TORONTO, May 28, 2024
/PRNewswire/ - Spin Master Corp. (TSX: TOY) (www.spinmaster.com), a
leading global children's entertainment company, unveils today
plans to distribute Punirunes, a squishy digital pet that
has captivated fans of Japanese anime culture. First brought to
market in 2021 by Japanese toy company Takara Tomy, Spin Master will expand
distribution to more global markets as fervent fandom brings anime
culture to the forefront.
The Punirunes digital pet combines popular elements of
caring for a digital pet with added tactile squishy play. On the
outside of the toy, a full color, backlit LCD screen displays the
adorable PuniruneTM pet with 55 characters plus rare
characters to collect in each pod. Enter its world by placing your
finger inside the mysterious hole, interact with a tactile squishy
dome and watch as the character on screen reacts. Your finger is
also displayed on the screen mirroring the actions as if you're
actually touching the character as you pet, feed, play games,
clean, customize and nurture it.
Takara Tomy experienced
remarkable success with the launch and continued sales of
Punirunes in Asia,
with over 700,000 pieces shipped since 2021 across
Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong
Kong and Macau. Recognizing the surging
popularity of Japanese anime culture globally, combined with its
expanding portfolio of interactive toys, Spin Master collaborated
with Takara Tomy for the opportunity
to bring the quirky item to additional global markets. And in good
time too, as The Toy Association has proclaimed "AniMania" as a top
toy trend for 2024, projecting its significant impact on the toy
industry and expecting it to reach new heights.
"At Spin Master, we've often been said to have our finger on the
pulse of play and in this case it's literal," said Doug Wadleigh, Spin Master's President of Toys.
"Punirunes is not your average toy, it adds an irresistible
tactile element and physical connection to the digital pet in a fun
and quirky way. With proven international success and the surge in
popularity for anime-inspired toys we think Punirunes will
be a hit with kids and kidults around the world."
The Punirunes digital pet has a suggested retail price of
$39.99 US / $49.99 CAN and will be available August 2024 at all major retailers.
About Spin Master
Spin Master Corp. (TSX:TOY) is a leading global children's
entertainment company, creating exceptional play experiences
through its three creative centres: Toys, Entertainment and Digital
Games. With distribution in over 100 countries, Spin Master is best
known for award-winning brands PAW Patrol®, Hatchimals®, Bakugan®,
Kinetic Sand®, Air Hogs®, Melissa & Doug®, Rubik's® Cube and
GUND®, and is the global toy licensee for other popular properties.
Spin Master Entertainment creates and produces compelling
multiplatform content, through its in-house studio and partnerships
with outside creators, including the preschool franchise PAW
Patrol, and numerous other original shows, short-form series and
feature films. The Company has an established presence in digital
games, anchored by the Toca Boca® and Sago Mini® brands, offering
open-ended and creative game and educational play in digital
environments. Through Spin Master Ventures, the Company makes
minority investments globally in emerging companies and start-ups.
With 31 offices spanning nearly 20 countries, Spin Master employs
close to 3,000 team members globally. For more information visit
spinmaster.com or follow-on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
@spinmaster.
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SOURCE Spin Master Corp.