space, it made perfect sense for us to enter into a partnership with JAKKS Pacific,” said Anoulay Tsai, Licensing Director, SEGA of America. “This is a great step forward for Sonic the Hedgehog as we endeavor to break barriers at the speed of sound in toys!”
The global launch (except Asia) of Sonic the Hedgehog toys will be available at retail this Fall for fans ages three and older with prices starting at $4.99.
About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of toys and consumer products sold throughout the world, with its headquarters in Santa Monica, California. JAKKS Pacific’s popular proprietary brands include Perfectly Cute™, Real Workin’ Buddies™, Squish-Dee-Lish™, XPV®, Disguise®, Moose Mountain®, Funnoodle®, Maui®, Kids Only!®; a wide range of entertainment-inspired products featuring premier licensed properties; and C’est Moi™, a youth skincare and make-up brand. Through JAKKS Cares, the company’s commitment to philanthropy, JAKKS is helping to make a positive impact on the lives of children.
About SEGA of America, Inc.
SEGA® of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Games Co., Ltd., a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America’s website is located at www.sega.com.
Contacts:
JAKKS Pacific
Rachel Griffin, VP Public Relations
RGriffin@jakks.net
SEGA of America
Evan Bader, PR Manager
Evan.Bader@segaamerica.com
