Playmates Toys Introduces Own Virtual Pets
Playmates Toys in Costa Mesa is hoping to share in the virtual craze for virtual pets that’s swept Japan in recent months.
The toy company’s Nano line of toys--in reality, a character on an LCD display--is aimed at young girls. For between $14.99 and $19.99, Nano owners get the virtual thrill of “raising” a virtual baby, kitten or puppy. Treat the youngster right and it grows up--but fail to feed it and it will run away.
With the appropriate level of electronic care, a Nano will “grow” from infant to child--or kitten or puppy to cat or dog--in a month’s time.
Playmates plans to support its Nano line with television advertising, including a prime-time blitz aimed at preteen and teenage girls. Adults who haven’t a clue about Nano can check it out on the Internet at (www.playmatestoys.com).
Greg Johnson covers retail businesses and restaurants for The Times. He can be reached at (714) 966-5950 and at greg.johnson@latimes.com
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