EL SEGUNDO, Calif.-Friday 21 June 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]
(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today
Hot Wheels and Nintendo announce the global release of Hot Wheels Mario
Kart die-cast vehicles and track sets. With its introduction, the
beloved Nintendo characters and iconic karts from the hugely popular
Mario Kart franchise have been transformed into authentic,
high-performance die-cast toy vehicles.
The Hot Wheels replica line features 1:64th scale
die-cast Mario Kart vehicles that can race, stunt and crash on a
variety of Hot Wheels Mario Kart track sets that bring the gameplay to
life. The die-cast karts are also compatible with existing Hot Wheels
sets. At launch the Hot Wheels Mario Kart Replica Die-cast assortment
will include Mario, Yoshi, Luigi and Bowser with many additional
characters coming soon such as Princess Peach, Koopa Troopa and Toad.
Three game-inspired track sets will also be available, including:
- Hot Wheels Mario Kart Track Set Course-Inspired Assortments:
- Piranha Plant Slide Track Set
- Thwomp Ruins Track Set
- Hot Wheels Mario Kart Circuit Track Set
“Mario
Kart and Hot Wheels are two of the most iconic brands in play, each
with their own storied history and devoted fan base, so the combination
of the two is something very special,” said Matt Brutocao, Senior
Director of Global Brand Marketing, Hot Wheels. “Our new Hot Wheels
Mario Kart line creates an exciting Mario Kart play experience, complete
with fun characters, authentic details and the type of
out-of-this-world racing challenges that are synonymous with Hot
Wheels.”
“Nintendo
and Mattel have a shared goal of making people smile through different
entertainment experiences,” said Tom Prata, Executive Vice President of
Strategic Initiatives, Nintendo. “We’re excited to bring Mario Kart
characters and game-inspired tracks to life in a way that’s fun for fans
of all ages.”
The
Hot Wheels Mario Kart die-cast vehicles and track sets will be
available globally in select markets and retailers starting in Summer
2019.
To
celebrate the launch of the new product line and collaboration with
Nintendo, Hot Wheels will feature Mario Kart at San Diego Comic-Con from
July 17-21, 2019. Attendees will have access to an exclusive Hot Wheels
Mario Kart “Metal Mario” die-cast vehicle, available for purchase only
at Mattel’s booth or for pre-sale at shop.mattel.com.
Conceived
in 1968 by an innovator, a rocket scientist and a car designer, Hot
Wheels 1:64 scale die-cast cars were designed to look awesome and
perform. Five decades later, Hot Wheels is the number one selling toy in
the world* with more than 16.5 cars sold every second. The brand has
evolved from a simple, yet beloved, toy car with orange track system
into a global franchise powerhouse that offers fans of all ages
multi-channel play experiences.
About Mattel
Mattel
(NASDAQ: MAT) is a leading global children’s entertainment company that
specializes in design and production of quality toys and consumer
products. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire,
entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through
our portfolio of iconic franchises, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®,
American Girl®, Fisher-Price®, Thomas & Friends® and Mega®, as well
as other popular brands that we own or license in partnership with
global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and
television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 40
locations and sell products in more than 150 countries in collaboration
with the world’s leading retail and technology companies. Since its
founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in exploring
the wonder of childhood and empowering kids to reach their full
potential. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.
*Source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service/G12/Jan-Dec 2018/Total Toys/Units
MAT-W
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Contacts
Scott Shaffstall
Mattel Global Brand Communications
Scott.Shaffstall@mattel.com
310-252-3610