Hasbro Arrives at Toy Fair 2004 Loaded With the Industry's Premier Brands and a Wide-Range of Innovative New Toys and Games for the Entire Family

Business Wire, Feb 10, 2004

Entertainment Editors/Business Editors

Toy Fair 2004

PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 10, 2004

Building on a strong performance by many of the Company's core brands as well as a host of its new, innovative product introductions in 2003, Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) hits the ground running at Toy Fair 2004 as it unveils a line of toys and games brimming with iconic brands, the latest technologies and highly creative offerings providing "something for everyone."

From the G.I. JOE brand's 40th anniversary, to FURREAL FRIENDS LUV CUBS, to the highly anticipated DUEL MASTERS Trading Card Game, and the latest introduction for the popular TRIVIAL PURSUIT brand with the "1990's Edition," Hasbro is once again geared up to bring to market a highly entertaining and diverse product line.

"Hasbro enjoyed a strong 2003 because we are staying true to our strategy and delivering on our promise of product innovation that our customers can enjoy at a good value," said Al Verrecchia, Hasbro's President and C.E.O. "Our 2004 product line once again leverages our unmatched brand portfolio, which gives us the flexibility to continually create new and exciting product across a variety of existing and new brands."

Highlights of Hasbro's 2004 toy and game lines include:

BOYS

G.I. JOE: VALOR VS. VENOM VOICE F/X DUKE

The G.I. JOE: VALOR VS. VENOM VOICE F/X DUKE features an innovative new technology that not only enables the figure to talk and shout commands, but its mouth and facial features realistically come to life at the press of a button. For the first time, kids can control the intensity of their voices and expressions! (Approx. $14.99; Available in fall.) The VOICE F/X feature will also be featured in the figure based on the G.I. JOE team's new nemesis, VENOMOUS MAXIMUS (Approx. $19.99), and a U.S. Marine figure (Approx. $19.99) in the realistic military segment.

G.I. JOE BRAND'S 4OTH ANNIVERSARY

Forty years ago, Hasbro revolutionized the toy industry and the way boys play by introducing G.I. JOE, the world's first action figure. Generations later, the G.I. JOE brand has become synonymous with action and heroism and leads millions of boys through endless hours of backyard adventures. For kids at heart, Hasbro will also celebrate the 40-year heritage of the G.I. JOE brand with a special 40th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION that recaptures the nostalgia of the first G.I. JOE 12-inch action figures in authentically detailed packaging, uniforms and accessories. (Approx. $34.99; Available now.)

TRANSFORMERS ENERGON OMEGA SUPREME FIGURE

As the AUTOBOTS battle UNICRON, the OMEGA SUPREME character is the ultimate combiner in the quest for ENERGON. The figure stands at an incredible 16" in robot mode and it is actually two vehicles -- an awesome aircraft carrier and a battle train -- that combine to make a super robot. OMEGA SUPREME is action-packed with electronic lights and sound, additional mechanized features, firing projectiles and holds MINI-CON figures. OMEGA SUPREME can also combine with the new OPTIMUS PRIME figure for even bigger ENERGON play. (Approx. $49.99; Available in fall)

BEYBLADE

Hasbro's BEYBLADE was one of hottest toy lines in 2003 and the BEYBLADE phenomenon continues with more than 15 million BEYBLADE tops in kids' hands in the U.S. alone. Big news for this year's line is ENGINE GEAR tops, which are an important part of the new BEYBLADE G-REVOLUTION programming that will debut on ABC Family this fall. Each top has a new turbo winder and clutch mechanism that allows the player to unleash ultimate strategy by releasing the top into hyper mode at the height of its power. Hasbro will work the ENGINE GEAR feature into other BEYBLADE gear, including the R/C Top with Launcher and Deluxe Launchers. Later this fall, BEYBLADE fans will be introduced to the HARD METAL SYSTEM of tops. Offering superior performance in the BEYSTADIUM, each of four new HARD METAL SYSTEM tops features die cast metal parts. These powerful tops will come with a cool new compact carrying case, a unique launcher with the HARD METAL SYSTEM locking key to assemble your HARD METAL SYSTEM top and a ripcord. (Approx. $6.99-9.99; Ages 8 & up; Available this fall.)

TONKA'S TOUGHEST MIGHTY DUMP TRUCK

This steel truck can withstand rough and tough play and haul twice as much as the classic MIGHTY DUMP TRUCK. The tough grip handles make it perfect for grabbing and dumping objects from the steel, oversized dump bed. Massive rugged tires enable the truck to traverse the roughest terrain. Kids will love the loud electronic honking sound that lets out a mighty scream. This truck is so tough, it's guaranteed for life! (Approx. $29.99; 3 & Up)

NERF NITE JAM BASKETBALL

Now kids can play basketball anytime and anywhere with the new NERF NITE JAM BASKETBALL. Powered with FIRE WIRE technology, this light-up basketball allows kids to play basketball inside or outside, in the light or dark. (Approx. $39.99; Ages 6 & Up; Available: Fall)

XEVOZ

Action figures take an evolutionary step forward with XEVOZ(TM) - the convergence of action figures and gaming. XEVOZ are the first action figures kids can construct, customize and competitively battle in a fun strategy game. First, build your poseable figure with the kit. Then, battle an opponent's figure using the special die, the BATTLE HELIX(TM). With each roll, a player dismantles the opposing figure piece by piece. Finally, xevolve your action figure by adding the new parts to create a more powerful warrior. Each XEVOZ character and species has a unique set of strengths and a compelling story. The web site, www.xevoz.com, allows players to build and battle virtual XEVOZ, as well as showcase their own unique character creations and learn more about the world of XEVOZ. (Approx. $6.9914.99; 6 & up)