DECEMBER/JANUARY 1999
FLASHBAC » Industry experts are swift to differentiate today’s handhelds from Gameboy or other portable console systems. Most regard these as a platform for smaller versions of video game titles with more in common with a console game, rather than a “handheld” as it is coming to be defined, such as Toymax’s Nintendo on a keychain.
Kids can practice virtual hunting with real strategy using 1998’s Real Game Hunting, from Playmates Toys. Players can shoot and bag their own big game trophy.
TOYS “R” US INTRODUCES MAIL ORDER CATALOG As part of its ongoing customer service focus, Toys “R” Us launched its first-ever mail order catalog. The Toys “R” Us Catalog for Kids is available in limited markets across the U.S. The colorful catalog includes hundreds of brand name selections, plus 65 exclusive Toys “R” Us items, and allows customers to purchase and send toys from the comfort of their own homes.
74
THE TOY BOOK | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2019 | toybook.com
2
»
3
»
HANDHELDS EMERGE AS PERFORMANCE AND PROFITS TRANSFORM A CATEGORY
1
MGA Entertainment’s The Ring features Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels duking it out in the 1998 handheld game based on WWE.
She is a pretty fashion doll, but she’s certainly not traditional. From Ohio Art, Betty Spaghetty is a departure from the perfectly coiffed and dressed doll. She is a flexible, bendable doll made to be disassembled and reassembled into a variety of different looks.
